Ep 4. Waiting for God

In season 1 episode 4 of Red Dwarf titled "Waiting for God," the crew comes across a supposed holy man who is in stasis. As they try to revive him, they soon learn that he is actually the last surviving member of an extinct race known as the "Felis sapiens" and become entangled in a fight for his species' legacy.

The episode starts with Lister having a conversation with Talkie Toaster, a breakfast-making machine. He tells Talkie Toaster that he is bored and that he wishes there was someone else on the ship to talk to. As if on cue, Holly informs the crew that they have detected a vessel. Rimmer decides to inspect the ship, and the crew discovers a stasis capsule holding a "holy man" named Cloister.

Once Cloister is revived, the crew learns that he is the last surviving member of the "Felis sapiens" race. The cat-like humanoid species had been accidentally wiped out by Lister when he smuggled on board a contaminated kitten named Frankenstein. As the crew speaks to Cloister, they realize he is lonely and is having a hard time dealing with the loss of his entire race.

The episode delves into themes of identity, legacy, and loneliness. As the crew interacts with the Felis sapiens relics and the decapitated head of one of the holy people, they come to understand the importance of preserving history and one's culture. The episode also touches on the consequences of one's actions as Lister is forced to come to terms with the accidental eradication of an entire species.

The episode is notable for its blend of comedy and sci-fi. While the show's humor is evident throughout, the episode also explores deeper questions about the human condition and our place in the universe. It's a testament to the show's ability to balance silly antics with meaningful content.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Cloister's presence is causing some conflict within the crew. Rimmer becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming a god-like figure to the remaining Felis sapiens, while Lister becomes enamored with the idea of fathering a new generation of cats.

The climax of the episode sees the crew fighting over the fate of the Felis sapiens legacy. The conflict is resolved in a satisfying way, however, as the crew comes together to help Cloister and preserve the Felis sapiens relics for future generations.

Overall, season 1 episode 4 of Red Dwarf is an excellent installment of the show. It demonstrates the series' ability to balance humor with serious sci-fi and tackles themes that are both thought-provoking and entertaining. The episode sets the tone for the rest of the series and showcases the show's unique brand of storytelling.