Parallel Universe thoughts

[queen-fiend.livejournal.com]

Hey guys,

I think most of you would agree that Parallel Universe is a pretty slashy episode. I've always been curious about some things...

1. Rimmer says, "She accused me of wiggling my bottom in a provocative way! I was just walking! Can I help it if I happen to be sexy?" and Lister looks at Rimmer's bum. What might be going through Lister's head?

2. Rimmer tells Lister, "She's gone to get some sexy videos. She seems to think seeing two men together might turn me on." What exactly gives Arlene this impression and why does Rimmer tell Lister this?

3. Where does Rimmer hide that night and does Arlene ever find him? If she finds him, does she succeed in showing him any "sexy videos?" Or maybe Rimmer comes across those videos himself...

4. Why do the two Rimmers look so smug, and like such good friends the next morning? I thought Rimmer was supposed to be hiding from her...

Well, hopefully this is a bit inspiring or at least leads to some discussion. :)

Comments

[metalkatt.livejournal.com]

3. I think he'd have to keep moving. We saw Arlene's arrogance and pomposity, but we never saw her cowardliness. She'd know all the places he'd choose to hide, since she would have had them herself (unless cowardice was not a part of her, in the same way Cat is not like Dog), and the only way for him to keep avoiding is to keep on the lam, or have himself powered down.

4. That, I believe is Dog's fault. Picture it: Arlene finally has Arnold cornered, and Dog shows up, depressed. He asks the holograms to play with him, and Arlene tells him to buzz off. Dog laments that Deb and Dave told him that, too, when they were doing their *own* playing and howling in the cabin. He feels so left out and unloved...

Right at that moment, I can see both of them forgetting the whole sexual awkwardness, and rushing to the crewdeck to mock their Listers. Though, Arlene seems more interested in mocking *Dave* than Deb, which always confused me. After all, Arnold mocks Dave whenever he can; you'd think Arlene would be picking on Deb.

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

Well, they need to get across the plot point that Lister might be pregnant, so it could just be a necessity of the script. Though I suppose one could also make the argument that Arlene might be afraid of confronting Deb directly. I mean, talking to Deb about her having had sex would mean confronting the idea that Deb has had sex... in her bunk... which might start a train of though she's not that comfortable with.

[smaych.livejournal.com]

...using HER springs *shudder*

[hazeltea.livejournal.com]

Mocking Lister is a shared interest that they use to get over the uncomfortable situation of facing the two of them in bed, I think, and also the uncomfortable situation of talking to each other.

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

Yes; excellent point! And we all know Rimmers don't get along terribly well.

[queen-fiend.livejournal.com]

Oooh, I like your Dog explanation. You should expand it into a fic. :D