h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've never read the book, although it has long been on my "should read" list, along with "Catch 22" and "The Time Machine". Between the series and the film, I much prefer the film. There was a raw-er quality to the film, a nastier edge and blacker humour. I always felt that the series was a but sugary at times, and that grated on me.

The film was relentless;- people did crazy things to escape the horrors around them. Things didn't go well (like the native boy getting drafted). In the series there was usually some feel-good thing to wrap up each episode, then hey-ho, back to normal. I never got the feeling that these guys were deeply affected by what was around them, other than a knee-jerk reaction to whatever was in front of them this week.

Don't get me wrong;- the series is still some of the best TV comedy America has ever produced, and I think it's brilliant (In fact, apart from that and the Simpsons, most American comedy hasn't got a thing to say for itself.)

I just think the film's better.

Actually, that's how I feel about _The Time Machine_--the book is just a little depressing.