Top Gear

Plot synopsis:
Hammond travels to the Texas Motor Speedway for the AAA Texas 500 race to explore the world of NASCAR racing. He's interviewing several NASCAR drivers and also rides along in a NASCAR stock car racer with Kyle Petty. Clarkson reviews the Mercedes SLS AMG Roadster. He concludes that is it a modern, flawed, crazed, X-factor German roadster much in the vein of 1960's and 70's-era American muscle cars --- fun because it's just like a wild horsethe challenge is taming it.The News includes discussion about how health and safety authorities are sticking their noses in and claiming driving is too difficult under any potentially distracting or unideal circumstances, in response to a new and illogical campaign statement about parking safety. They also talk about the new 2013 Dodge Viper and the announcement of Renault's new electric car.James and Jeremy head to Beijing to explore the emerging car industry in China, in response to the assertion that everyone will be driving Chinese cars in five years. National car production levels in China exceed that of all European output combined. However, they discover that there is not much to offer, even now, that seems a match for potential European competitors. The Stig's Chinese cousin appears, and he takes two of the more modern offerings around a track for a spin. May and Clarkson themselves drive the two cars around Beijing and conclude that these cars seem to be much closer to what they should be compared to previous offerings, but still not up to standards in developed markets. To end the show, 3 unknown Chinese presenters finish the show with the bit the boys usually do themselves in the UK. However, it is a chuckle to realize that "bombshell" does not quite translate into Mandarin.As the Star In A Reasonably Priced Car Matt LeBlanc appear and he sets the fastest celebrity lap time yet recorded.

Tags: humor, non fiction

Review:
Then there's the "Star in a Reasonably Priced Car" segment, where each week a guest celebrity will come on to do an interview and then race around the Top Gear test track in a budget priced sedan to see how they compare to other famous celebrities who have done the same.
Women will love him, because he's also the cutest.I'm not even going to mention their tamed racing driver who tests all of the high powered cars on the same track to see how they compare to one another, a mysterious creature dressed in white that is only known as "The Stig".
I'm not all that interested in cars, and my son doesn't even drive, but we both love the show, and watch it religiously.The balance of presenters: Jeremy, the loud-mouthed, cuttingly funny, over-bearing older guy; Richard, the young, cute, quirky, adolescent one; James, the sensitive, quiet, contemplative, intelligent one; is nothing short of genius!It seems that no expense is spared, either on the experiments and dares, or on filming, and this adds to the visual experience.
Most people I know who watch this show know almost less than nothing about cars, and I think that says a lot about how successfully this program reaches beyond the expected demographic of young male petrol-heads..
On one hand there is the SPEED Channel that is not available in every market, and on the other there is the "Powerblock" on Spike TV that offers little more than how to add a bit of power to your Grandmother's '81 Caprice.Even as an import, Top Gear simply blew my mind away during my first viewing of the show last year when The Discovery Channel ran a season of the show slightly altered for the US Market.For one, the personality of the show is unlike anything I have seen before.
Occasionally the segments rival that of some of the best television shows or movies that I have seen, and although they are primarily focused on the car and the hosts themselves, the surrounding environment often plays a large role in the different reviews....But then you add the great soundtracks of the reviews, the quirky setups to the different tests (such as a Bugatti Veyron racing a plane from Italy to England), and the great test laps done by the Stig...
It all adds up to one of the greatest television programs, well, ever.It truly is a shame that the viewing of Top Gear is generally limited to the internet via You Tube or Google Video here in the US, but there was a pilot filmed for The Discovery Channel in the US for an American version of Top Gear, but thus far, nothing has happened.If you have the time, I highly suggest you take a look at the show, interested in automobiles or not..
Well firstly let me say that this show began in 1978and went on for 12 seasons and the one complaint about that show was that it was boring and Clarkson picked up on this and changed the show (in my view) for the better.What is it about the show that makes it so outrageously good?
When Clarkson was asked why is this show so great he gave FULL responsibility to the camera crews (who do absolutely stunning wok and should set a benchmark for cameramen around the world), the producers (who supposedly stay in work until 2am working) and all the back-room staff that organise everything.You have to remember that these people have a passion for cars.
Anyone who loves cars and has that inner child inside which allows for that bit of fun would realise that this truly is one of the best shows on modern TV and always will be.
For instance, the main presenter, Jeremy Clarkson is driving his beautiful Aston Martin DB9 through the French countryside and he begins to speak about the beauty of the car and how it is like no other driving experience.
Jeremy Clarkson (the older know it all), Richard Hammond (the young wild one), and James May (the conservative middle age guy) combine to bounce intelligent and very opinionated commentary off each other.
If you watch this show, likely you have some interest in cars (you don't have to...it's great entertainment).
They also once tested if you can run your diesel car off of Vegetable Oil (you can, although your exhaust smells like a bag of chips).Overall, this programme's great and a show you must fit into your weekly schedule, gets 10/10.
I hope this show tanks so I can watch reruns of the old Top Gear without having to change the channel when the new episodes are on.
While other TV car shows feature lots of boring junk, the Top Gear crew isn't afraid of anything.
He is a total phony, and he screams instead of talking, like he is trying to build excitement all the time.The BBC and the idiot producers at Top Gear UK should stand in a circle, and then take turns punching themselves in the balls!
Top Gear is like sitting around with your buddies and talking cars and having a good laugh all the while.
The 10 out of 10 was for when Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. The best trio in the world were funny and just really enjoyable to watch but when Chris Evans took over it just went from 10/10 to 1/10 in just 1 episode.
it rips my heart to see my favorite show ends in this way..such a tiny little matter turned into a big fuss..it wasn't necessary..but we know all good things should come to an end so thats it i guess.but top gear will be missed!!
I'm sitting on the floor writing this and all i can get i my head is the memories of the great seasons, quests, reviews and laughs i've got from the Clarkson, Hammond and May....then...this...(five to fifteen minute brake in writing cause i really don't know how much it passed)....IMDb is not the place to speak whats really on my mind cause it may contain some swearing, but this new format of the show and the head presenter (the ginger one) are the downfall of the TOP GEAR.never gonna watch it again...this does not include walking on the memory lane...i can always make a few years pause and watch the old seasons...
Add in James May and Richard Hammond and you have a marvelous team; Jeremy is the chief presenter, a man capable of, as the "Top Gear" website puts it "reducing car manufacturers to floods of tears with nothing more than a long pause and a few well considered words.", Richard and James, in addition to being at the receiving end of a number of Jeremy's barbs, are proper motoring writers in their own right.
Then there are the bits where each host will be given a certain amount of money each to buy cars and then compete in a series of bizarre challenges, or when Jeremy races the other two lads, Mr. Clarkson in some impeccable motor car, James and Richard on public transport.
As a glossy motoring magazine aimed at petrol-heads of all ages, the show pulverises any competition with its blend of beautiful photography, humorous scripts and highly watchable presenters.The living legend that is Jeremy Clarkson remains one of the funniest men on television and it will be a truly sad day when he decides to move on from motoring journalism.
The chemistry between these three men is comedy gold and I often watch with my jaw dropped in disbelief at just how good this show is.The famous races, where each presenter has to reach a certain far-off place using a variety of means, are truly gripping films for the series and raise the bar on what we now expect from a motoring television show.
The star in a reasonably priced car is great, most of the celebs act like they don't care what time they got, but when they are told they are usually elated!
Recently- discovered Top Gear (UK) shatters the image, with hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May providing narrative styles and tastes which contrast as much as their physical appearance.
From their regular features such as their unsparing reviews of the top models (without commercial influence), "Stars in Sensibly Prices Cars" and the "Cool Wall" to their adventures and challenges, the boldness and originality of the endeavors and cheeky humor of the hosts is reminiscent of Python at its absurdist best.
There is no compromise sometimes, if a particular presenter dislikes a car, boy do they like to express it, but in a funny way.The show is a fantastic combination of elements that make it compulsive viewing.
You have the varying and humorous personalities of the presenters, the controversial comments of Jeremy Clarkson (who tells it exactly how it is), the cars themselves, the music as mentioned before and its intelligent touch.
Writing this review after watching the first two episodes of season 24 which were really entertaining, the first episode with the high mileage cars and the second episode with the Porsche against the Lambo, imagine those episodes with a threesome who are totally in sync and have great chemistry as the former three had, in time I can see this with the current three.
The reason that Top Gear has been on the air since 1978 is because it is an outstanding show that brought about a new breed of motoring journalism, largely thanks to Jeremy Clarkson.
It surpasses all its rivals, and Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond are the best trio of presenters currently on TV.
The main reason is its on the BBC, so the presenters can say what they really think without worring about upsetting any sponsors or advertisers who might appear during the commercial breaks.The car reviews are both informative and entertaining.The stunts of racing across Europe, Jeremy in a car, the other two going my ship, train or plane is so good , what a fantastic idea.The winter Olympic special was the funniest thing I have seen on television in such a long time.
Its so good to see three people who love there job and this comes out on screen.I only wish I could afford some of the super cars they review..
The guys (and I really do feel like I know them) make the stuff about cars interesting and fill the gaps in between with fresh, uplifting comedy.
Even if cars & vehicles aren't your prime time fancy, it is still refreshing to witness the abuse of the long time serving Suzuki Liana getting driven as fast as possible around the test track by a different TV personality every week during the series, following guidance from the ever anonymous but talented Stig.Guaranteed weekly automotive fun for me.
Even if you don't give a toss about cars you've got to check out a few episodes of this show.A lot of people give the BBC a hard time for sacking Clarkson.
But as James May said they had no choice given the circumstances.But we got over 10 years worth of excellent TV from these guys already.If you're new to Top Gear maybe check out some of the road trip episodes, e.g., the relatively recent Burma one..
Of course coming from the UK it does have a certain British charm about it.Jeremy, James and Richard not only test cars from all over the world but they embark on a series of 'challenges'.
about two years ago, I accidentally switched it on, and started laughing out loud at it while watching it, and all the time while watching it, I was thinking "what is the name of this programme, it's brilliant!" The banter between presenters Jeremy Clarckson, James May and Richard Hammond is excellent , and challenges are very funny and exciting.
I started telling most of my mates (most of whom aren't all that interested in cars) about this amazingly funny exciting programme, and most of, them like me never miss it.
Without a doubt the best programme on TV, it's about the only thing on the BBC that is worth the Licence Fee. I can't wait for the new series in the autumn, I have just been watching the Polar Special, where Jeremy and James in a pick up truck, race Hamster on a dog sled, (with his white teeth) to the North Pole.
You need to watch the episode.Being a fan of top gear for many years, it is nice to see it at the top of the car program tree.During the late 90's and early 2000's, it was a bit of a damp squid........to which the BBC stepped in a cancelled it.
The show also tests them and show what cars has the best time.Top Gear is also a talk show and Jermery Clarkson is a good host, nothing taking himself too seriously.
The guests also have fun doing their lab around the Top Gear track.The hosts of the show, Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have good chemistry and comedic timing.
Top Gear isn't about motoring; it's the answer to the question "what would you really like to do?" when that question is directed to the 14-year old boy that we all have inside us (but not in that way, as Clarkson might say).And so we seem them blowing up caravans, driving the fastest car in the world (and then the car that was built to beat the fastest car in the world), taking on outlandish challenges against stunning backdrops around the globe, constantly messing with each other and enjoying themselves immensely throughout.
And while I don't agree with Jeremy Clarkson's politics or Richard Hammond's hair dye, for every episode of Top Gear I am the best of chums with these guys.
INTRO: I think it's fair to say that Top Gear has not suffered from the prototypical decline in quality over the years like most TV Programmes, instead they have substituted what once was a dream for petrol heads around the world into a 'questionably informative' hour long banter session.
The Challenges may be goofy but for the most part have an underlying purpose.THE BOYS: All 3 presenters whom share different views and different opinions ultimately gel to perfection due to there un-dying love for cars.Jeremy Clarkson for me is one of the funniest men in the country, he's not afraid of a controversial statement or joke, he speaks his mind which as a result leads to some hilarious lines and actions from him.
Sure, they drove fast cars which were fun to watch at first, but later on, the show gets rather boring.This then, is the ultimate in motoring shows.
The way that they review the cars, the tests they create, the races, everything it's an absolutely enjoy to watch!
Great cars tested, interesting locations and interesting tests, it's like good old days of Top Gear.
The three presenters (Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James may) have completely different personalities, which leads to fantastic humour and entertainment throughout.
Kudos to BBC.Each new season simply gets better with time and watching the one-hour show makes you want to end up mortgaging your house to go and buy a super car just to loose your mind for a day like these three nutters.10/10.
Even if you don't like cars or other vehicles it's very amusing to watch.Unfortunately Top Gear with the new presenter(s) is full of sh*t.
i don't know how many different people were interviewed to host the show, but it was nothing short of a miracle that Jezza, hamster and captain slow were teamed up..i have watched every single episode and i can't remember ever being bored..(well maybe for some of the stars in cars..
Top Gear is a British television program that deals with vehicles, especially cars, which is the most watched reality show in the world.
BBC's Top Gear was the #1 (aka Best aka Greatest aka Better than the rest) car show.
It is the highlight of my evening watching Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May - 3 middle aged men, sit there, and argue over who's car is the best.
The way Clarkson isn't afraid to laugh at people in the audience makes me chuckle too, so does the star in a reasonably priced car (Trinny and Susannah is my favourite), everything on this TV is genius.Quite possibly the best thing on any BBC channel, anywhere in the world....
If you are anything of a car nut like me then you will know that Top Gear is simply brilliant.
Its funny, even hilarious at times, and Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond are the shows three irreplaceable presenters.
This is the only TV series i ever follow, I eagerly wait for the new season to release.If you like cars then this is the ultimate show for you,the three presenters Jeremy,Hammond & Richard.These there anchors are brilliant even though the series is scripted they make it such fun to watch together.The show is about 60min and you will feel happy at all moment.There is "humour ,laugh , friendship,bulling" and of course lots of cars.They have an excellent driver "stig".They do one or more episodes of off track racing which are the best to watch.Well this is highly recommended for all fans of Cars..
If you want to find out anything about motor cars you're better off watching something else.
Several people believe "top gear" to be funny.But if it is,why does it need an audience which acts like a laughing track?
Well,that's simply because "top gear"s humor isn't as funny at all as its fans talk themselves into believing.I would like to know,for example,what's so funny with James May saying "Hello,Herr Reichsmarschall Goering" always when Jeremy Clarkson pulls up with a Mercedes?
I like cars and stuff but definitely not an enthusiast and watch the show purely for the entertainment and what crazy bizarre challenge they are going to do.