Best Episodes to Introduce Someone to Top Gear?

"911e46z06" (911e46z06) 10/23/2013 at 14:21 • Filed to: Top Gear

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Hey Oppo, my brother has been out of the country for a while, but now he's back. He's as nutty about cars as I am, but somehow has managed to go through life without watching a single episode of our beloved Top Gear .

The plan for the day is to change out the valve cover gaskets on the new truck, then hang out and watch Top Gear . So my very important question to you is: What are the three or four best episodes to show to a Top Gear virgin in order to properly introduce him to the characters and give him a feel for the show?

EDIT: Wow, that was a lot of responses. Thanks everybody, lots of good stuff. I think the momentum has slowed down a little bit, so here is my final playlist: Reliant Robin, Bolivia Special, British Leyland, Amphib Cars Part 1, Veyron Max Speed, Hilux Destruction, Ariel Atom Review, Lorries, Oliver, and Cheap Porsches.

It may take a few sittings to get through them all, but dammit, we'll get it done.

ddavidn > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:22

16

Stay away from the first season...

PanchoVilleneuve ST > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:23

13

I got my friend into it hardcore after making him watch the Bolivia special.

GhostZ > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:25

15

The Veyron Top Speed test episode is amazing, if only because, for about 5 minutes, they had a segment that was so well-filmed that it put even me (who knew what the result was going to be) on the edge of my seat. They perfectly built the tension, and did something really cool without cheating.

Also, if he's nutty, but not a car hipster, he'll want to learn about the Veyron, which is pretty well worshiped outside of the enthusiast's sphere (especially because most people don't know what the fuck a Koenigseggseeggseggg, Zoandi, Ultimata GTRZX, or a Huauaarryyhhaa is)

EL_ULY > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:26

25

Season 12 episode 3

Richard goes to Japan

James May getting trained by Mika Hakkinen to compete in a race

Clarkson V8 blender

Mark Walberg as guest

The boys and stig tune a Renault minivan to beat an EVO X on the track, many fun times had

EL_ULY > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:28

4

as far as a special though, I'd choose the Bolivia Special

Makoyouidiot > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:29

8

Two words. Amphibious Cars.

Sam > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:30

8

I loved the limo episode, personally. Season 9 Episode 6

Caravan trip episode is great. Season 8 Episode 6

The motorhome episode is also good. Season 15 Episode 4

911e46z06 > Makoyouidiot 10/23/2013 at 14:31

0

Good call. Part one or two?

911e46z06 > ddavidn 10/23/2013 at 14:31

0

Absolutely

911e46z06 > PanchoVilleneuve ST 10/23/2013 at 14:32

0

Yeah, I was thinking only one special. Bolivia is definitely the best.

AbigGRNboot > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:32

16

Holiday Specials.

North Pole.

Africa.

Can hook anyone.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:33

1

Polar special or Vietnam. If you don't want a special, season 9-2 is when James takes the Veyron to vmax.

qwertt > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:34

1

Suggest you mow lawn, trim hedges, wash truck, double-clean rims, replace wiper blades, check battery voltage/current, re-fuel, check tire pressure, steam-clean engine bay, re-paint nicked areas, shine chrome, clean upholstery, check map/trunk lights, listen to radio, anything else vehicle-related is better than your current plan.

911e46z06 > EL_ULY 10/23/2013 at 14:35

1

Yeah, that's a good one. Walberg was entertaining.

911e46z06 > GhostZ 10/23/2013 at 14:37

2

That seems to be the segment everyone remembers. Leaving that out would be like Sysqo not playing the Thong Song at a concert

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:37

1

Bolivia or US specials are always good bets, as are most of the cheap car challenges.

911e46z06 > AbigGRNboot 10/23/2013 at 14:37

17

I'm limiting it to one special. Leaning towards Bolivia.

911e46z06 > Sam 10/23/2013 at 14:38

0

Ah yes, all good calls. Definitely need some ridiculousness in the mix.

AbigGRNboot > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:39

0

Also very good.

911e46z06 > qwertt 10/23/2013 at 14:39

0

Not a top gear fan?

gallahad > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:40

3

Botswana and Vietnam for the best extra-special stuff. For normal episodes go for one of the races, probably the bullet train one.

cschwa20ent > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:40

0

The red reliant episodes gets them every time.

It's a "Porch-uh" > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:40

0

Personally, I'd vote for North Pole. Way more epic IMO.

jasoomian > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos 10/23/2013 at 14:41

0

I'll second any consideration where the Vietnam Special is proffered. I've used this twice to get friends to start watching TGBBC.

Just a great bit of television.

Just4GP > GhostZ 10/23/2013 at 14:41

1

This has got to be one of the best episodes ever.

Edit: Season 9, episode 2

911e46z06 > gallahad 10/23/2013 at 14:41

2

Probably a good idea to mix in a race.

Brian, The Life of > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:41

0

Really, really ... there is only one perfect answer to this question.

UnderscoreHero > PanchoVilleneuve ST 10/23/2013 at 14:41

1

I always fast forward to the Viagra bit.

Brent > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:42

0

Motor Homes Challenge.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/seri…

120Y > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:42

1

The part near the end when they cross a dune and see the ocean... man!

It's a "Porch-uh" > ddavidn 10/23/2013 at 14:42

2

At least the first two. I believe series 3 is when they did the Exige v. Apache, which really kicked off the great (absolutely ridiculous, but totally awesome) stunts.

mr_gofast > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:42

0

how to destroy a porsche, or a hilux

Anon4872 > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:42

0

Everyone I have show the Polar Special to, whether they like cars or not, has had their mind blown by it. It's a great intro to Top Gear.

silveradoJay > EL_ULY 10/23/2013 at 14:43

1

That actually was my first episode I ever caught of top gear... never looked back after that

jedimario > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:43

54

The one where Clarkson continuously flips the Reliant Robin. I've watched that one with a completely uninitiated family and they could not stop laughing.

A Work In Progres > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:43

0

Season 12 Episode 6: The Ford Fiesta

911e46z06 > It's a "Porch-uh" 10/23/2013 at 14:43

0

Definitely more epic, but also a little bit monotonous. I think you need some episodes under your belt before you can properly appreciate the North Pole Special. Personally though, it is my favorite of the specials.

Jayhawk Jake > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:43

8

Amphibious cars - both episodes

The one where Hammond lights a couch on fire

Lorry driving (change gear change gear, murder a prostitute, change gear change gear)

Jonathon Klein > Brian, The Life of 10/23/2013 at 14:43

12

All of it? Just Marathon the entire show from series 1-20? That would be my answer.

Diesel > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:43

3

You have to show them the Vietnam Special. That was amaze-balls.

lt5zr180 > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:43

0

first one my wife watched was the trip across the US with the used cars that cost less then rentals. hooked from there.

TwoWheelsAmazing > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:43

1

Gotta watch at least one of the challenges. I say go for the British Leyland. Me and my non car girlfriend and friends were rolling at that episode.

jaxwagen0 > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:44

0

2 best specials:

Botswana

1st US in the south

or the 1st European search for the Worlds Greatest Driving road

Brent > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:44

0

Motor Homes Challenge, Episode 4 from Series (Season) 15:

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/seri…

Clarkson's scream alone is worth it.

Jayhawk Jake > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:44

1

Both, but I think part one is funnier. Whichever one Jeremy ends up with the toyota upside down at the dock.

911e46z06 > jedimario 10/23/2013 at 14:44

3

Yup. Top of the list.

Incognigro > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:44

1

The middle east special was pretty good as well..especially given the current situation over there. I remember one part where they were driving through Damascus and thinking to myself "holy shit that place is a warzone right now" and they were just chugging along.

in_the_world > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:44

0

Season 9 Episode 1 - Explains Richard's crash which in my mind begins Phase Two of Top Gear; and contains the general cocking about that we would expect with the review of the Brera, RX-8, and TT.

Season 7 Episode 3 - The road trip to the Millau Bridge in south France with the GT40, 438 Spider, and Zonda. Epic music, epic scenery, epic cocking about.

And I echo the suggestions of North Pole, Africa (both times), and the Bolivian Jungle specials.

Jumbojeepman > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:44

0

I prefer the Botswana special over all of the others (and I really like all of the specials.) Oliver!

The caravan episode and the amphibious vehicle (the one they actually drive across the English Channel) are two others that stick out in my mind.

The most disappointing episode was the original Toyota Hi-lux episode. For having the truck hung on the wall, I expected so much more.

ghost650 > GhostZ 10/23/2013 at 14:44

1

You forgot Gumpert. Which is hilariously it's unaltered name.

speedkch > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:44

0

Any episode that shows a piano dropping on a Morris Marina.

ddavidn > It's a "Porch-uh" 10/23/2013 at 14:45

0

Yeah, that one!

EL_ULY > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:45

1

its a good intro to the characters, they all have their signature qualities in the episode shown very well. No significant car stuff though. I say you use this episode as the one right after a good "cool car" featured show like classic M3 vs. C63 vs RS4 or Supercars do France episode. Finally if there is time, the Bolivia special

911e46z06 > Diesel 10/23/2013 at 14:45

0

Yeah. No cars though.

TGRIP > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:46

0

I got into TG with/through the Winter Olympics episode, so I'll suggest that one right off the bat.

Got another guy into it with the Botswana special.

But normal episodes?... Anything from season 12, season 10 episode 2, season 20 episode 5 (that was a very good one for the first time in a while), season 6 episode 2, season 7 episode 4... basically any episode with a cheap car challenge. Of course, all of these should be in the original British cut, not the American edits (the states here take SO much good stuff out of the episodes, including some KICK ASS music).

MooseKnuckles > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:46

4

Vietnam is the classic go to, but I like Botswana best out of all the specials.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:46

4

MY wife doesn't really care about cars. At all.

The Vietnam Special had her laughing the whole episode. If it doesn't make you laugh you're dead inside.

Spaceman_99 > AbigGRNboot 10/23/2013 at 14:47

1

See I have always loved the Vietnam special. sure it is not specifically cars but damn good all around.

North Pole to me seems like too much insider. It is great, but not a start. See it once you are hooked and know the in-jokes.

EL_ULY > silveradoJay 10/23/2013 at 14:47

1

lol nice :] I just watch it on my computer (slow day at work today). My first episode was the one with the e60 M5.

Jonathon Klein > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:47

14

Series 10 Episode 7, Cheap Car Challenge from British Leyland. When Clarkson opened the door and the inner door card stayed me and my wife almost died laughing! I was literally crying that's how hard I was laughing. Or when Jezza's door just decides to pop off!

Pretty much any cheap car challenge is great, or the ones where they start off by Jezza proclaiming "how hard could it be?" You know right then and there its going to be a great episode.

sschwing > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:47

0

The Bolivia Special. Hands down. It's Top Gear's "Blink".

Fdor > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:47

0

IMO, the first one when they introduced James May and watch them sequentially on Netflix from there. I still love Clarkson's introduction of May and think the early episodes were far better than the long-winded races they do these days.

Sethersm > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:47

4

It is my belief that there is no wrong answer here unless the letters U and S are involved. Personally, I'd go for the one where Clarkson reviews the Ford Fiesta.

http://jalopnik.com/5294473/that-t…

UnderscoreHero > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:48

0

In no particular order, Top 3:

Season 7 Episode 3: Supercar roadtrip to the Milau Viaduct.

Season 10 Episode 9: BritCar 24 Endurance Race

Season 5 Episode 6: Cheap Porsche Challenge

911e46z06 > EL_ULY 10/23/2013 at 14:48

1

There will always be time for the Bolivia Special

ridered777 > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:48

4

To this day I think the Vietnam special is the most hilarious out of them all. But might not be great for a first episode as you kind of need background on Jezza's hatred of 2 wheels.

stephen mcknight 2011@ hotmail.co.uk > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:48

0

My choice is the big races, as no- one had raced cars on a motoring show. also the cheap car challenges, according to motortrend changed everything. Travis Okluiski said it was, the amphionous cars that got him hooked.

just the perfect format, for cars on television peroid.

Brian, The Life of > Jonathon Klein 10/23/2013 at 14:48

19

Stupid Nibbles ate my image of the Botswana Special >:(

Jonathon Klein > jedimario 10/23/2013 at 14:48

2

God yes. Well I know what I'm doing tonight! MARATHON!!!

911e46z06 > Brian, The Life of 10/23/2013 at 14:48

0

What is that? Computer doesn't want to show me.

Brent > gallahad 10/23/2013 at 14:49

0

Best Top Gear Race: Nissan R35 GT-R vs. bullet train in Japan or Aston Martin DB9 vs. train from England to Monte Carlo?

TGRIP > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:49

2

Perhaps, but it does give you a GREAT idea of what the hosts are like, and the chemistry between them. And that this isn't just a car show; it can stand on its own even with vehicles that... need stands.

mk6dub > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:49

0

Vietnam! Duh.

Imwithadd > Makoyouidiot 10/23/2013 at 14:49

1

i counter with camper cars

Imwithadd > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:50

0

i love the specials but the camping cars was pretty good

Brian, The Life of > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:51

0

That fucking rodent ate my Botswana Special image.

Kaelin Smith > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:52

0

Budget police cars, Everytime I hear someone has not seen the show, Ill make them watch that episode which typically leaves them in tears. I still chuckle thinking about it... "Something's gone wrong with the handling"

Jonathon Klein > Brian, The Life of 10/23/2013 at 14:52

2

Here I saved your life!

PanchoVilleneuve ST > UnderscoreHero 10/23/2013 at 14:53

0

I'm a big fan of when Hammond eats the caramelized cocaine and won't stop talking.

lukas_prague > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:54

0

13th Series 5th episode. RWD cars challenge. XFR vs. M5. Sienna Miller. Jeremy with Range Rover and Greenhouse.
This episode describes Top Gear pretty well.

Chewbakkah > jedimario 10/23/2013 at 14:54

0

THIS x1000

daafisch > jedimario 10/23/2013 at 14:54

0

perfect one.

gallahad > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:54

1

And don't forget a 1000-pound challenge. I'd probably go for the British Leyland or the rally, but my memory of them all is fuzzy.

cesariojpn > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:55

7

Any TG episode that isn't the History Channel Version.

anacanapana > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:55

0

Vietnam is also excellent.

Bearded Bastard > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:55

0

any special tour episode really. I believe i used the southern america used car rtoad trip on all my friends. then we end up watching 4 or 5 hours worth of top gear specials. and i never tire of it

johncalvinyoung > Brian, The Life of 10/23/2013 at 14:55

1

Dead right. Botswana Special, Polar Special, Series 10 Episode 7 (an Aston Martin DBS and a bunch of poorly made British Leyland products from the 70's). In that order. That's pretty much what hooked me on Top Gear not so long ago myself...

Mumbling Räikkonen > GhostZ 10/23/2013 at 14:56

0

Absolutely agreed!!!!! This was the segment which got me hooked.

mopapa > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:56

0

Botswana and Bolivia. Best episodes ever. But make sure it's the full episodes, not one of BBC America's chopped up versions. Basel to Blackpool one-tank race from Season 12 is also fabulous.

Destructive Tester > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:56

3

Attempted murder of the Hilux (Tacoma)

Vietnam or Bolivia; both are great, I actually slightly prefer Bolivia

Lorry Drivers

Chris Zimmer > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:56

0

If he's "murican, the one where the guys go across the south and have to decorate each other's cars.

afaik > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:56

2

Two words: Reliant Robin

a couple of other words: Arial Atom

two more? any special

Chairman Kaga > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:58

7

I'm partial to the electric car episode. Hammerhead Eagle i-Thrust, aka Geoff.

anacanapana > jedimario 10/23/2013 at 14:58

0

I think that was the first clip I ever watched.

It didn't take long for me to grab every other episode.

Hell, I've even made clips of the best cheap car challenges they've done so I can easily watch them on a whim - British Leyland is my favorite.

OtizzleStarBai > AbigGRNboot 10/23/2013 at 14:59

0

agreed... all the "specials" are ripe for getting em' hooked

Pibbs says once you go Swede > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 14:59

0

Botswana, then the Florida Road trip.

Because Oliver, and cow on a Camaro.

911e46z06 > EL_ULY 10/23/2013 at 15:00

1

That would be a good one. He's a muscle car guy, and I blew his mind with handling (a foreign term to him) yesterday in the M3. So he's BMW crazy right now.

qwertt > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 15:00

1

I wouldn't say "not a fan"; however, I'ed rather pull ticks out of my dogs butt!

Daddy's Beigemobile > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 15:00

0

Where they try to kill the Toyota Hilux. Or where Jeremy flips the Relient Robin. Or Where they tour through the southeastern US and nearly get beat up by rednecks.

tigeraid > 911e46z06 10/23/2013 at 15:01

0

North Pole

Africa

The American one where they paint "Man love is fine okay" on their car.