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Post by Michael on May 30, 2016 18:32:29 GMT
Yesterday evening, the new Top Gear premiered on BBC2.
I just just watched this episode and while it isn't quite as bad as I thought it would be, I didn't really like it, either. The Arial Nomad test in Marocco was the most entertaining part, and the rest was below average - apart from the interview which had next to no content. There's much room for improvement and I do hope that the new team can develop at least some of the harmony that Clarkson/Hammond/May have. That said, I am so looking forward to seeing The Grand Tour this autumn.
Anyone else seen Top Gear? What did you think?
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Post by The Matthew on May 30, 2016 19:22:06 GMT
I half-watched it. Not bad. It'll take a while for chemistry between the presenters to build up, and some of the early episodes with the previous presenters weren't all that good until they were used to working together. It's like seeing a remake of a film: at first it's going to be the differences that stand out, and before it can be appreciated for what it is we need to stop looking at what it isn't.
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Post by kathryn on May 30, 2016 19:42:03 GMT
I think the problem was that they hadn't changed the scripts to suit the presenters' delivery style, so it was particularly hard to watch it without thinking of Clarkson et al. Also, I just didn't believe either of them knew what they were talking about when it came to cars - and while it's never really been about the cars it was very much about the people who geek out about them.
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2016 19:46:25 GMT
And the link with theatre is...? We'll be discussing football next!  |
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Post by The Matthew on May 30, 2016 20:02:03 GMT
"General Chat"
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Post by d'James on May 30, 2016 20:06:03 GMT
I'm definitely going to watch it. I've always liked the idea of it but can't stand Jeremy Clarkson. I cheered when he was sacked. Will let you know what I think once I've watched it.
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2016 20:20:17 GMT
Sorry. Have always assumed that the chat had to be somehow related to the theatre, as suggested in THEATRE BOARD (although not specifically Musicals, Plays etc etc ) |
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Post by Phantom of London on May 30, 2016 20:25:08 GMT
As I watched the last one and didn't like it, they should of renamed it The Jeremy Clarkson show and his little Eunuch - Richard Hammond, at least James May made it bearable!!!!
I agree the new series needs more time to settle in.
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Post by Deleted on May 30, 2016 20:28:53 GMT
Not a huge fan of the new format. Obviously it needs some time to settle and to iron out any teething problems, people saying it's an immediate disaster are just as foolish as Chris Evans proclaiming on Twitter the new series is a huge success because the first episode did alright in the ratings.
The main problems as far as I can seem to be that Chris and Matt are strong at completely different things, and both fail when forced to do the other. Chris is great in the studio, very at ease and talkative, but just seems to crumble when doing on-location shooting or having to come up with anything spontaneous whilst in a vehicle. Matt is the opposite in the fact that he excelled in the Nomad and the Reliant but as soon as he was put in the studio he was about as dry and lifeless as can be.
There's a couple of things I would say the team need to focus on to improve the show. The team, Chris, Matt, Sabine, Rory, the other two I've forgotten the names of, need to ensure that their passion for cars flows through in everything they do. I can tell they're knowledgeable, but they don't appear to particularly be enjoying the experience. You're in a Reliant Chris, tell us a story about your cousin who had a Reliant that tipped over, make a Del Boy joke, show that you're really in your element rather than a presenter that has been mismatched with a car you don't like, for a challenge you don't want to do. Secondly, there's no real banter or rapport between the presenters. As one of the bloggers reporting on the revival said, you got the impression Jeremy, James and Richard went for a pint together after filming was finished (once Jeremy had finished assaulting the production staff). I suspect that Chris and Matt have each other's mobile numbers "for emergencies" but other than that once filming stops they exchange a polite "Well done mate" and go their separate ways.
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Post by The Matthew on May 31, 2016 4:33:23 GMT
Sorry. Have always assumed that the chat had to be somehow related to the theatre, as suggested in THEATRE BOARD (although not specifically Musicals, Plays etc etc ) We've discussed films here too. As a reflection of the interests of forum members there tends to be a cultural aspect to the general chat, but it's not specifically for theatre. (Yes, I realise that when it comes to culture Top Gear has a hint of the Petri dish about it.) |
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Post by Michael on May 31, 2016 5:20:12 GMT
Yes, I realise that when it comes to culture Top Gear has a hint of the Petri dish about it. Isn't Top Gear the world's most famous car show? I'd say it is a part of British culture (not in a bad way, just to be clear. I'd be happy if we had something similar). Tbh, I never watched Top Gear because of the cars. If it were for me, they could have also been knitting jumpers. It was the amazing chemistry between Clarkson, Hammond and May and how they were feeding each other lines. The old Top Gear was just three middle-aged men having fun - and that was a joy to watch. Also when Jeremy tried to be politically correct. And I really enjoyed their road trips. Brilliantly filmed and stunning views of the landscape. Here's hoping that the three's new show's title "The Grand Tour" implies more such road trips. |
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Post by Michael on May 31, 2016 5:30:54 GMT
Sorry. Have always assumed that the chat had to be somehow related to the theatre, as suggested in THEATRE BOARD (although not specifically Musicals, Plays etc etc ) The General Chat section's sub headline says "You can talk about anything here.", and that is meant literally. In the old board, we were also discussing the latest Star Wars film. So when the next film comes out, it can (and hopefully will) also be discussed here. If there's something you want to discuss, just go on and start a new thread. Worst thing that can happen is that you won't get much/any replies. |
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Post by The Matthew on May 31, 2016 7:06:11 GMT
It was the various ambitious projects and expeditions that I liked. I have no interest in high-performance cars: the sorts of roads I like driving are the sort where you'd lose a few wheels if you went too fast, and when I travel I seek out the routes that are interesting to drive rather than quickest to complete. The Top Gears I enjoyed the most were the whole-episode challenges and the everything-falls-apart missions.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 7:22:37 GMT
I enjoyed it, but it's not quite 'clicked' yet. I used to be a big fan of the old show, until the last couple of years when Clarkson began to grate on me too much. (but when I did still dip in, the three of them were still hilarious together) I agree with Kathryn-and I know we talked about this at the time-that the scripts need changing to fit their new hosts. But also that as Matt/Chris aren't the best of buddies yet-I don't mean they don't like each other just that they barely know each other-it might take time to click.
I'd always assumed 'General Chat' meant anything we like too...and as a girl who was raised on planes, trains and auto-mobiles and every museum in the UK and beyond that houses them, it didn't seem that odd some of us want to talk about a car show!
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 7:53:23 GMT
Fair enough. I know other topics have been discussed in the past, but I'd always seen some kind of link with theatre, however small... Top Gear + culture = ... Nope, can't see it. (And as for "British" Culture... Lordy be, is that really how we're thought of?!)  |
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 8:25:55 GMT
As someone said above it is actually the BBC's biggest export (somewhat worryingly) but interestingly also why they couldn't change the format drastically with the new hosts, as it has to fit the Brand Name.
I agree it's a bit of a weird one, and Mods feel free to lay down a law or a sub board for 'totally unrelated chatter' but it's quite nice to have the occasional utterly random conversation maybe?
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Post by bellboard27 on May 31, 2016 12:22:51 GMT
I suppose if necessary this thread could be merged with the one on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang!
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 14:55:23 GMT
Or Sunset Boulevard...
So, next show to feature a car in a "supporting" role...?
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 15:01:32 GMT
The Ladykillers could make for an interesting crossover.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on May 31, 2016 17:48:36 GMT
I'm definitely going to watch it. I've always liked the idea of it but can't stand Jeremy Clarkson. I cheered when he was sacked. Will let you know what I think once I've watched it. This. Won't put my size 14 through the screen every time Clarkson comes on the telly anymore |
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