Characters that might've influenced those in RD

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

We were watching M*A*S*H earlier tonight, and not for the first time, it struck me how Rimmer - at least early seasons Rimmer - is so much like Frank Burns. Frank didn't have any friends, save for Margaret sometimes (during an affair), he was always talking about how strict his dad was on him, he's only barely competent at his job yet so beholden to rules and regulations (and he really WANTS to be in charge whenever possible), and he runs unashamedly from danger without worrying about anyone else. I don't know if Grant Naylor were influenced overtly by this character in developing Rimmer, but they're pretty similar.

Can you think of characters that are very like Red Dwarf characters, that might have influenced their creation? By the same token, can you think of characters that seem like they were influenced by the RD writing? I've said before, to some disagreement, that I feel like "Futurama" owes some definite homage to RD in a few ways.

(Of course, considering this place, feel free to throw in slashy relationships you feel are echoed in RD too, or elsewhere like the ones you see in RD ...)

Comments

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

"Porridge" is an acknowledged influence, but not so much for the characters, more the set-up - two people trapped in a bunkroom with little in common. I haven't seen it for years though.

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

I've never heard of it. Can you tell a little more about it?

An obvious influence on so much is Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" of course. Lister and Rimmer are worthy successors to Oscar and Felix.

[janamelie.livejournal.com]

From memory - crafty career burglar Fletch gets a new cellmate, first-time offender Lenny Godber (played by Kate Beckinsale's dad, a British sitcom star who sadly died aged just 32). Fletch takes the young newcomer under his wing and helps him cope with prison life. They often chat in their cell on their respective bunks.

This is a 70s show with the casual sexism etc you'd expect, although for its time it's actually fairly progressive. Series 8 of RD especially is clearly influenced by it. The actor who played Ackerman may well have been influenced by the sadistic warden in "Porridge" and Rimmer and Lister's japes are reminiscent of Fletch and Godber.

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

Oooh, that sounds kind of interesting to watch ...

[derien.livejournal.com]

I actually was just thinking the other day how much Rimmer is like Bert and Lister is like Ernie. Even physically, with Ernie being shorter and darker and always smiling. I think that might be part of why I thought it looked so very wrong to have Lister be taller than Rimmer in the American pilot.

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you brought that up, because I remember once thinking that myself! Rimmer even has the perpetually sour expression. And collects things. And likes to argue how right he is.

[cran-apple.livejournal.com]

OMG ever since I first got the soundtrack for "Avenue Q" (awesome musical), the song "If you were gay" has made me think of something Lister might sing to Rimmer. And the characters involved in the song are based on Ernie and Bert,but whenever I hear it I think of Lister and Rimmer. It makes me happy to hear you thought of Rimmer as Bert and Lister as Ernie, naturally.

And if you haven't heard the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YUcMJFKZEM

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

The last time I heard that song a few months ago, I did think of Rimmer and Lister. LOLOL ...

[fantasysci5.livejournal.com]

I used to love M*A*S*H!

And my favorite characters were Frank and Rimmer. I don't know why I go for that type. :P

[veronica-rich.livejournal.com]

Rimmer, at least, has some redeeming actions and qualities. I'm not sure Frank was anything other than gleefully selfish, which is part of what made him so funny.

[fantasysci5.livejournal.com]

Everyone disliked him, but I saw something in him no one else did. I did think he had redeeming qualities. I felt so bad that his own wife didn't love him, and when he cracked after Margaret refused to continue the affair, I felt bad for him. I loved when Hawkeye and BJ helped him when they saw he was cracking (the episode where Frank sat with them and insulted Maragaret). I just really love him. <3