Characters
The world loves a bastard!
— Rimmer • Red Dwarf
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The speaker offers a cynical observation that the world tends to reward or adore people who behave badly. The exclamation carries bitter, half-amused resignation, suggesting that charm and nerve about breaking rules earn more affection than decency does. It is the speaker's claim, presented as a rueful fact.
Context reviewed