So what did you think of Top Gear?
1/17/11, 11:11 PM
#201
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Ok, I am a die hard top gear fan, uk series that is. And I've just seen the first two episodes of the us version, and I must say I have very mixed feelings. Good potential, terrible scripting.
Adam Ferrara is one of my favorite comedians. (now I know who Adam is!) Saw him live twice and loved him. It is very clear that the show is very poorly scripted and they are just getting their feet wet because Adam was DEAD. The interview with Buzz Aldrin had SO much potential, but Ferrara just read the list of his cars and did not engage Buzz like Jeremy would have done, with a joke or two, or asking about his family, etc.
The hosts have ZERO personality, and the production value barely makes up for it. The little guy is the only one that can drive, and I really don't know why the heck they hired the other two. As much as I love seeing Adam on standup, on Top Gear he has the dramatic range of a hotel toothbrush. As for the chubby bearded guy, could do without him too. Reminds me of the guy from Fifth Gear too much, which is also another bad Top Gear spinoff (although it does have a chick).
It's hard not to compare it to the UK version, and if you do, TGUS is a pale shade next to the real McCoy. And they don't have any original ideas yet, as all they did was rehash UK episodes (gunship helicopter escape, Mitsubishi Evo tearing down a snowy mountain against skiers, etc.). Imagine what they could do in this country! "First one to build a car that can fly across the Grand Canyon wins!" But once you do stop from comparing them, it's actually an entertaining show. I'm reminded of TGUK's first season back after the 80s and 90s version with Tiff (now there's a driver). The hosts were unsure of themselves, and the writing wasn't as witty or good. But that certainly changed with a little time. Top Gear US has potential, and hopefully they don't get cancelled before they have a chance to bloom.
Adam Ferrara is one of my favorite comedians. (now I know who Adam is!) Saw him live twice and loved him. It is very clear that the show is very poorly scripted and they are just getting their feet wet because Adam was DEAD. The interview with Buzz Aldrin had SO much potential, but Ferrara just read the list of his cars and did not engage Buzz like Jeremy would have done, with a joke or two, or asking about his family, etc.
The hosts have ZERO personality, and the production value barely makes up for it. The little guy is the only one that can drive, and I really don't know why the heck they hired the other two. As much as I love seeing Adam on standup, on Top Gear he has the dramatic range of a hotel toothbrush. As for the chubby bearded guy, could do without him too. Reminds me of the guy from Fifth Gear too much, which is also another bad Top Gear spinoff (although it does have a chick).
It's hard not to compare it to the UK version, and if you do, TGUS is a pale shade next to the real McCoy. And they don't have any original ideas yet, as all they did was rehash UK episodes (gunship helicopter escape, Mitsubishi Evo tearing down a snowy mountain against skiers, etc.). Imagine what they could do in this country! "First one to build a car that can fly across the Grand Canyon wins!" But once you do stop from comparing them, it's actually an entertaining show. I'm reminded of TGUK's first season back after the 80s and 90s version with Tiff (now there's a driver). The hosts were unsure of themselves, and the writing wasn't as witty or good. But that certainly changed with a little time. Top Gear US has potential, and hopefully they don't get cancelled before they have a chance to bloom.
Last edited by Gaspi101; 1/17/11 at 11:15 PM.
1/18/11, 07:03 PM
#202
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I just saw the UK team's special across Iraq, Turkey, Syria into Damascus, and into Bethlehem, in three small convertibles. It was an amazing adventure. The USA team needs to man up and do something like this, then they will be worthy of the show's name.
Last edited by Gaspi101; 1/19/11 at 08:28 AM.
1/18/11, 07:28 PM
#203
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I really enjoy having Adam on the show. Overall I feel Adam and Tanner work pretty well, Tanner's got huge car cred but his personality can be light. Adam's got personality but his car knowledge can be light (though he noticed Tanner's truck wasn't diesel first). Rutledge is OK when in the company of the other two, but on his own or in the studio I just can't stand the guy.
1/18/11, 08:36 PM
#205
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1/18/11, 09:36 PM
#206
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1/20/11, 02:26 PM
#212
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apparently James May shares some of you guys thoughts....for different reasons im sure...
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/j...s-of-top-gear/
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/20/j...s-of-top-gear/
1/20/11, 07:41 PM
#215
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There was a BBC show on Discover HD that had two guys, one bought a used car and one fixed it up and they sold for a little profit. I liked it because the repairs were real world and not a $100,000 makeover. I wish they would have an american version.
