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

Rasputaltron.

Rasputaltron is the arch villain of the penny and Mills partnership, and plays a prominent role in not just the fate of the Doctor but of the Universe itself.

At first, Rasputaltron seems like just another power mad megalomaniac, which indeed, he is, but there is a far more manipulating and complex side to his personality and his goals may not be quite as bad as everyone thinks.
Rasputaltron was once a Senator, and was excedingly good at what he did. He relied mainly on his extraordinary ability to manipulate people. This is clearly shown in his Trap of the Daleks when he quite clearly is manipulating the President of the Federation and pressing for war.

Rasputaltron however, shows that he will let nothing and no one get in the way of his plans, and he is perfectly happy at presenting a very friendly public image.

Rasputaltron also shows that many of his evil deeds have an unerlying purpose. For example, his ruthless killing of Zigrosi was to solve what he believed may have been a major security breech, the Castellan might well have heard about his plans.
Rasputaltron also shows that he can be surprisingly accepting at his failures, the first few times that the Doctor foils his schemes he merely starts again and manages to keep a rather civil relationship with the Time Lord.

But even Rasputaltron has his limits, and the reader can clearly see his descent into insanity in the later stories. This is particulary evident in 'The Ends of Eternity', 'Vengeance' and 'Grandplan'.
By the time of 'Vengeance' Rasputaltrons life is completely focused around revenge and power, or at least the power which he hopes to gain.

When he does finally get his revenge on the Doctor by killing one of his dearest friends, Eliza, who the Doctor quite clealry had strong feelings for, it seems to lay a few of the Skellions demons to rest, and he starts to become slightly more relaxed in his approach, by the time of 'Grandplan' he has become quite a calm, cool and collected person and takes everything with a pinch of salt.

Rasputaltrons has also shown that he can be very sympathetic and somewhat caring to his friends. He shares a genuine friendship with his right hand man, Barok and is genuinley upset when the small bat like creature dies, and this is really when he begins to lose it.
He also shares a close relationship with General Chagrin, and shows him a surprising ammount of forgiveness considering his betrayal.
Rasputaltron cares above all though, about the woman he loves. Romana.
Rasputaltron shares a genuine love for this woman and his scenes with her in 'Enigma' show that he can put aside his asperation for universal domination and just enjoy anothers company.
Rasputaltrons love for Romana was all too real, and his scenes with her in 'Conspiracy' show a nicer side to his personality, although he really uses her and the Doctor for his own purposes, he clearly has no real intention of killing them unless it is absolutely necessary. It is ironically this love which brings about Rasputaltrons eventual demise in 'Grandplan', as Romana brings about his destruction.

In conclusion Rasputaltron is evil, but he has a softer underlying side, and very few are allowed to see it, not even the Doctor seem to notice, it is therefore possible that the lack of understanding and the constant failures he has had to endure have pushed Rasputaltron over the edge and made his utterly evil and ruthless.

Most excellent Master Penny! A truly interesting and indepth analysis. So, who's next on the list?

I'm not sure, maybe Chekawowe. I did this to help me with writing for my english exam tomorrow, as i found it interesting.

Sounds like a good idea, maybe I should try it when I come to do my exams next year

Indeed Mike, It is quite useful. I'm going to be writing my review of the Valeshini Quest soon as well.

I really am looking forward to readng it Martin. I always find your reviews very interesting

My thanks Mike, It will most likely be done on Thursday.

I was also hoping to start updating the A-Z again.

Sounds good to me! I'll try and come up with some entries ofr E and F

Good Good.

Also I was wondering if we might include the Andromedans as villains in a few of our stories, Princess Sicha and the like from Children of Gallifrey. But not with their allies, I would want to bring the Valeshini down.
Also I hope your not annoyed that I made the Valeshini a less comical presence in vengeance, judging from your remarks on your interview.

Also I have brought a certain villain back for The Bride of Error. Dr. Reiner returns, after the Doctor brain!

Dr Reiner? He may have been shot in the head but he lives on!

He's tougher than old Raspy!

Indeed Mike.