Redshirts

[SPOILER ALERT: Normally I try to review a novel without revealing anything critical that occurs after the first third or so of the novel. My primary concern is the Science Fiction premise underlying the story and this is usually revealed relatively early, since it frames the conflict and the story. In Redshirts the Science Fiction premise is the mystery. Therefore by discussing the premise, I am necessarily giving away a major part of the story. My best advice is to go read the book first -- it's short and fun -- and then read the review.]

What is the Science Fiction Premise?

Redshirts is a humorous novel that focuses on the tendency in some Science Fiction television shows -- especially Star Trek -- to introduce members of the crew solely for the purpose of killing them off. Fans had noticed that these characters tend to wear red shirts and the term redshirt has come to be used to label these characters and their role in the narrative.

Scalzi begins his story with a cast of low-ranking individuals who have just joined the Star Ship Intrepid in the 25th century. They learn quickly that it would be dangerous to be on an "away team", since low-ranking members of the away teams are dying off rather rapidly. Upon learning this disturbing fact, much of their energy is directed towards understanding why this might be true and how to change the inevitable.

Much of the Science Fiction presented in Redshirts is "stock footage" from Star Trek episodes. This aspect of the book is Space Opera; the Science behind the action is either unexplained or explained only shallowly. The main Science Fiction premise addresses why there are a disproportionately large number of deaths, accidents, and mayhem on the Intrepid. As it turns out, this is because the activities of the Intrepid are being driven by the scripts of a television show being produced in 2013.

Is the science of the premise explored?

Frankly, I bristle a bit at calling Redshirts Science Fiction. I am calling it Science Fiction because that is where its appeal lies and it clearly prefers to be thought of that way. Nevertheless, its main premise is not really addressed scientifically. There is no real Science offered for how a narrative in 2013 could control activities in the 25h century. Moreover, the musings of a scriptwriter in 2013 can alter the laws of physics in the 25th century, so there are no apparent rules or bounds to the capability. Since the story is primarily a comedy, I am not sure the author needs such an explanation. Lacking it, however, I am inclined to think the story is more Fantasy than Science Fiction.

Is the impact of the premise on an individual explored?

Redshirts treats us to two perspectives on how the Science Fiction premise might affect people' lives. The first perspective plays out in the bulk of the novel in which low-ranking personnel of the Intrepid struggle to survive and understand what is happening. Much of this is humorous -- especially for Star Trek fans -- since it portrays the Star Ship as a place to avoid ever being asked to get involved.

After the novel is completed, the author offers three Codas that let us see the Science Fiction premise as it plays out for people in 2013. These sections are much more poignant. They address the challenge of coming to grips with the fact that your fate is tied in some fashion to the fate of others.

Is the impact of the premise on society explored?

The Science Fiction premise behind Redshirts does not really have much impact on society. Admittedly, the whole fabric of the 25th century is being distorted to support the 2013 television narrative, but it is hard to say that an enduring lesson may be drawn from this. (Just don't let it happen to you!!)

As for 2013, the television show's affect on the future is only understood by a small number of individuals who are likely to be considered crazy if they try to talk about it. Therefore, there is no real opportunity for the Science Fiction premise to affect the 2013 society.

How well written is the story?

The book is easy to read.

Mostly, I thought Redshirts was really funny, but I do have a few complaints/quibbles. First, I would have been happier if the story itself had been both Science Fiction parody and Science Fiction in its own right. I'm not certain how to instruct the author to achieve that end, but it would have been more satisfying.

Second, there is a sense in which the author's desire to offer media criticism intrudes a bit on the story. The characters in the 25th century come to realize that they are in a badly-written story. Aren't we all! Would any of us be able to tell? As a reader, I started feeling that the continual mention of the poor writing was there more to indulge the author than to advance the story. It seemed like a breach, albeit minor, of the fourth wall.

Can I recommend the book?

If you are a fan of Star Trek or other Space Opera, you will really enjoy Redshirts. In some sections, I found I was laughing out loud rather than simply smiling. It might help to know that it should not be taken as serious Science Fiction, but you would probably guess that.

If you tried to like Star Trek, but couldn't, you might enjoy Redshirts. While not critical of all Science Fiction, it is critical of Star Trek and shows like it. The story might help you detect the shows' failings that harmed your appreciation of them.

If shows like Star Trek always seemed like silly fluff, unworthy of your attention, then I doubt you will like Redshirts. For the most part, it is silly fluff as well, though, in this case, for a reason.

Tar Daddoo