Pete (Red Dwarf episode)

Infobox Red Dwarf episode
name = Pete


number = 6, 7
airdate = March 7, 1999 (USA), March 25, 1999 (UK)
March 7, 1999 (USA), April 1, 1999 (UK)<
writers = Doug Naylor
director = Ed Bye
guests =
series = 8

"Pete" is a two-part episode from the science fiction sit-com "Red Dwarf" Series VIII. Part I was first broadcast in the USA on 7 March 1999 and then on the British television channel BBC2 on 25 March 1999.cite web | url =http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/ICEA449N | title =BBC - Programme Catalogue - RED DWARF - PETE, Episode 1 | publisher =BBC |accessdate =2007-12-18] The second part was broadcast the same day as the first part in the USA and on 1 April for the British broadcast.cite web | url =http://catalogue.bbc.co.uk/catalogue/infax/programme/ICEA450H | title =BBC - Programme Catalogue - RED DWARF - PETE, Episode 2 | publisher =BBC |accessdate =2007-12-18] Both parts were written by Doug Naylor and directed by Ed Bye.

Plot

;Part ILister and Rimmer get into trouble with Hollister a few times. They are punished by being forced to peel potatoes next week and attempt to get out of it by stealing a special virus that eats the skins of potatoes in minutes. The virus transfers onto them and the end up naked and bald.

Meanwhile, Kryten, Kochanski, the Cat and Holly discover a "Time Wand" that can digitize time. They use it to their advantage.

Lister and Rimmer meet a fellow prisoner named "Bird Man" and his sparrow, Pete. When Pete dies, Krtyen uses the Time Wand to try and make him young again, and turns him into a dinosaur as a result.

;Part IIThe gang runs away from Pete, now de-evolved into a Tyrannosaurus rex, but he manages to eat the Time Wand.

Meanwhile, Kryten's "pet" penis Archie (which he has made himself in an effort to be reclassified as a man) escapes and he is prevented from chasing it when the Canaries are detailed to stop Pete after his deadly rampage through the supply decks.

Lister and Rimmer must stop Pete as fast as they can before Hollister yells at them again.

Production

Originally titled "Captain's Office", the episode was re-written as a two parter. Cut scenes from "Cassandra" were included in the episode.cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck05/series_8/writing.html | title =Red Dwarf series VIII Writing | publisher =Red Dwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-17]

The Pete dinosaur was created using computer generated software similar to the ones in "Jurassic Park". The CG Pete dinosaur was combined with interactive animatronic parts; a huge foot and head were produced for close up shots. cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck05/series_8/effects.html | title =Red Dwarf series VIII Effects | publisher =Red Dwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-17]

Some scenes had to be cut from the final episode, which included a fight sequence between the Pete dinosaur and Kryten. Another scene cut was Rimmer's attempt to compose an ode to the Captain.cite web | url =http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck05/series_8/production.html | title =Red Dwarf series VIII Production | publisher =Red Dwarf.co.uk |accessdate =2007-12-17]

Mac McDonald appeared as Captain Hollister, Graham McTavish played Governor Ackerman, Andrew Alston played Canary Mex, Holly Earl as Young Kochanski, Perri Michael as Young Cat, Ricky Glover played Baxter, Shend played Warden Knot, Ian Masters appeared as Birdman and Jake Wood as Kill Crazy.

Cultural references

*Bob The Skutter whistles the tune from "The Great Escape".

*Kryten's penis Archie wriggles up Cat's top and then bursts out, in a scene parodying "Alien (film)".

References

External links

*
* [http://www.tv.com/red-dwarf/pete/episode/10994/summary.html Red Dwarf: Pete - TV.com]
* [http://www.reddwarf.co.uk/deck03/season8.html Episode Guide - Series 8 at RedDwarf.co.uk]