I am sad, Oppo

"Makoyouidiot" (makaan12)
03/11/2015 at 04:00 • Filed to: topgear

The night before my day off, I should be pleased, especially since it seems I'll be able to ride tomorrow, but I am depressed by the thought that Top Gear might end here...I know it has to end sometime, but this particular series is so good, it just seems like a slap in the face. (no pun intended)

DISCUSSION (10)

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Makoyouidiot
03/11/2015 at 04:12

Hammond will carry on as the leader, James may will scoot up a place up and some third guy is going to come try to fill Clarkson's shoes, and its going to be a very big fail.

AMC/Renauledge > Makoyouidiot
03/11/2015 at 04:32

The series is too long-lived, its formula too iconic and set, and its presenters too wealthy to continue it without Clarkson. It'd be like continuing Frasier without Kelsey Grammer. So if he really is done, May and Hammond will almost certainly be, as well. The combination of their three personalities makes the show eminently entertaining, where the loss of one presenter for any real period throws the balance of their personalities off too much.

That said, although Clarkson has been flirting with the line for years now, and the BBC has threatened to kill the show, the pile of cash that TG makes everyone involved is what has knocked the teeth out of Auntie's threats thus far. The only question is, will it continue to?

The last two episodes will come out, I'm sure, but not until this whole controversy gets sorted out. And if it doesn't get sorted out with the conclusion leading to Clarkson's reinstatement, I'm sure the final two episodes will be released on the Series 22 DVD when the time comes.

If Clarkson is out, we'll still see Hammond, May, and possibly the combination do automotive-related BBC specials. Much like Clarkson did after he departed the old TG series in the late '90s. Maybe even their own series, with a somewhat different formula.

But if Clarkson goes, TG in its current format is almost certainly dead. Which would be a sore pity because it's easily the best car-related program in TV history. It's funny, clever, somewhat educational, beautifully shot, written, and orchestrated. And it gives a voice to the auto enthusiast community, making the hobby accessible to nearly everyone. I think TG has done more to keep the world's love affair with the car alive and to keep the OEMs producing mind-bendingly enthusiast-focused performance machines than just about any other cultural phenomenon I can think of.

So here's to hoping Clarkson's goose isn't cooked, that they can finish the series properly, and continue until they can bring the series to a fitting end. Hopefully not for another 15 years or so.

Makoyouidiot > OkCars- 22k Crossroads
03/11/2015 at 04:42

Indeed. And that would just kill me, despite Hammond being my favorite. I can stand Top Gear US being worse, because it's not the same show, and it's pretty good if you view it on its own, but having Top Gear UK change from what it is...just no.

Makoyouidiot > AMC/Renauledge
03/11/2015 at 04:44

Nicely laid out.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > Makoyouidiot
03/11/2015 at 04:44

For someone who's reasonably smart, Clarkson sure acts dumb sometimes.

Makoyouidiot > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
03/11/2015 at 04:46

He makes me think of a 54 year old with the mind of a teenager. I'm kinda that way myself, so I relate.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Makoyouidiot
03/11/2015 at 05:51

I think hammond could really keep the show alive with james may . But having a new person there would just ruin it. I think if the show is going to go on they should just leave Hammond, may and the stig.

I havent seen top gear usa in a Long time.

on my tv they just kept repeating old episodes so i gave up on it.

Makoyouidiot > OkCars- 22k Crossroads
03/11/2015 at 12:17

They have all of it on Hulu

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Makoyouidiot
03/11/2015 at 14:38

Im not sure that works in my country

Makoyouidiot > OkCars- 22k Crossroads
03/11/2015 at 18:44

Oh.