DNA (Red Dwarf episode)

Richard Ridings as D.N.A. Ship Computer

"DNA" is the second episode of the science fiction sitcom Red Dwarf Series IV and the twentieth episode in the series run. It was first broadcast on the British television channel BBC2 on 21 February 1991, although it was planned to be broadcast as the fifth episode, it was moved forward in the schedule by the BBC. Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor, and directed by Ed Bye, the episode revolves around the genetic engineering technology that the crew discover.

Red Dwarf encounters a drifting spacecraft, which Rimmer quickly assumes is alien, and the crew board it to investigate. Kryten and Rimmer discover a three-headed skeleton, but it appears to be a mutated human. Meanwhile Lister and Cat find an unusual looking console, which, despite Lister's warnings, Cat fiddles about with. The machine turns Lister into a chicken, as Kryten and Rimmer approach detecting a huge power surge. Kryten deduces that it is a DNA modifier and asks Cat what buttons he pressed to turn Lister into a chicken. Cat retraces his steps and accidentally catches Kryten in the machine's beam. Cat panics and frantically presses the buttons and Lister is restored. However Kryten changes into a human.

Kryten is ecstatic about being human, but soon discovers the downside—having no zoom function in his eyes, his nipples don't work and he is repulsed by the looks of the male member. Being human soon loses its charm and, having insulted his own spare heads, Kryten decides to revert to his old self.

Whilst preparing the DNA modifier console, Rimmer suggests they try the device on a test subject. Lister has a mutton vindaloo dish on hand and places the tray in the beam; however, rather than turn it into a chicken vindaloo, Holly accidentally creates a "mutton vindaloo beast". It seems indestructible as their bazookoid blasts have no effect on it. They have little choice but to run off, but it won't be long before it finds them. So that they can defeat the beast, Lister asks Holly to turn him into a "super human — man plus". It nearly works as he becomes a Lister/Robot hybrid, but he is also shrunk to about one foot in size. Lister inadvertently discovers that a spilled lager can inflict pain on the beast as it stands on the liquid ("Of course, lager! The only thing that can kill a vindaloo!"). Using this knowledge Lister throws a can of lager into its mouth, shoots the can and the monster explodes in a shower of vindaloo.