It's a Great Time to be a Top Gear Fan

"functionoverfashion" (functionoverfashion)
07/08/2016 at 09:33 • Filed to: Top Gear

Ok, so the cancellation (possible relocation?) of TGUSA notwithstanding, I actually think it’s a great time to be a Top Gear fan. I watched the series-ending Extra Gear last night, and I thought it was great. The part at the end where the hosts (all but Evans, importantly) sat together, talked somewhat off-script, jabbed and poked fun at each other... it was highly encouraging!

I thought Rory Reid was great at being enthusiastic without going overboard, and giving some honest comments which I do believe were his true opinions. He also just looks like he’s having the time of his life. Harris is hilarious; he’s also a lunatic behind the wheel and really fun to watch. Sabine is sooooo much better off-script, and I love that she and Harris are both legit drivers. Matt LeBlanc is also better off-script, and has a great sense of humor and a totally different perspective on car culture from the rest of them, being an American. By the way it was great to see Sabine taking jabs at Matt for being “a fat American,” too.

I think if they can sort out how to deal with the fact that there are still too many hosts, this group could produce some fantastic content.

But wait! There’s more! For those of us who loved the old formula of Clarkson, Hammond, May, we get to watch them again soon on their new show! Maybe if we call in the next 15 minutes they’ll give TGUS, free! Just pay shipping and handling and $20m in production costs.

TL/DR: TGUK looks to be moving in the right direction, and C/H/M are doing a new show at the same time. TGUS might be resuscitated, we don’t know yet. Still, great news for viewers!

DISCUSSION (4)

gin-san - shitpost specialist > functionoverfashion
07/08/2016 at 09:55

I liked the final two episodes of Extra Gear - it had a nice flow and I think it was better than when they had those random guest interviews.

There’s also the fact that we’re starting to see some opinions divide the presenters, i.e. old vs. new, Rory vs. Chris’ take on the new Mustang, and some jabs taken at each other over the long jump competition.

I'm hoping this develops further - what was great about the old crew was that they weren't afraid poke fun at each other. Even if the shit-stirring of Clarkson doesn't come back to TGUK, I think this kind of chemistry between the presenters is important, and hopefully that will turn into a good balance in the coming seasons.

Wheelerguy > functionoverfashion
07/08/2016 at 09:55

Basic plan: Harris, LeBlanc, Reid as main presenters because they just work so well together, Sabine for tandem reviews and new-car challenges, plus drives in race cars and a sort of “Day in The Life” bit. Then pass on the script to those presenters and really tell them to own the show. The only way to get out of TG2's shadow is if they make TG3 theirs.

functionoverfashion > gin-san - shitpost specialist
07/08/2016 at 11:15

I agree, and when they disagree and actually banter on screen, that’s when their personalities come out, and that stuff can’t be scripted (or at least, it doesn’t seem like it).

functionoverfashion > Wheelerguy
07/08/2016 at 11:17

Sounds great, and it seems like the direction they’re heading. Oh and I think we both forgot about Eddie Jordan. He can come hang out too but I’m not sure where he fits in exactly. Great personality but how many people can you have??