Top Gear NOT growing on me.

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by 924slover

I've watched the originals and ive seen this version and I really like this version yea the hosts need to gain a bit of chemistry together but they've only done a few shows so far. What gets me is people complaining that it's not like the original. well it's not and never will be it will always be the american version and Im happy with that, It's the same when people complain that the new camaro or the challenger aren't like the originals well they arent and if they were made the same way it would only be a direct copy. It's the best american car show we have thus far so i will keep watching and enjoying

If you've had a good German Lager than Michelob just isn't going to be the same...just saying

[pwd72s]

Solution seems pretty simple to me...those who don't like the show can surf away to another channel.

Those of us who do like it can continue to watch.

Maybe they need to trash an early 911 to gain the "repect" that some here give Clarkson...

[onewhippedpuppy]

Solution seems pretty simple to me...those who don't like the show can surf away to another channel.



Those of us who do like it can continue to watch.



Maybe they need to trash an early 911 to gain the "repect" that some here give Clarkson...

Got a personal dog in this fight Paul? Being critical of an American show isn't a Eurocentric indictment of America, or God forbid the Ford Mustang. You're talking about one of the most popular shows in the world, when you create a new version that follows the exact same format it's going to be an uphill battle.

I have a suggestion, perhaps if you're so sensitive to criticism of the show YOU shouldn't open these threads? Personally I really hope it succeeds, all other American car shows suck.

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Solution seems pretty simple to me...those who don't like the show can surf away to another channel.

Those of us who do like it can continue to watch.

Maybe they need to trash an early 911 to gain the "repect" that some here give Clarkson...

I'm pretty sure that even if all those who loved the show continued to watch, it would still be pulled off the air...quality is quality...plain and simple

[Hodgey]

Originally Posted by kimlangley7

It's not working for me... the BBC version is without question >> superior... in all respects...

Kim...I'm with you......although I am biased as I am English, the US version sucks. It just takes all the challenges from the UK version; there's nothing new.

Oh, and Jeremy Clarkson's mum lives in the village I used to live in in England. Jezzer would go to the pub at Christmas and was very engaging.
Neil

[Paul K]

All:

Edit: I'm a Brit too so I'm biased...

It's pretty much been said, the US version is pitiful in comparison to the magic of Clarkson, May & Hammond.

However...

-US Top Gear is better than most of the other car shows here.

-The early Top Gear (late 70's or early 80's) was pretty bad. It wasn't until Clarkson really 'matured' that it started being really entertaining.

-I agree 100% that they should just show the UK version here.

So many times whilst watching the US version I have seen the presenters completely miss the mark with comments/jokes. Do they even review this crap after filming it?

Rant over. Can't wait for the UK Top Gear Xmas special!

Cheers,

Paul.

[slodave]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Solution seems pretty simple to me...those who don't like the show can surf away to another channel.

Those of us who do like it can continue to watch.

Maybe they need to trash an early 911 to gain the "repect" that some here give Clarkson...

You're right Paul, we can turn the channel (or in my case, not download the torrent - no T.V. here).

Just because some of us don't like the show, doesn't make us "elitists". True, I'm sure a lot were expecting the show to start out as funny and amusing, but it didn't. Then it was suggested to give it three episodes, which we did. The chemistry isn't getting better from what I see - and that seems to be, because the episodes are not sequential. All the challenges were filmed this past Spring/Summer, the studio and celebrity bits were being filmed as of October. Their chemistry in the studio is no different than when they filmed the challenges.

Maybe it will take another season or two for things to meld, but as of now, it's not that funny of a show. And since I am in America, I am allowed to voice my opinions to the public - free speech.

Again, none of us are being elitists, so cut the crap. The show could be about any subject, planes, billiards, skiing. My views would still be the same, it's not funny.

[Joe Bob]

I keep waiting for Adam to break out into a bad Bob De Niro impression.

[pwd72s]

Just sayin' you don't like it, tune out. Cindy LOVES the "sing off" show about to start...I'm reading this stuff instead...my choice to tune out.

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by 924slover

I've watched the originals and ive seen this version and I really like this version yea the hosts need to gain a bit of chemistry together but they've only done a few shows so far. What gets me is people complaining that it's not like the original. well it's not and never will be it will always be the american version and Im happy with that, It's the same when people complain that the new camaro or the challenger aren't like the originals well they arent and if they were made the same way it would only be a direct copy. It's the best american car show we have thus far so i will keep watching and enjoying

[porsche4life]

Paul, you are allowed to voice your opinion of 944s... We are allowed to voice our opinion of TopGear... So

[Flieger]

I will stop watching if they do not start doing their own things. This episode was the worst yet. It was almost an exact copy of the UK version. Except the UK guys filled the WHOLE car with water- well, except for Jeremy's which would not seal up.

I guess I am complaining that it is too much like the original...

[slodave]

Personally, I'm giving it a few more shows. Hopefully the new challenges they film will be better and the chemistry more developed. If it stays at this level, I probably will stop watching on a regular basis, but check in from time to time. I also think the show is too short. The full UK version is an 1 hour, versus 44 minutes for the US, without commercials.

One things for sure. Since the US show is being produced by BBC as well, the producers should know what makes for a good episode. They've had a long time to get it right.

EDIT: I don't think it's an elitist attitude. I think it's a spoiled attitude. Those that have been watching the UK version are expecting more. Those that have never seen the UK version probably think the US version is great - which it probably is.

[911pcars]

I've seen enough to say that the blame isn't entirely on the presenters. It's the premise of the show - copying the original Top Gear. Hey, even though the Fab Four sings the same songs well, they're aren't the Beatles. However, these presenters as a whole don't meet that threshold.

I'd like to see Alonzo Bodden in there with some good backups. He's got a "show me" attitude and doesn't come off stupid. Besides, he's smart and quick witted as well (comedic background).





Veering toward off topic.

Sherwood

[Capt. Crunch]

The casting is awful. I was really exited until I watched the first episode. I dont understand how this can be so terrible. I understand T. Foust is a tallented driver but he's not cut out as a host. The other dudes must know someone to be have cast in the show. I think a Travis Pastrana or someone like him can save the show..

Tic toc, tic toc. I give this 1 season at this rate.

[Cornpanzer]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Just sayin' you don't like it, tune out. Cindy LOVES the "sing off" show about to start...I'm reading this stuff instead...my choice to tune out.

I agree 100% with you Paul. And the same could hold true with web forums. If one doesn't like the content, the people and the cars and finds himself consistently complaining about elitism and snobbery perhaps they should tune out and find another forum.

Wouldn't you agree Paul? I am sure you have seen the individuals that go out of their way year after year to open threads that don't interest them for the sole purpose of whizzing on the campfire. For example, there is that one guy who every time he sees a thread about watches feels compelled to open it and post a juvenile comment about how good his Timex is and how everyone else who likes anything fancier is elitist. Has done this for years...every chance he gets. I forget the guys name, but I am sure you have noticed him since you always contribute to those watch threads.

Its almost like some people stick around just to be a thorn in other peoples side. Ive never understood that mentality, have you?

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

I don't mind tanner and Adam. But to get me hooked they need to do two things. They need to do something original. Too many of their stunts are too much of a rip off. And they need to ditch Rutledge Wood. Hes just a blundering idiot, and not funny at all.

I think Sid nailed it. They don't really come across as real car guys. Only Tanner can drive and has some talent, but he is rather annoying. The other two are just reading lines and they can't drive or act.

I often wonder if it is really Clarkson doing the amazing 4 wheel drifts in the different cool cars he drives. Some of the driving that is presented as Clarkson behind the wheel is top notch fast driving. If he is that good I would be amazed. Clarkson is very funny and a natural at talking to the camera. He HATES Porsche and seems very anti-American, but I still like him. The bit where he drove the Reliant Robin was so funny I was almost in tears.

[TGTIW]

I don't think the people here that are voicing negative opinions are doing it to specifically be contrary, I garauntee everyone wants this show to succeed. But there are some obvious and glaring faults (the hosts) that are an easy fix. I don't know what kind of contract Tanner, Adam, and the fat guy have, but a production company producing a "new" series would be foolish to not have an out, or if they have play or pays, buy them out of the rest of the season and replace them. Not only are they lacking any chemistry, they are stiff and stumble their way around on camera.

[Flieger]

As much as I hated the stupid, scripted name-calling between Tanner Faust and Paul Tracy in Battle of the Supercars, I like that better than Top Gear US. I wish BBC America would just run the full Top Gear UK episodes without a "delay" season. Maybe if Top Gear US did some original challenges...

I do like having Tanner Faust on there since he can actually drive. I think it is pretty likely he is the Stig from how many nuances he knows about the laps when narrating the Stig scenes, and the way the Stig drifts on the dusty track.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Cornpanzer

I agree 100% with you Paul. And the same could hold true with web forums. If one doesn't like the content, the people and the cars and finds himself consistently complaining about elitism and snobbery perhaps they should tune out and find another forum.

Wouldn't you agree Paul? I am sure you have seen the individuals that go out of their way year after year to open threads that don't interest them for the sole purpose of whizzing on the campfire. For example, there is that one guy who every time he sees a thread about watches feels compelled to open it and post a juvenile comment about how good his Timex is and how everyone else who likes anything fancier is elitist. Has done this for years...every chance he gets. I forget the guys name, but I am sure you have noticed him since you always contribute to those watch threads.

Its almost like some people stick around just to be a thorn in other peoples side. Ive never understood that mentality, have you?

This is Pelican off topic...Back to the Early S registry website for you! You'll note I left there long ago. Some irony in that my protagonist was shamed into leaving there, isn't it?

OUch! Just pulled a thorn from my side...