Redshirts

by John Scalzi
science fiction parody metafiction
Reviewed on: 31st March 2025.

“Redshirts” is likely more obviously known for being an explicit parody of sci-fi tropes, particularly those found in Star Trek and similar shows. Indeed, most of the book is a humorous plot about a group of low-ranking crew members on a starship who realize a harrowing truth about their lives and universe. Though amusing, in my opinion the main appeal of “Redshirts” is not in its humor or its primary plot, but rather in the three epilogues, and the implications vaguely hinted by their complete tonal shift. Forget about turtles; it’s narrative all the way down.