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

... but what would you say *was* the best programme on television?

Hmmm this is the battle of the Mr Inquisitors! What a thrilling prospect! Although not as desperately exciting as the return in episode 12 of *mmmmffff*...!

(Spoiler Police drag Awix away)

OOOo'er

Best programme on TV? Well, up until a fortnight or so ago it was 'Life on Mars'. With that finishing the best programme on TV (for me, in terms of script, acting and lack of Billie Piper) is Shameless.

Oh, chavtastic...

Life on Mars? Isn't that the show which even the lead writer admits is heavily influenced by Doctor Who? (Can't get series 2 episode 2 to download over here, dagnabbit.)

And isn't that the one where John Simm plays a black-clad time traveller whose name is an anagram of *mmmmmmmmffff* -

(Spoiler Police make another appearance)

"Isn't that the show which even the lead writer admits is heavily influenced by Doctor Who?"

Noel Gallagher admits he's heavily influenced by the Beatles, but I still prefer Oasis. There's not really much logic to it, I just *find* it to be better acted, better produced and have a more compelling story. The whole through line about him getting back to 2006 (or not) doesn't jar as much as say the whole "advertise Torchwood" through line in Doctor Who.

Fair comment, even if Po-Fasis are a bit more like the Stones these days (i.e. retain fanatical following despite not having made a really good record in 10+ years - they tell me).

I've never said that Dr Who does everything better than every other TV show. I just think it has the capacity to do more things well than any other.