MovieChat Forums > Top Gear (2002) Discussion > It was not hat bad, so lets calm down

It was not hat bad, so lets calm down

posted 8 years ago by mark-wilson-197-913529
9 replies | jump to latest

Ok, so we saw the last episode of the new season, and on reflection, it was not that bad. Yes, there were a few things that were annoying, but also some of the features were funny, and entertaining.

But, bearing in mind this is the first season of the new look, there were always going to be issues, and things that did/did not work.

Things that worked:-

Matt LeBlanc - Ok, so, he's a little too dead pan in the studio, but he was good in the features he did. Maybe just needs to relax a bit. Bearing in mind it's his first attempt at presenting, I think he did ok and has potential.

Sabine and ChrisH - They give a little balance to the presenting team. Chris is a serious super car reviewer, and sabine slots were ok.

Things that did not work:-

Chris Evans - too much shouting! Obviously loves his cars, but it's not a kiddies show,
or TFI, so calm down. Or better yet, get lost.

Rory - something just wierd/wrong about him. Can't put my finger on it, but did not like him.

Star(s) in a reasonably priced car. Still undecided on this. The new track is ok, but SIARPC has always for me been the low point of Top Gear, even with Clarkson at the helm. Stick to the features.

What happened to the news? - This in my mind would really show if the presenters can have some chemistry, and we had none of it.

Not sure:-

Eddie Jordan - Popped up every now and again, but never really spent enough time on the screen, to work out why he is there, and what he is supposed to bring to the table. If he left, would you notice?

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Overall, I would keep Matt, Sabine and ChrisH as the regular presenters. Dump Chris Evans and Rory and Star in a reasonable priced car. Eddie - don't care, maybe keep him as a bit part as he has been. Although, saying that, we need some sort of news slot to see if Sabine can cut it...and I fear she may not.

[–] Jonesy_1 8 years ago

Overall, I would keep Matt, Sabine and ChrisH as the regular presenters. Dump Chris Evans and Rory and Star in a reasonable priced car. Eddie - don't care, maybe keep him as a bit part as he has been. Although, saying that, we need some sort of news slot to see if Sabine can cut it...and I fear she may not.

I agree with almost everything. I liked the Star In A Reasonably Priced Car, I'm not impressed with Star In A Rallycross Car. It's not that I don't like rallycross because I do, it's a case of it wasn't broken but they tried to fix it anyway. Also the interview bit is annoying with its "Guest 'A' tell us what guest 'B' is currently doing" and the best first car and best favourite car just doesn't interest me, and I don't think I'm the only one.

"Be safe, be happy, and don't let anyone make you afraid." David Coverdale

[–] I_Guard_Tanelorn 8 years ago

This episode proved how terrible the Rally Cross segment is cause weather conditions alter the results to the extreme. These aren't wet laps. This is mud bogging, and then driving a track slick with mud. It's not even possible to compare track times anymore. There's far too many variables, it's just meaningless.

"I said no camels, that's five camels, can't you count?"

[–] Jonesy_1 8 years ago

Exactly.

"Be safe, be happy, and don't let anyone make you afraid." David Coverdale

[–] jerry6-1 8 years ago

yes it is THAT bad . Chris Evans ruins the show , just the wrong person for the job , the rest of the cast is not bad , but goggles mcelroy just trashes the show

[–] mark-wilson-197-913529 8 years ago

It was not that bad, for exactly the reason you stated. The rest of the cast were ok, and most deserve another series.

Chris hs gone now anyway, so he obviously knew his presenting style did not work.

[–] Christian1971 8 years ago

I agree, it is not a bad show, it is in fact a very good show. It is not as good as the previous seasons though and that is to be expected. It took a long time for Clarkson to be popular and even longer for May to be popular (Hammond is just inoffensive so likeable). This season got better as it went, some stuff didn't work, some things did.

I don't think Evans was the right host, but he does know about cars (despite what some people seem to imply). Matt is dry but I like him in general and on the show. Sabine is good as a bit part player, she doesn't need to be a main host. Rory needs to tone it down, he's good but his self importance gets the better of him. Harris needs to calm down a little too, but he mostly seems nervous. He seems to love cars more than any Top Gear presenter old and new, so keep him. Eddie is also okay in small doses.

There's a lot to work with and it can only get better with some tweaking. Even if it never hits the heights of the Clarkson, May, Hammond years, it can still be an entertaining and successful show. And it will be if the BBC hold there nerve. The production values, cars and some of the challenges were still fantastic (keeping in mind some of the older challenges were lame as well.
Bad Top Gear is still better than Fifth Gear (and I love Fifth Gear).

Sort out the hosts and reduce the guest interviews and it's almost where it needs to be.

Alternatively keep bagging it and we'll end up with 'Baker wants a wife' or 'Australia's next top Dental Technician'.

There's nothing like a warm fire and a SuperSoaker of fine cognac - Bender

[–] 8 years ago

[deleted]

[–] rp69 8 years ago

No, it wasn't that bad. IF it were an average car show on a some random American cable channel. As Top Gear, it lacked just about everything that made the old show great. Just about all the humor was gone. The outlandishness, gone. the crazy builds and stunts, gone. The male on male lovingly mean spirited picking. gone (that's chemistry btw).

Another thing I didn't like, there were TOO DAMN MANY PEOPLE. The old show, three very distinct personalities, one Stig and one guest. This show it seamed like people coming out of the woodwork.

As far as Matt goes. I love the guy. He was one of the funnies guys on TV in the 90's. Here, he's pale and lost in the mix. They should let him turn on the Joey Tribiani a little more.

And no specials this year? Like trying in vein to destroy a Toyota, driving a Lotus through the jungle or antagonizing American rednecks?

[–] ForrestHump 8 years ago

Dump Rory? No way! He's awesome! Good personality, knows a lot about cars and is engaging all round. Have you been watching Extra Gear ?