A classic series, one of my favourites. Ending a little bittersweet in an ironic satire kind of way. Thanks for reacting to the show. Glad you liked it. :)
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this. I would recommend the radio series to you, which was made over the course of about thirty years. I would say that, as the final version Adams himself wrote (including with an ending modified from the final novel), it's definitive. It's silly, sprawling, satirical, whimsical, occasionally moving, bizarre, always inventive and quintessentially British.
Alan, the TV series just covers the first radio series , there's a second radio series following on from this ending. Then Douglas Adams wrote three more books before his sad death. These three books were dramatised as radio series 3,4 and 5. Then finally Eoin Colfer wrote a sixth book that also became a radio series. All 6 radio series are available on CD.
Fair comment. I fully agree with you statement. The Audio Dramas make for a wonderful listening experience. Sadly the BBC cancelled the fledgling second Television series. No more chance of a visual representation of the perils of Cricket. Sadly, UA-cam may not be the best platform for a reaction video on these fantastical sequels. The shows often make an appearance on the Internet Archive. Read only for now, of course. Cheers.
we used to have some brilliant radio shows back in the day, Sunday afternoon while the sunday roast was cooking, we would listen to, Round the Horn, The Navy Lark, The Goon Show, then there was the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Hitchhiker's Guide and so many more over the years, great times..... thanks for the memories Alan
There is a youtube channel that has most of those available to listen to. Unfortunately not the HGTTG radio series. I recorded the first two series as they were broadcast for the first time. Alas, over the years and house moves they have disappeared. Hearing them for the first time was mind blowing, reading the books (whish are not straight copies of the radio) was fascinating. Buit, I was slightly disappointed by the TV series and the poor physical effects. Imagination is more vivid! I haven't seen the film. But I'm happy that Alan enjoyed them.
@@jupreindeer The series is based on the radio show, which is the original format of HHGTTG. The books came after the radio show and were written at the same time as the TV series
There were more episodes, but these were done in several seasons of the BBC Radio series. Helpfully, because the original radio show & TV show used mostly the same script, it means that S2 starts on Prehistoric Earth.
You should treat yourself to the full set of the radio series (my favorite version). The stereo effects are fabulous, and you'll get dozens more hours of Douglas's wonderfully wacky adventure-filled Galaxy. 😃
You nailed it with the characters being bit parts of the piece. Right at the start the superlative narration tells you that it’s the story of the book…not the characters and it is just that. Peter Jones, the narrator, made this one every bit as much as the rest of the characters. I’m sure others have said this but if you liked the universe Adams built the follow on books ‘The Restaurant at the End of the Universe’ and ‘So long and thanks for all the fish’ go much deeper into it and you’ll be glad you read both!.
Alan; whenever you get the chance and in the mood for it, the original radio series is on CD sets. The television series is really quite an abridged version. Douglas was a complete genius and it was so incredibly sad that he left us so soon. All because a man in his fifties thought that he needed to get fit, started to go to a gym and had a heart attack.
There are five radio series - based on the books written by Douglas. There's also a SIXTH - based on unpublished ideas of Douglas', to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the publishing of H2G2 - all available on CD.
@@thisiszaphod Oh! It's the Jatravartids that you need to watch out for, especially the undeodourized ones. The scent can floor you without even raising a boxing glove. Flug the Magificent is the worst. He can knock out a Ziphellian Muscle Devil at fifty paces without even moving his skis. When he woke, he was screaming for his mother.
I recall reading multiple articles that claimed American audiences could not understand the concepts and humour. As though "42" and the answer to the ultimate question would leave them demanding a happy ending, where all is explained. Thank you for proving these stories wrong. To the researchers behind this data, I say; Belgium Man. Belgium.
One thing that I've noticed, particularly seeing it again, is that I always get the feeling that Ford feels the need to "compete" more when Zaphod is around. Whether that's an acting choice or acting insecurity, I don't know. But Ford seems more understated without Zaphod around.
Now you know why I absolutely LOVE this adaption. "So this is it, we're going to die." so deadpan, it's hilarious in its simplicity, as well as its inaccuracy. I also won't lie about it: When I originally read the books, and learned what the question to the ultimate answer was, I realized how much sense it made. Especially when Arthur says, "I always knew there was something fundamentally wrong with the universe." That has formed the basis of my outlook on life ever since. I've tried to watch the Hollywood adaption, but can never get passed the first 10 minutes of it. It's lacking something critical, and I can't even put my finger on what exactly it's missing. Then again, "Red Dwarf" was attempted by Americans, and that was horrible, as well. When the Brits get something THAT right, just enjoy that version and don't try to Americanize it. It never seems to work out.
@@jupreindeer Man about the House was the original made in the 70's. Very dated now, but still an excellent watch if you're into British humour. If you aren't, I doubt very much you'd get the jokes.
Recognized _Number Two_ from something, but just couldn't place him, then realized he was in an episode of *Fawlty Towers.* If you haven't watched that, you should. TV show with John Cleese, only two seasons and 12 episodes total.
You want more to the HHGTTG story read the books originally just a trilogy but later he wrote two additional books which they now refer to the set as a trilogy in five parts
Thank you again for your sign-off, using the correct "Peace" gesture. Bloody-lovely. You are now the second North American I have seen on UA-cam to get this right. Noting the cultural outrage caused by Johnny Somali, in North Korea, I can only surmise that USA is populated by that Tw@ts relatives. They seem to think the Agincourt salute is a fun activity and sod the Brits. Cheers.
So glad that you enjoyed it - do take a look at Kevin's 'Making Of' documentary if you have it available, full of fascinating material and interviews that only increase one's appreciation of the hard work that went into the show.
They do get out , life the universe and everything is one of the funniest books I've ever read , it involves reincarnation and the wars of kricket , correct spelling
In the book didnt she and Zaphod find themselves transported to the planet Traal where they ended up with, er...., a dinner appointment with the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast?.
Quote a song, "Ten thousand logic circuits. Many more. They have me picking paper off the floor." They wouldn't ask Marvin. For they were too blind to see.
This ending was slightly different from the radio version . However Arthur and Fords ending is the same . It just shows there is something 'fundamentally wrong with the universe '. It's an appropriate and poignant ending to the first series . This story is the only one made into a tv version - the radio series is an audio treat with all Douglas Adams books made . I'm so glad you chose to react to it .
You should really read the series. The show will make a lot more sense if you do... well, it will make slightly more sense... a bit... ish. But, the books add so much to the story. Once you learn about the petunia, and see god's final words, you'll never forget it. Where else are you going to learn how to fly? Just remember to keep your towel with you at all times, for obvious reasons.
It is a shame that we never got any of the sequel books put onto film. But this classic, self-contained series is just downright fantastic. They did the best they could with the limitations of both the BBC, its budget and the technology of the day. And the final product is worth more than the sum of its parts. We also got a more modernized remake. But it doesn't replace this original by any means. Just worked with a far superior budget. It is interesting to think that Douglas Adams rather disliked this franchise. He actually wanted to put all his writing efforts into a detective series. However, this very cleaver book found its fan base. In turn, he wrote what the fans wanted him to.
A classic series, one of my favourites. Ending a little bittersweet in an ironic satire kind of way. Thanks for reacting to the show. Glad you liked it. :)
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this. I would recommend the radio series to you, which was made over the course of about thirty years. I would say that, as the final version Adams himself wrote (including with an ending modified from the final novel), it's definitive. It's silly, sprawling, satirical, whimsical, occasionally moving, bizarre, always inventive and quintessentially British.
Douglas Adams was a gem that died too soon
Alan, the TV series just covers the first radio series , there's a second radio series following on from this ending. Then Douglas Adams wrote three more books before his sad death. These three books were dramatised as radio series 3,4 and 5. Then finally Eoin Colfer wrote a sixth book that also became a radio series. All 6 radio series are available on CD.
Fair comment. I fully agree with you statement. The Audio Dramas make for a wonderful listening experience. Sadly the BBC cancelled the fledgling second Television series. No more chance of a visual representation of the perils of Cricket. Sadly, UA-cam may not be the best platform for a reaction video on these fantastical sequels. The shows often make an appearance on the Internet Archive. Read only for now, of course. Cheers.
we used to have some brilliant radio shows back in the day, Sunday afternoon while the sunday roast was cooking, we would listen to, Round the Horn, The Navy Lark, The Goon Show, then there was the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, Hitchhiker's Guide and so many more over the years, great times..... thanks for the memories Alan
I remember them well.
There is a youtube channel that has most of those available to listen to. Unfortunately not the HGTTG radio series. I recorded the first two series as they were broadcast for the first time. Alas, over the years and house moves they have disappeared. Hearing them for the first time was mind blowing, reading the books (whish are not straight copies of the radio) was fascinating. Buit, I was slightly disappointed by the TV series and the poor physical effects. Imagination is more vivid! I haven't seen the film. But I'm happy that Alan enjoyed them.
Same here in Australia at the time!
The ending always chokes me up (!)
What an all time classic show
Now I really want to read the books again. Douglas Adams was just one of the all time greats!
I read through his series of books about HItchhiker's when I was just a kid. Truly fascinating read and I feel this series captured it well.
@@jupreindeer The series is based on the radio show, which is the original format of HHGTTG. The books came after the radio show and were written at the same time as the TV series
There is a second series. Only in the original form as a radio series. Still as brilliant. If you can find it.
There were more episodes, but these were done in several seasons of the BBC Radio series.
Helpfully, because the original radio show & TV show used mostly the same script, it means that S2 starts on Prehistoric Earth.
You should treat yourself to the full set of the radio series (my favorite version). The stereo effects are fabulous, and you'll get dozens more hours of Douglas's wonderfully wacky adventure-filled Galaxy. 😃
You nailed it with the characters being bit parts of the piece. Right at the start the superlative narration tells you that it’s the story of the book…not the characters and it is just that.
Peter Jones, the narrator, made this one every bit as much as the rest of the characters.
I’m sure others have said this but if you liked the universe Adams built the follow on books ‘The Restaurant at the End of the Universe’ and ‘So long and thanks for all the fish’ go much deeper into it and you’ll be glad you read both!.
Alan; whenever you get the chance and in the mood for it, the original radio series is on CD sets. The television series is really quite an abridged version. Douglas was a complete genius and it was so incredibly sad that he left us so soon. All because a man in his fifties thought that he needed to get fit, started to go to a gym and had a heart attack.
There are five radio series - based on the books written by Douglas. There's also a SIXTH - based on unpublished ideas of Douglas', to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the publishing of H2G2 - all available on CD.
@@thisiszaphod Thanks for the info on the sixth, Zaph. The extra arm suits you!
@@josefschiltz2192 - the ski-boxing has improved 😉
@@thisiszaphod Oh! It's the Jatravartids that you need to watch out for, especially the undeodourized ones. The scent can floor you without even raising a boxing glove. Flug the Magificent is the worst. He can knock out a Ziphellian Muscle Devil at fifty paces without even moving his skis. When he woke, he was screaming for his mother.
I recall reading multiple articles that claimed American audiences could not understand the concepts and humour. As though "42" and the answer to the ultimate question would leave them demanding a happy ending, where all is explained. Thank you for proving these stories wrong. To the researchers behind this data, I say; Belgium Man. Belgium.
"The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe" came after HitchHikers, dunno if it's classed as season 2, but it's great.
Yep.
One thing that I've noticed, particularly seeing it again, is that I always get the feeling that Ford feels the need to "compete" more when Zaphod is around. Whether that's an acting choice or acting insecurity, I don't know. But Ford seems more understated without Zaphod around.
Now you know why I absolutely LOVE this adaption. "So this is it, we're going to die." so deadpan, it's hilarious in its simplicity, as well as its inaccuracy.
I also won't lie about it: When I originally read the books, and learned what the question to the ultimate answer was, I realized how much sense it made. Especially when Arthur says, "I always knew there was something fundamentally wrong with the universe." That has formed the basis of my outlook on life ever since.
I've tried to watch the Hollywood adaption, but can never get passed the first 10 minutes of it. It's lacking something critical, and I can't even put my finger on what exactly it's missing. Then again, "Red Dwarf" was attempted by Americans, and that was horrible, as well. When the Brits get something THAT right, just enjoy that version and don't try to Americanize it. It never seems to work out.
It's crap, that's whats wrong with it!
I tend to think that Three's Company was a pretty good show. So... the British original must be fantastic.
The film has a great cast and it's an entertaining watch , but there is definitely something missing .
@@jupreindeer Man about the House was the original made in the 70's. Very dated now, but still an excellent watch if you're into British humour. If you aren't, I doubt very much you'd get the jokes.
Recognized _Number Two_ from something, but just couldn't place him, then realized he was in an episode of *Fawlty Towers.*
If you haven't watched that, you should. TV show with John Cleese, only two seasons and 12 episodes total.
You want more to the HHGTTG story read the books originally just a trilogy but later he wrote two additional books which they now refer to the set as a trilogy in five parts
Are we going to pretend that sixth one by another writer didn't happen? Probably for the best.
Alan - dive into the Radio series, and the books for more, and thank me later!
😉😉
Displayed in illuminated letters 3 miles high of Sirius Cybernetic Complaints Division
6x9 is 54
More complex than 6x7, which is why it required a superior computer 😃
Here I am.. brain the size of a planet 😂😂😂😂
The book is brilliant. Well worth reading.
Thank you again for your sign-off, using the correct "Peace" gesture. Bloody-lovely.
You are now the second North American I have seen on UA-cam to get this right. Noting the cultural outrage caused by Johnny Somali, in North Korea, I can only surmise that USA is populated by that Tw@ts relatives. They seem to think the Agincourt salute is a fun activity and sod the Brits. Cheers.
The lifts had the answer all along
Amazing stuff :) Glad you enjoyed. Do you have the DVDs for the show? Make sure you watch the Making Of, that's a REALLY good extra.
You need to listen to the radio shows and use your imagination for the second series
No, there's a TV version of the second series, "The Restaurant At The End Of The Universe".
So glad that you enjoyed it - do take a look at Kevin's 'Making Of' documentary if you have it available, full of fascinating material and interviews that only increase one's appreciation of the hard work that went into the show.
If you get chance to read the books it really puts some meat on the bones
Read the books, they are even more hilarious.
They do get out , life the universe and everything is one of the funniest books I've ever read , it involves reincarnation and the wars of kricket , correct spelling
Excellent video thanks 👍
Now read the books, a trilogy in 4 parts. They're almost, but not entirely, completely not quite the same! ;) Trust me!
You can continue with the radio series maybe. It covers all the books and has the same actors.
listen to the audio book in a dark room with a good spliff the inprobailty drive will activate.
I always wondered where Trillion ended up???? "sniff"
Owning a bar in Newcastle upon Tyne aptly named "Trillions".
@@steven54511 many a penny spent there over the years.........I used to work the bar in "Masters"
In the book didnt she and Zaphod find themselves transported to the planet Traal where they ended up with, er...., a dinner appointment with the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast?.
If you want more read the books or listen to the radio shows
The biggest question has to be, why didn’t they ask Marvin?
Quote a song, "Ten thousand logic circuits. Many more. They have me picking paper off the floor." They wouldn't ask Marvin. For they were too blind to see.
@ I have that single!
@@simonmcglary There are four Marvin singles. All on youtube.
Great show, great reaction!
Mostly Harmless
you missed the biggest point Alan 6x9 = 54 not 42
This ending was slightly different from the radio version . However Arthur and Fords ending is the same . It just shows there is something 'fundamentally wrong with the universe '. It's an appropriate and poignant ending to the first series . This story is the only one made into a tv version - the radio series is an audio treat with all Douglas Adams books made . I'm so glad you chose to react to it .
Read the books as well, I guarantee you'll laugh....lots!
There are quite a few sections where a few seconds have been cut here and there, to an extent that its difficult to follow.
Speaking of shows that are great to rewatch, have you seen Babylon 5?
You should really read the series. The show will make a lot more sense if you do... well, it will make slightly more sense... a bit... ish. But, the books add so much to the story. Once you learn about the petunia, and see god's final words, you'll never forget it. Where else are you going to learn how to fly? Just remember to keep your towel with you at all times, for obvious reasons.
The series went on in the books and radio series but they didn’t continue the TV series.
I hope the BBC web based text game is still up.
The books take up the tale😂
Hey Alan, why can't I find your reaction to Episode 3? I have looked all over your page and can't see it.
The recording on his computer got corrupted and couldn't be recovered.
A re-upload of that episode is planned.
It is a shame that we never got any of the sequel books put onto film. But this classic, self-contained series is just downright fantastic. They did the best they could with the limitations of both the BBC, its budget and the technology of the day. And the final product is worth more than the sum of its parts. We also got a more modernized remake. But it doesn't replace this original by any means. Just worked with a far superior budget.
It is interesting to think that Douglas Adams rather disliked this franchise. He actually wanted to put all his writing efforts into a detective series. However, this very cleaver book found its fan base. In turn, he wrote what the fans wanted him to.
101010
And now you know why we have trump voters 😂
I glimpsed an episode of the TV series, and never watched again, as the pictures in my head from the radio series were far more realistic.