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

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

You know, I was watching "Parallel Universe" the other day, and I started wondering about point 3 too. It is my firm belief that Rimmer is exclusively gay, but obviously in denial. That cut-scene from "Holoship," where Nirvanah has to DRAG him to her quarters? The man is actually terrified of the idea of sex... at least sex with a woman. And here too - not that I'm suggesting he should have been attracted to Arlene if he were straight. But, well, he's been alone in space for a long time, he can finally touch... wouldn't the idea at least seem somewhat appealing?

Arlene, being his mirror image, would have the same problem, of course, but as Rimmer is being evasive, she's taking on the Fake Bravado role. It's very safe for her to chase after Rimmer, because he's obviously not going to give in. If he'd been the aggressive one, she'd have responded just like him, IMO...

[longlongwaytogo.livejournal.com]

I think the idea would have been appealing to him too. I mean... yeah she's objectifying him... but he'd be able to touch her breasts. And score. I mean, she's after it!!!

[queen-fiend.livejournal.com]

I didn't used to see Rimmer as gay, but I definitely do now. The first time I watched the series again last year after about 10 years, I mostly focussed on the funny and didn't really think of Rimmer as really one way or the other. But since getting into slash, reading lots of fics, and re-watching the episodes, it does make the most sense to me that Rimmer is gay and in denial. He has sex with women, but it always seems like he thinks it's something he has to accomplish, but he doesn't quite *get it*. Nirvanah worked out ok for him, but yeah...not if you watch the deleted scene. ;)

It's interesting the way the relationship between them changes over the course of the episode. They're getting along ok and neither of them really has the upper-hand, until the turning point when Arlene tries to hypnotize him and Rimmer freaks out.

[kahvi.livejournal.com]

Yes, exactly.

The funny thing is, I know men who were in denial IRL now, and they used to act just like Rimmer. Which is no end of lol to me.

[queen-fiend.livejournal.com]

Lol. Oh dear. I've never met anyone like Rimmer, I have to say.

[hazeltea.livejournal.com]

I get what she means, though. A lot of my gay friends growing up went through that phase of trying to prove themselves as hyper masculine sex machines but it was mostly talk.