In John Scalzi's novel "Redshirts," the concept of mortality among crew members is a significant theme, where those in the away team often face deadly consequences. This raises the stakes for characters who venture outside their ship, underscoring the danger associated with these missions. The acknowledgment of this peril adds a layer of dark humor to the narrative, reflecting a satirical take on classic science fiction tropes.
Jenkins' remark, "Yes, death by away team. Very effective on this ship," highlights an ironic recognition of the pattern that leads to the demise of crew members during excursions. This serves as a commentary on the often disposable nature of certain characters in genre fiction, where their lives are sacrificed for the sake of plot advancement. Scalzi cleverly uses this element to critique storytelling conventions while also engaging readers with a playful narrative style.