The Last Human (David Lister)

Jul 09, 2007 16:55

Title: The Last Human
Author: the_summoning_d
Character: David Lister
Fandom: Red Dwarf
Spoilers: The whole series, particularly Ourobouros and Dimension Jump
Disclaimer: I own nothing

Here, more than two months late, is my essay. I'm sure I shouldn't be proud of that, but perversely I am.

Three million years from Earth, the mining ship Red Dwarf ... )

Leave a comment

Comments 7

ellenore July 25 2007, 18:28:02 UTC
I hate being this kind of fangirl, but I hate Kochanski too. Any version.

Reply


mymatedave January 3 2009, 17:33:18 UTC
Really liked this essay, and I don't hate Kocanski, she's better off as a platonic idea in Lister's head rather than a character on screen.

Reply


puzzle_dust February 3 2009, 12:33:19 UTC
I actually quite liked the original Kochankski - she was bright, flirty and a bit feisty. She seemed fun. I wanted to weep with frustration when they brought out the new Kochanski, she's practically the complete opposite. I never understood what Lister saw in her in the later series (she seems like such a wet blanket compared to him).

I think what makes Lister so interesting to watch is that rather than having the last member of the human race being this perfect example of all our good traits (an ambassador of humanity you could say) what we have instead is a very real, very flawed and ultimately very likeable guy. Plus he says all the things to Rimmer that we'd like to say, he doesn't take his crap! I love watching them bicker. ^^

Thanks for writing this, it was a really enjoyable read. ♥

Reply

the_summoning_d February 3 2009, 16:12:48 UTC
Thank you very much for the comment! It makes me happy to know that years after I wrote it, people are still reading and enjoying this :)

I never had anything in particular against the original Kochanski - in fact I didn't have much of an opinion on her either way. It's series VII Kochanski who's responsible for my dislike of the character. She was irritating at best. (Plus I'm a long-time Dwarfer - my opinions of the characters were pretty much set by the time I could walk)

I think Lister is an excellent ambassador of humanity. After all: if compassion, morality, and optimism in the face of overwhelming odds aren't our best qualities, what are?

Reply

puzzle_dust February 3 2009, 17:43:57 UTC
Well the sad thing is Red Dwarf has quite a small fan base compared to most (House, Harry Potter etc) which I think is such a shame. So when I come across stuff like this I like people to know that their efforts are appreciated. (I also grew up watching RD so I really want more people of a younger generation to become aware of it. Essays like this make a good introduction for noobs to the fandom. :))

Hm yeah we don't see much of Kochanski in the earlier eps so it's hard to really form much of an opinion on her. I think ultimately I prefer Claire Grogan's version because I could actually see Lister going for someone like that. It's more plausible. I really can't picture someone so laid back, fun-loving and slobby going after someone who acts like they have a rod up their ass most of the time! (e.g series VII Kochanski) ^-^

(I totally agree with you RE Lister. You could never accuse him of being shallow!)

Now if only someone would write an essay on Rimmer...although it'd probably take forever to explore all his nuerosis! :S

Reply

londonbard January 19 2022, 14:34:11 UTC
Having read your insightful essay, and the comments, I just wanted to let you know that people are still enjoying your writing (and still watching Red Dwarf!)

BTW, are you a P'Terry fan? (Your journal name reminds me of The Summoning Dark.)

Reply


veronica_rich August 6 2010, 05:31:38 UTC
Just had to leave a comment that your thoughts of Lister and mine are largely coterminus. You even phrase a couple of your observations the way I think of him. I too think he has hidden (DEEPLY hidden) talents and brains that he needs to learn to pull out every so often.

(Have you ever thought of updating since last year's movie? Or do you think this essay would change with Back to Earth?)

Reply


Leave a comment

Up