[Closed] New Top Gear series...

If this picture were to find a way on to the rest of the forum, outside of this thread, it could possibly cause the end.....OF THE WORLD!

[img] [/img]

The number plate.....

Think about it....

Have to say I noticed that number plate and chuckled - if clarkson had been driving.......

Quite enjoyed tonight's

I thought tonights was pretty poor

Where was the Rolls piece shot? Lovely scenery.

Co Kerry, Dingle

Around Dingle, in Ireland, I believe.

Curate's egg for me tonight. Good. In parts.

That Jaguar was lovely, but the "just on time" arrival of a gleamingly spotless car was the sort of thing that would make Dai Darcy sigh with agony at the faux-race element. LeBlanc looked genuinely happy with the Rolls in the early piece, as if he was lucky to be in it.

Managed 5 minutes. Cringed at CE, he doesn't look comfortable. I quite like Leblanc and the drivery bloke with the M2 but it didn't make up for it. Starting to think it could work if Evans was replaced with someone more charismatic.

Like Matt LeBlanc? I really hope they ditch Evans. Has he not got any other clothes? And his hair, his beards white!
He's a gonk.

Quite liked seeing my car for a few seconds in the first 2mins... 8)

Haven't watched the rest though, might tomorrow.

I've warmed to Le Blanvc, Evans I'm going off, Harris is boring dear God how can you make hooning about in an M class so dull and Reynolds is showing potential.

But yes the phew made it in my polished car made me smile. I want a point with Dewis.

I think it could work with just Matt, Rory and Chris H. Evans needs to go, Sabine was just mental in the last one and don't get me started on Eddie Jordan

Harrismonkey needs to calm down a bit, he's passed the interview and got the job. Sooner he gets back to the Youtube stuff, the better.
LeBlanc is settling in nicely.
Rory Reid has found his place in this world.
Doesn't leave much room for the incredibly annoying Chris Evans.
The stars flogging whatever product they have in a less than cheap car is crap. Get them in, say hello, send them round the circuit, say good bye. End.
Improving week by week.

I think they've got a strong team, all great - might need to ditch the half baked canned laughter live audience though.

Harrismonkey needs to calm down a bit, he's passed the interview and got the job.

Yeah he needs to be more serious the mellow one, that would work.

Yep. Just like the curate's egg for me that. Or an ostrich egg. Or a falafel. I literally have no idea what a 'curate's egg' is, but anyhooo..

Half and half that for me. Evans was irrelevant and bored/boring with the British sports car thing. He seemed to have no interest in the actual car, or any credibility 'reviewing' it. Totally unengaging.

Otherwise.. Okay(ish). 6/10

I think it could work with just Matt, Rory and Chris H. Evans needs to go, Sabine was just mental in the last one and don't get me started on Eddie Jordan

QFT.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curate%27s_egg

Ah like a cadbury creme egg.

Harrismonkey needs to calm down a bit, he's passed the interview and got the job. Sooner he gets back to the Youtube stuff, the better.
LeBlanc is settling in nicely.
Rory Reid has found his place in this world.
Doesn't leave much room for the incredibly annoying Chris Evans.
The stars flogging whatever product they have in a less than cheap car is crap. Get them in, say hello, send them round the circuit, say good bye. End.

This, especially Rory Reid.

Improving week by week.

Not quite this. Evans contributed not much at all, in fact detracted the shout with his over-effort shouty manner yet again trying to be Clarkson when slagging off the Roller, then shows off one of own cars, very arrogant.

I'm still enjoying it, I try not to be negative - but I'm joining the ranks of people of think Chris Evans is the weak link - I will however say that without him it wouldn't have come back - when they released the lineup oringally, I reckon 90% of people said "Chris Evans, Joey and whooooo?"

Couple of weeks in though and Matt The White is settling in and I don't know if I'm warming to him, or he's getting better but I like him - at first I think I thought he'd be like Joey, but in real life he's pretty deadpan but funny when you tune into it, Rory is great at the bits he does and I've always been 50/50 with Chris Harris, tarnished with the PistonHeads brush for me, but he's pretty good - loved that M2 - I think they've establsihed themselves enough if Evans goes.

WHY DOES EVANS INSIST ON SHOUTING ALL THE TIME?

Just watch a few episodes of Wheeler Dealers

An hour of Mke Brewer is like a vaccination against Chris Evans

This is the problem. Evans is such an integral part of the show, in that he's not just a presenter, only he and he alone will remove himself from the show, and his ego is too big to do that.

So I just won't watch. No biggie.

I fell asleep through the stars in a rally car yawn fest, the Jaguar piece was just pointless, actually so was most of it, worst one for me so far.

I simply can't watch anything with Evans in it.

He makes the hairs rise on the back of my neck, god knows why.

The last BBC star I felt about like that was Jimmy Savile and I used to reprimand myself for my prejudice because he was obviously such a good guy, heavily involved in children's charities etc.

So I wonder what it is about Evans that generates that instinctive revulsion. Is he merely a shouty arrogant creep, or is there something else?

(Don't take this as me thinking he's up to Jimmy Savile stuff - I'm just curious as to why he generates that feeling in me)

WHY DOES EVANS INSIST ON SHOUTING ALL THE TIME?

That's his idea of tv enthusiasm, one of the main reasons I can no longer bear him (he was good on breakfast tv and don't forget your toothbrush)

You do feel a bit sorry for the BBC which is witnessing one of its main earners dying which will only be bad for other program making. They didn't want to fire Clarkson as they had a pretty decent idea this would happen, Clarkson gave them little choice however

So I wonder what it is about Evans that generates that instinctive revulsion. Is he merely a shouty arrogant creep, or is there something else?

So I wonder what it is about Evans that generates that instinctive revulsion. Is he merely a shouty arrogant creep, or is there something else?

I wouldn't say it's revulsion, I just find his voice, mannerisms, appearance and presenting style annoying enough that I am willing to miss the show for him. I never used to mind him on Big Breakfast, the problem is we are all a lot older now, and yet he is still acting/dressing in the same way when he was young, and I was considerably younger.

The fact he is known to be a bit of a shit doesn't help.

Giving his ruling at the High Court, Evans was publicly criticised for his attitude by the judge, who said of Evans: "[b]He has the temperament of a prima donna[/b]."[27] Virgin Radio/SMG later countersued, with Evans ordered to pay £1m towards their legal costs.[28]

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Evans_(presenter)

rocketman - you are knob.

I watched a whole episode for the first time last night - Didn't think Evans was too bad actually... but the problem is he is a presenter first whereas the rest are journalists or bloggers or whatever, they are used to providing commentary and have honed that skill. LeBlanc is OK and he works as a counter to the other more serious stuff but the whole show and format has had it's day really.

He's ginger

rocketman - you are knob

Are you a ginger surroundedbyhills?

LeBlanc is clearly the surprise hit - his humour comes across as natural and he has a real charm. Once he learns to loosen up a bit during presenting he will be ace.

Harris - fits in really well to be honest. He can clearly hoon about on a track, and has good enthusiasm - but got really carried away on lasts nights episode as is coming across as a bit of an Evans MKII occasionally.

The Rory chap - he's good as getting you to appreciate the car he's raving about, but his mannerisms, particularly the mock 'huh huh huh' laugh is beginning to boil my piss..

..which leads nicely me to Evans. Wanted to like him, am finding his presenting style massively out of date, and his high pitched whiny shouty voice is just not comfortable. I think he should be given one sketch a week where he big's up whatever vehicle he actually has an afinity for - because I enjoy his petrol head enthusiasm. But as the lead presenter.. no thanks.

They also need to try and avoid these utterly pointless references and 'drama packed' deadlines etc.. Such a load of tosh. The voice over of the old Jag hero last night 'you just dig deep and get on with it'.
Must've been a reall ball breaker, thrashing the best production cars in the world all over the place for a living.
The story lines are really quite crap. But then they always have been really.

rocketman - Member
'So I wonder what it is about Evans that generates that instinctive revulsion. Is he merely a shouty arrogant creep, or is there something else?'
He's ginger

So are most of my family. 🙂

They don't give me the creeps (although I was all for post-natal family planning in their teenage years).

I fell asleep through the stars in a rally car yawn fest, the Jaguar piece was just pointless,

I agree with the first part, I wish it was dropped, so utterly pointless.
I disagree with you on the Jag piece, I enjoyed it, it had a story. If driving a car across europe is pointless then most of Top Gear for the last 10 years has been pointless.

BBC Radio this morning had a discussion about numbers dropping and LeBlanc threatening to leave if Evans doesn't go.

BBC Radio this morning had a discussion about numbers dropping and LeBlanc threatening to leave if Evans doesn't go.

I fell asleep through the stars in a rally car yawn fest, the Jaguar piece was just pointless, actually so was most of it, worst one for me so far.

Not quite asleep but gave up at the end of the Jaguar piece. Third time I've tried to get through an entire episode. Won't bother again.

I quite like it. But then I hated Clarkson and Hammond so never watched them

I noticed that they had plenty of time in the few moments after he arrived to clean the car and remove the camera equipment bolted to the back seat.

Was anyone else thinking that Rory hammed up the gruling drive to Geneva? I mean I've drove to Morzine (damn near the same drive bar the last 5%) in a 1.4 Astra.

I noticed that they had plenty of time in the few moments after he arrived to clean the car and remove the camera equipment bolted to the back seat.

Was anyone else thinking that Rory hammed up the gruling drive to Geneva? I mean I've drove to Morzine (damn near the same drive bar the last 5%) in a 1.4 Astra.

I noticed that they had plenty of time in the few moments after he arrived to clean the car and remove the camera equipment bolted to the back seat.

The GoPro?

It was clean in every shot.

Definitely saw it at one point. Perhaps it was a reflection they missed.

EDIT: Or perhaps I was pissed. 😀

martinhutch - Member
It was clean in every shot.
Definitely saw it at one point. Perhaps it was a reflection they missed.

EDIT: Or perhaps I was pissed.

No, there was definitely a big lump of a camera mounted to the car in one shot.

If you think for a single moment that there was a realistic race on to get to the Geneva show - and that all the shots weren't filmed in good time pre-post Geneva.. well.. you're a ninny.

Every single plot / section / story is produced to the hilt. Always has been.
The Jag phonecall raised the deepest sigh. 'Rory - the car simply has to be here'

Right-o Mr JLR, we won't let you down Sir, the multimillion pound show WILL go on, or we'll die trying.
Pfft.

Years ago a couple felleas on a Ford forum I once frequented had their 80's hot hatches used for a TG section in which the idea was to demonstrate new domincance over old, or vice versa, whatever. They essentially filmed the drag races etc and re-ran them until they got the results they wanted to show.
TG has never been a realiy show.

I thought last nights to be the best of the new series. If you ignore Evans (God, I wish I could) and the stupid star/rally cross bit, it was a great car show. Ok Chris Harris let his enthusiasm get a bit ott but that's just a bit of polishing required. The jag bit was pure TopGear faux melodrama but was completely forgivable with having Dewis at the end. Loved that bit.

It's so nearly great, just needs less (no) Evans (or EJ or Sabine). Oh and if they're going to have a star in car slot revert to the old format, it wasn't broken, might need someone who can do an engaging interview for it though.

Caught up with Top Gear this morning on iplayer.

I see stark similarities with what is going on over Brexit and Topgear: ie a complete shake-up with resignations and then a complete shambles with no plan and everyone round the world thinking it's a load of rubbish.

Just catching up on iPlayer, anyone know the location used for the Rolls Royce segment? Matt Leblanc driving the RR Dawn along some stunning country roads. I was thinking mid-Wales somewhere?

Just looked like it'd be nice to road ride, that's all!

RR segment filmed in Ireland: http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/motors/top-gear-films-rolls-royce-segment-around-ring-of-kerry-1.2612411

Evans quits.

Shortly prior to being shoved, I suspect.

I know he's an actor and the show is scripted but I was getting a bit fed up with Mat LB's 'acting' in the role. Glad it's the end of the series to be fair, I really wanted it to work but it's not been as good as it could have been.

Edit: I think CE resigned before he was shoved under the rally cross car.

Evans quits.

I suppose once the series has started there's not much they can do apart from the studio bits, the films are what they are.

Agree with the others though, Harris, Rory, Matt could be quite good, although I think they need a bit more time to gel. At least when it was Clarkson, Hammond & May there was a believable chemistry between them.

What is this, week of resignations?!
"Oh it's not worked out the way I wanted, I'll leave"

I actually thought Chris Evans did a decent job after the first rather cringeworthy episode.

Didn't the revamped Top Gear start in a similar way? There was no James May in series 1, it was Jason Dawe from that Used Car program on Men & Motors or something.

Interesting that Evans has quit. Perhaps he was only contracted for the first series anyway.
I like Chris Harris, the fact that he goes into a little more technical detail I like.
Rory? Meh he's ok.
Eddie Jordan doesnt really add anything, other than a sort of slightly odd uncle vibe.
Sabine, midly entertaining, but doesn't really add anything either.
I like Matt LB, seems honest and passionate.
Evans, I tried to like him, but he's just a little bit too predictable and insincere.

I think that it's found its three presenters in Harrismonkey, Rory Reid and Matt LeBlanc. They can move forward and keep on doing what they're doing, additional roles for Sabine, Jordan and anyone else for that matter (incuding Evans).

Too many presenters and as a result not enough time to bond with them properly.

So Evans has now gone and was 50/50 on him to be honest. Agree with the above Harris, Rory and Matt should be the chosen three - all are good and all add something. Eddie Jordan adds absolutely nothing to the show. Sabine I'm 50/50 on.

Star in a car is becoming increasingly tedious, the guests are dull (or downright obnoxious in the case of Gordon Ramsey) and I'm now find myself turning over the channel whilst this is on until the next feature starts. Where's the 'news' section gone? - this was always one of the funniest bits with a nice few minutes of banter.

Evans quits.

For the best

Agree with what Agent007 says

Although I would have been quite happy for Jordan to go before Evans

Sabine is a less attractive, less charismatic version of Vicki Butler Henderson with a language barrier thrown in.

they need to stop trying to shoehorn new presenters into the old roles. new presenters, new format, new studio.

a less attractive, less charismatic version of Vicki Butler Henderson

Sabine, midly entertaining, but doesn't really add anything either.

Although her 'fat American' jibe during the rally cross car jumping challenge was quality,and presumably given the co presenters reactions less scripted than the rest of the show

Sabine is a less attractive, less charismatic version of Vicki Butler Henderson with a language barrier thrown in.

Wash mouth out!

Sabine is basically the ultimate female lady-person.

Sabine is a less attractive, less charismatic version of Vicki Butler Henderson with a language barrier thrown in.

One for the dads... Carmen Jorda instead of Sabine! She's not doing much work at Renault and could do with a part-time job on the side. 😀

Where's the 'news' section gone? - this was always one of the funniest bits with a nice few minutes of banter.

The news is now on Extra gear on BBC3, I think if they merge the best bits of Top Gear and Extra Gear they would have a pretty good show, especially if CE has gone.

Strange, I thought exactly the opposite, I've never understood the "allure" of VBH.

Should get Rory, Chris, Matt teamed up with Jenson Button. 😀

Should get Rory, Chris, Matt teamed up with Jenson Button.

VBH has the worlds most stupid laugh.

VBH is a bloke in drag

No comments about the sexiness of the male presenters? No ? 🙄

I'm quietly amazed a thread I started is still running sixteen pages later!
TBH, I've not really watched any of this series, although now a bunch of other series I've been watching are now over for the summer I might download them and watch them all.
What I have seen has continually reinforced my opinion that Evans is just an overgrown teenager, running around, shouting and showing off. He's nowhere near as good a driver as he likes to think he is, and reading his car reviews in a Sunday supplement he doesn't know as much about cars as he likes to think he does either; I've spotted factual flaws on a number of occasions, and I know bugger-all about cars!
I like Sabine, always have done, she's a bloody good driver, I think Matt LB has a nice droll delivery, I couldn't really care less about Eddie J, so whittling the presenters down to Matt, Sabine, and a couple of others who I actually know little about, ought to improve things no end.

I thought Chris Evans' bit about the MG was really good, seemed natural. Matt LeBlancs bit about the Porsche was a bit poor. Why not have him driving both Porsches and then come to the conclusion?

Still I'd keep Matt over Chris and go a bit more towards the Extra Gear type format.

What is the studio audience for? And why would anyone want to go?

Jordan really needs to be dropped.

'Fat American' PMSL!

[url= http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-04/top-five-bush-mechanic-repair-videos/7562178 ]The Australians know how to do a car show.[/url]

Watch the clips - these guys are brilliant at "fixing" stuff.

Maybe get one of them to replace Evans. 🙂

[quote=Houns ]No comments about the sexiness of the male presenters? No ?

Matt is pretty hot, isn't he?

I'm catching up with the series slowly, have only watched the first 3 so far so have been avoiding this thread - hence may not have the best formed opinions, but here goes anyway:

[quote=bigyinn ]Eddie Jordan doesnt really add anything, other than a sort of slightly odd uncle vibe.

Which is surely the role he's contracted for - I kind of like him in limited doses. Not all that convinced by Sabine - yes she's a bloody good driver, but you need more than that - nothing wrong with her, she doesn't make the show worse, but I think it would be fine without her (they already have a bloody good driver amongst what we all think should be the core 3).

They just need to trust the presenters to ad-lib a bit more, get shut of the stig and let Sabine hammer everything and not hold back on her opinion.

Get rid of EJ as well, odd dynamic and not comfortable with script

Sometimes (most of the time) the challenges are a bit far fetched. What about "here's £1k go and buy a car to race round the track" Would be better than any of the challenges this year plus room for banter/chemistry to grow.

What is the studio audience for? And why would anyone want to go?

Atmosphere so it's not a stale studio. It used to be sold out for years. I know as I tried to get tickets as it is filmed down the road at Dunsfold from where I lived and visible from top of Holmbury Hill when out on a ride

[url= http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/top-gear-host-chris-evans-under-investigation-over-sex-assault-claim-a3287536.html ]Remember I said he reminded me of Savile?[/url]

Oops!

Not in the same league by the look of it, but probably sharing the same sense of invulnerability in an enabling environment...