Scan barcode
mpclemens's review
2.0
A disappointing follow-up to the Primary Phase, the Secondary Phase of HHGTTG focuses most of its energy on Zaphod and a loosely-followed quest seemingly concocted out of thin air, to throw a new context on the events of the first book. Sadly for the listener, Zaphod is best handed out in small doses, and in contrast to the other characters. Left on his own to carry the narrative, he's just not that interesting. Ford is reduced to straight man, and only Arthur eventually shows some spine and development near the end of the story. The spirit of the original story isn't to be found here. It's not a slog, by any means, and the production and voicing is excellent, but the plot itself suffers as the characters are thrust from situation to situation without any true sense of "why." Only in the final episode does Adams attempt to rein in all the ideas he'd put down, but by then, it's lost in the noise.
solanpolarn's review
5.0
The books will always be the primary source to me, but I love the radio series as well.
heregrim's review
5.0
The search for the Ruler of the Universe is very different in this version. Still loving experiencing the Radio play for the first time. How often do you get the opportunity to reexperience your favorite book for the first time. (With the radio, tv, Movie and book versions this is my fourth!)
lexihan's review
4.0
I wouldn't say it's as good as the first one in terms of story, it feels a bit more all over the place, but the voice acting, the cast, and the comedy still hold up
sharppointysticks's review
2.0
Sadly this one didn't really hold my interest either... I think I'd be beth off just reading the books rather than listening to the radio plays. Oh well...
b_shek's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
february's review
4.0
The episodes for the Secondary Phase were ones I was familiar with as they were also a part of the collection my college friend gave me a loan of once she'd found I was a big fan of the books. Feelings of nostalgia washed over me to listen to these again. Truth be told, I thought the memory of was just a fever dream.
As with the Primary Phase, there are some audio issues here, though not quite as bad and relegated to the middlish parts. There were also some bits--again, somewhere middlish--that did not quite hit me then nor now, but there were also some bangers in there, like trying (and failing) to deal a blow to Zaphod's ego and The Man in the Shack.
The conclusion of this Audible release included an interview with Douglas Adams which I had not heard before. The man was brilliant and articulate, as one would expect. I could hear it in that interview, why his style of writing appealed to me beyond just the humor. It makes me miss him all the more.
Spoiler
giant birds living in the left ear of a gigantic statue of Arthur Dent throwing Nutrimatic cup that managed to hang in the air "mid-hurl" due to being ArtAs with the Primary Phase, there are some audio issues here, though not quite as bad and relegated to the middlish parts. There were also some bits--again, somewhere middlish--that did not quite hit me then nor now, but there were also some bangers in there, like trying (and failing) to deal a blow to Zaphod's ego and The Man in the Shack.
The conclusion of this Audible release included an interview with Douglas Adams which I had not heard before. The man was brilliant and articulate, as one would expect. I could hear it in that interview, why his style of writing appealed to me beyond just the humor. It makes me miss him all the more.
booksareamood's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
As usual this is excellent, so funny and excellent theme tune. Will definitely be listening to the rest!
studiomikarts's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
I listened to this with such relish that I started it, finished it, and started & finished the next audio drama before I realized I never entered either into Goodreads! [FYI: This review imported from said site.] If that doesn't tell you how much I enjoyed it, I don't know what will 😆 The Hitchhiker's Guide series has been among my lifetime favorites since childhood and listening to these dramas for the first time in decades has shown me that my appreciation for the material has only grown as I've aged. The stories are just as plausible as they are ridiculous and I think their firm grounding in science and logic is what gives them evergreen appeal. I can't wait to listen to the rest!