“The End” and “Future Echoes” are two episodes of a show that take the audience on a wild and unpredictable journey. In “The End,” a sentient computer reminds the hero, Lister, that everyone he knows is dead, setting the tone for a future that feels half-mad and barely in control. This sense of ramshackle, woozy looseness continues in “Future Echoes,” where the crew of the ship find themselves stuck in a time loop after passing light speed.
As the crew grows steadily loopier and surreal events unfold, Lister encounters his future self and sees the children he will eventually father. Through it all, Craig Charles does an excellent job as the straight man, serving as a relatable audience surrogate in the midst of all the weirdness. The best science fiction elements come to life in these episodes, showing how space and space travel can drive people to the brink of insanity, even under the best circumstances.
Overall, these episodes showcase the unpredictability and surreal nature of the show, with a mix of humor and mind-bending concepts that keep the audience engaged and entertained. With a blend of eccentric characters and outlandish scenarios, “The End” and “Future Echoes” set the stage for a series that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.