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

As in "The deadly missile attack shortly to be launched by an ancient automatic defence system would result merely in the breakage of three coffee cups and a mousecage, the bruising of somebody's upper arm, and the untimely creation and sudden demise of a bowl of petunias and an innocent sperm whale.
In order that some sense of mystery should still be preserved, no revelation will yet be made on whose upper arm sustains the bruise. This fact may safely be made the subject of suspense scince it is of no significance whatsoever."

So who was it? My money goes on Trillian, because I reckon that anyone else would have complained about it for weeks...

It was Arthur.

There's no way it could be Arthur, he would have made, at the least, subtle complaints for the duration of the rest of the book.

COuold have been ZB, after all, what with him being such a hoopy, froody guy he is he would he so cool that he wouldn't even notice any pain.

It was Arthur. If you listen to the radio series, or the double-album, it states categorically that Arthur bruised his arm.

In fact, at the end of episode 3, just after they've read the credits, you hear Arthur saying "I think I'd be able to cope with this better if I hadn't bruised my arm."

...or on the record (not the reocrd of the radio series but the original double LP) it is the late-Peter Jones saying "Arthur bruised his upper arm" this is right on the last bit of groove, some old record players may have auto picked up the arm by this point (of course on CD or tape)...

CH

Even the book mentions it.

Where?

Now you've got me. I'll have a quick check on DNA read tapes over the next couple of days shall I.

It at least uses the same dramatic devise in SLATFATF when it gets to the romantic bit. "Readers who want to know about MArvin should turn to Chapter...." but I believe the bruise was in there somewhere as well.

I think it would have healed by then, in any case after spending several years on Prehistoric Earth!!!

I believe it's also mentioned at the end of the credits to the second episode of the TV show.

It is on my video, anyway.

B

I agree, it was definitely Arthur.

So we all agree its Arthur!!!

*wanders in, takes note of conversation, surreptitiously places bug under the coffee table*

* Footbacon coloured wallpaper can be bought at most of the leading DIY stores across the nation, priced £3.99 per roll.

You drink a lot on Saturday nights, don't you chuck?

B

Sorry, that should've read:

"You drink a lot on Saturday nights, don't you, chuck?"

The curses of Northern vocab.

B

Yes, yes I do. Often I'm told to slow down with my drinking, they say it's no good for me. I'll grow to be a fully fledged alcohol swilling interior designer of footbaconess. I should go to the DIY rehab centre to be honest. I will do as soon as I finish my nights stalking rota, please excuse me for now

When you start sounding like 2legs, you know you've had too much, duck.

B

I'll have you know, sonny jim that I've had nothing but all night. Now if you'll excuse me I must get back to my stalking duties, ahem!