What is your ultimate answer? To the question, the great question, of whether or not you like the movie version of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? For British born comedian and national treasure of geekdom Steve Dix it's a short answer: "Meh!" He calls in from Cologne for a chat. And he's not at all a fan of this, maybe the worst, version that seems to be glad to get rid of some of the jokes of a piece of comedy that's known for its wordyness.
It's the story of how the Earth is blown up, and the only surviving Earthman Arthur Dent is forced to have a space adventure. And all he wanted was a cup of Earl Grey. Helped by his best friend and alien Ford Prefect, he's able to reconnect with one-time flirt Trillian. And all of them are tagged along by egomaniacal President of the Galaxy Zaphod Beeblebrox, on a quest to discover the Ultimate Answer. To Life, the Universe and Everything.
A weird space adventure, that is mostly the vehicle for a lot of brilliant comedy from Douglas Adams. Or so it is in its best versions. The 2005 movie has a lot of great stuff to offer, and gets a lot of new fans to connect with it. But even our host has to admit there's plenty of room for improvement.
Other talking points include a lot of origin stories for some of the best jokes from The Hitchhiker's Guide, how it compares to other versions like the book and the tv-series, and a dip into the life and works of that other funny writer, Terry Pratchett.
Also Ruud takes the time to talk about the recent sudden passing of his older brother Tim. A deeply sad thing, that also caused this episode to be pushed back a couple of days. But that was the least of our worries these last few day. If you wish to give him some emotional support, please know that you're very welcome to do so. You can send him a message via duimpjeworstelen@gmail.com.
Links:
Steve Dix on Instagram, where you can find his artwork (worth it!): https://www.instagram.com/atomcat9000/
Extra links:
Rule of Three podcast – Ed Morrish on The Hitch-Hiker's Guide To The Galaxy (radio series): https://play.acast.com/s/ruleofthree/edmorrishonthehitch-hikersguidetothegalaxyradioseries
Thug Notes – The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Wisecrack): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WJqcQ_v8qw
