Topic: American Top Gear (Read 17872 times)

valley_parade · « **on:** 29 Nov 2010, 10:22 »

I actually don't mind it! Seriously.

BUT:

a) They don't make Stig jokes?

b) While I like that they aren't trying to be clones of Jeremy, James, and Richard, Tanner Foust as the lead car tester is too nice, too quiet, and not arrogant enough.

c) I'm not entirely sure that Adam Ferrara is necessary? He doesn't seem to have a point of being on the show.

yr opinions?

Tom · « **Reply #1 on:** 29 Nov 2010, 11:58 »

The Australian one is very boring, lacks the charm of the original. I don't understand how Shane Jacobson is meant to be funny.

the_pied_piper · « **Reply #2 on:** 29 Nov 2010, 12:32 »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgABbHPdwH4

Blue Kitty · « **Reply #3 on:** 29 Nov 2010, 12:35 »

I was seeing a lot of commercials and thinking, "Wasn't this a British show?"

Muppet King · « **Reply #4 on:** 29 Nov 2010, 13:26 »

It's pretty awful. It's one thing to try and make a clone of a show with a new spin, but they're just copying the British version without any of the comedy.

SilentJ · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Nov 2010, 19:11 »

Considering the ratings the original show gets on BBC America, I find myself at a loss thinking of reasons this show is necessary.

Inlander · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 Nov 2010, 21:28 »

Quote from: the_pied_piper on 29 Nov 2010, 12:32

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgABbHPdwH4

I've seen a fair bit of Stewart Lee love around here. Is he always that patronising?

KvP · « **Reply #7 on:** 29 Nov 2010, 21:41 »

Hmm, it's like a british David Cross politely ranting about a british Larry the Cable Guy.

I like it!

KharBevNor · « **Reply #8 on:** 30 Nov 2010, 03:48 »

Quote from: Inlander on 29 Nov 2010, 21:28

I've seen a fair bit of Stewart Lee love around here. Is he always that patronising?

That's basically his act, yes. In fact, it's basically the genre of comedy he belongs to, 'Alternative comedy', we call it in the UK. Look up, say, Alexi Sayle or Ben Elton before either of them went shit for further examples.

EDIT: Jeremy Clarkson is, in fact, a cunt. I think James May is like a nice eccentric uncle though. Also, I do watch Top Gear sometimes when it's on, but mostly for the cinematography.

Seriously, it's got to be one of the best shot TV series in history.

Inlander · « **Reply #9 on:** 30 Nov 2010, 04:42 »

It's not really the liberal high-horse bit I found off-putting (I mean god, I've voted Green at two separate elections this year), rather the way he kept telling the audience why they liked Top Gear. I'm happy for a guy to tell me why Jeremy Clarkson's an arsehole but the moment that guy starts telling me why I do what I do or watch what I watch or enjoy what I enjoy I start to feel like he's a bit of a condescending prick.

KharBevNor · « **Reply #10 on:** 30 Nov 2010, 06:32 »

But it's comedy. Loads of comedians take the piss out of their audience. I mean, he claims that the reason people like Top Gear is because it mirrors the dynamics of the three bears. Does this sound like he's really telling people how it is?

Aurjay · « **Reply #11 on:** 30 Nov 2010, 08:49 »

my ex father in law was on a episode of Top Gear back in the 90's. He was trying to sell the Vector and well they blasted everything about the car. Felt bad cuz really the car was amazing but even i couldn't understand paying the price for a Lamborghini but getting a Vector instead.

Tom · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 Nov 2010, 11:33 »

Quote from: KharBevNor on 30 Nov 2010, 06:32

But it's comedy. Loads of comedians take the piss out of their audience. I mean, he claims that the reason people like Top Gear is because it mirrors the dynamics of the three bears. Does this sound like he's really telling people how it is?

Of course not, Hammond is more like an owl than a hamster.

mberan42 · « **Reply #13 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 14:55 »

Saw the second episode on repeat the other day.

Freakin' Bizarro World Top Gear, man.

tHEfOOL · « **Reply #14 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 16:27 »

it's like real top gear, only without all the cool Brittish accents and stig jokes. which means it is without all the stuff that makes it cool

nekowafer · « **Reply #15 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 16:33 »

Yeah, I think it's pretty terrible. It seems to have a really low production value too, did you see how shaky the cameras are in the cars?

Kugai · « **Reply #16 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 16:38 »

So what you're saying is it's a nice try to translate the concept to a U.S. market, but misses the mark like an off course Tomahawk.

tHEfOOL · « **Reply #17 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 16:41 »

yeah the cameras in the cars are terrible, there are a couple seens that you can bareley make out the face of the host because the camera is vibrating soo much, that being said i'l still probably keep watching it for a while to see if it gets better since i love the bbc one so much

nekowafer · « **Reply #18 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 17:10 »

Kugai: yes. I think if they had better camera work, and tried to make it their own thing instead of just copying the BBC version, it might, MAYBE, do better.

I'll keep watching for a couple episodes, 'cause you know, it might improve. But then I give up. If it can ever get close to the hilarity of the green car episode of the British version (Geoff was pretty awesome), then I'll like it.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #19 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 17:47 »

Jalopnik says the series kind of comes into its own on the third episode so maybe it'll get better as it finds its voice?

lprkn · « **Reply #20 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 17:49 »

Quote from: tHEfOOL on 02 Dec 2010, 16:41

yeah the cameras in the cars are terrible, there are a couple seens that you can bareley make out the face of the host because the camera is vibrating soo much, that being said i'l still probably keep watching it for a while to see if it gets better since i love the bbc one so much

In my opinion they're going for an effect here (the car is going so fast), but it's failing and just ends up looking stupid.

The show is mildly interesting, but mostly devoid of the personality that makes actual Top Gear fun to watch.

KvP · « **Reply #21 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 18:09 »

Quote from: Ozymandias on 02 Dec 2010, 17:47

Jalopnik says the series kind of comes into its own on the third episode so maybe it'll get better as it finds its voice?

Jalopnik is full of idiots.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #22 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 19:10 »

Is it? I don't care about cars too much so I don't read it but I did notice their review of the show so I was curious.

tHEfOOL · « **Reply #23 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 19:56 »

i don't trust the oppinion of anyone i cannot debate with, cuz they are all biased or wrong. most movies i have seen and liked got bad reviews, most tv show that i like get canceled while stuff i hate like american idol and dancing with the stars just get bigger.

KvP · « **Reply #24 on:** 02 Dec 2010, 20:56 »

Quote from: Ozymandias on 02 Dec 2010, 19:10

Is it? I don't care about cars too much so I don't read it but I did notice their review of the show so I was curious.

In general, yeah. They're rather new to the Gawker media empire so they might just be finding their footing, but they seem to be a melding of Gawker.tv and Deadspin, which is to say, they post a lot of rather pointless videos and have a ultra-conservative commenter base (but it's all got a gearhead bent).

I'm sure they can do a good thing once in awhile. Even the weaker babygawkers do.

valley_parade · « **Reply #25 on:** 03 Dec 2010, 07:02 »

Quote from: nekowafer on 02 Dec 2010, 17:10

(Geoff was pretty awesome)

I've been watching the British one since it had that brief stint on Discovery a while back, and have to say Geoff is my absolute favorite moment from Top Gear.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #26 on:** 03 Dec 2010, 07:29 »

I can't possibly pick a favorite moment in Top Gear. The one where they built their own RVs was absolutely fucking fabulous, as was Clarkson driving a Reliant Robin around spectacularly poorly.

Cammy · « **Reply #27 on:** 03 Dec 2010, 07:37 »

After watching the first two episodes, I think it's safe to say I'll continue to watch the rest of the season. Of course it doesn't have the same UK touch, but there's enough material so far to keep me interested. I like how Foust is a cocky asshole, and Ferrara and Ruteledge have no problem putting him in his place. The hosts have potential in my opinion because I do feel the chemistry between them.

The drifting with the blind guy was pretty funny, and that drifting challenge with the parking had me on the edge of my seat.

Besides, with the UK Top Gear on hiatus, what other car show is there to watch? I don't think Click & Clack have any TV offers yet.

valley_parade · « **Reply #28 on:** 03 Dec 2010, 09:33 »

Quote from: Ozymandias on 03 Dec 2010, 07:29

Clarkson driving a Reliant Robin around spectacularly.

Okay yeah THAT. Sorry, Geoff.

nekowafer · « **Reply #29 on:** 03 Dec 2010, 10:06 »

I think when Jeremy turned that very first corner out of the driveway, and flipped the Reliant Robin on its side.. I laughed so hard my lungs exploded. That episode is on the same level as the Geoff episode though, for me.

The only show that makes me laugh even close to that much is Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory.

valley_parade · « **Reply #30 on:** 06 Dec 2010, 15:29 »

Quote from: Ozymandias on 02 Dec 2010, 17:47

Jalopnik says the series kind of comes into its own on the third episode so maybe it'll get better as it finds its voice?

Ferrara literally broke an old Caddy IN HALF. It was epic.

Avec · « **Reply #31 on:** 07 Dec 2010, 15:51 »

It just doesn't feel as slick as the original. And as everyone else mentioned, the humor is absent or just very forced.

bicostp · « **Reply #32 on:** 07 Dec 2010, 19:01 »

I've watched all three episodes and so far it's garnered a resounding "meh".

There are no Stig facts. The interviews are laughably short. (They didn't even ask Buzz Aldrin what it was like to GO TO THE FUCKING MOON. Just "here's a list fo cars you have driven now let's see how fast you went around the track.") There are barely any car reviews. The Stig barely makes any appearances, and when it does there's no sense of mystery, it's just someone in a race suit and helmet who doesn't talk.

I think the worst casualty of Top gear's Americanization is the complete removal of every trace of wit. It's like they took the intelligence level of the humor down a few pegs just to appeal to Joe the Plumber and his fellow slack-jawed simpletons. I'm disappointed in that because I like that kind of humor better than forced Family Guy junk, and slack-jawed simpletons generally aren't the types to watch the History Channel anyway so why appeal to the lowest common denominator? That's what network reality shows are for.

How are they going to handle having the show sponsored by Mercedes? Are they just going to not review any of their cars? Does Mercedes not care if some guys on some TV show say they don't like the car? How long will it take before they start gushing about Toyota's latest beige econobox or the newest smoke-and-mirrors hybrid?

And did you guys know the teardrop is the slowest part of the track? And that the teardrop is the part of the track where the cars go the slowest? And like I said the teardrop is the slowest part of the track?

Kugai · « **Reply #33 on:** 07 Dec 2010, 21:17 »

Oh God.

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #34 on:** 16 Dec 2010, 00:30 »

Quote from: KvP on 02 Dec 2010, 18:09

Quote from: Ozymandias on 02 Dec 2010, 17:47
Jalopnik says the series kind of comes into its own on the third episode so maybe it'll get better as it finds its voice?
Jalopnik is full of idiots.

Being a Jalopnik regular, we blame our stupidity on the new car smell. That smell has alot of nasty stuff that melts your brain gradually.

Also, they need to fire Rutledge Wood. Fucking fat hipster ruins the show with his presence.

Quote from: Cammy on 03 Dec 2010, 07:37

I don't think Click & Clack have any TV offers yet.

They had an animated series on PBS called "As the Wrench Turns."

http://www.pbs.org/wrenchturns/

valley_parade · « **Reply #35 on:** 16 Dec 2010, 08:41 »

Rutledge is my favorite, though.

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #36 on:** 16 Dec 2010, 11:42 »

Quote from: valley_parade on 16 Dec 2010, 08:41

Rutledge is my favorite, though.

He really doesn't fit in. He's like your awkward cousin whom you only see every family reunion. The guy clearly doesn't have good delivery as well.

Quote from: bicostp on 07 Dec 2010, 19:01

How are they going to handle having the show sponsored by Mercedes?

Oddly enough, they ripped the SLS in the recent episode. But then again, they've been praising the American Cars and talking shit about the European cars. Heck, Rutledge's "review" of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage was one of the most godawful reviews yet. You could actually tell that the shots of him inside of the car talking about the car and how it handles and the shots outside of the car twisting thru the steel mill are clearly not in synch. At least in TGUK, they manage to synch the shots par for par.

mberan42 · « **Reply #37 on:** 16 Dec 2010, 15:26 »

He only ripped on the V8 Vantage 'cause he then gave glowing praise to the V12 Vantage. That was kinda the point of ripping on the V8 - if you've got the money for an Aston, why the hell are you buying a V8 Vantage and not a DB9/DBS/Volante/One-77? But now here comes the V12 - a perfectly good excuse for spending $180,000. He then went on to say that yeah, $180k is a shitton of money for this kind of car when you could have a fully loaded 911 Turbo, R8, or SLS AMG, at the same price, but you'd still be driving a Porsche, Audi or Merc. With the V12 Vantage, you're driving an Aston Martin.

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #38 on:** 17 Dec 2010, 04:08 »

Quote from: mberan42 on 16 Dec 2010, 15:26

He only ripped on the V8 Vantage 'cause he then gave glowing praise to the V12 Vantage. That was kinda the point of ripping on the V8 - if you've got the money for an Aston, why the hell are you buying a V8 Vantage and not a DB9/DBS/Volante/One-77? But now here comes the V12 - a perfectly good excuse for spending $180,000. He then went on to say that yeah, $180k is a shitton of money for this kind of car when you could have a fully loaded 911 Turbo, R8, or SLS AMG, at the same price, but you'd still be driving a Porsche, Audi or Merc. With the V12 Vantage, you're driving an Aston Martin.

...which he litters with references to NASCAR and hotrodding and fake driving and.....gawd, can someone please shut up that asshole already?!

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #39 on:** 20 Dec 2010, 14:00 »

Gee, thanks Rutledge Wood for convincing me that the Buick Roadmaster IS NOT the car GM should build. Your whole "presentation" just turned me off even more of a classic 90's iconic car.

Also, what a waste of perfectly good cars. At least TGUK bothers to find clunkers with enough problems to make the NHTSA freak out like wussy little momma boys.

valley_parade · « **Reply #40 on:** 20 Dec 2010, 14:13 »

I will admit that none of their GMs had doors that flew off randomly.

It was a bit of a letdown.

(am I defending American Top Gear? I'm pissed about the lack of power laps.)

~~cesariojpn~~ · « **Reply #41 on:** 22 Dec 2010, 20:59 »

The latest Top Gear UK.

Lovely. God, what a sick way to address The Stig "Identity" issue.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #42 on:** 26 Dec 2010, 16:18 »

I'm watching the GM episode and I think the nebulous "not Top Gear" I'm feeling is that I don't believe these guys? Like, Top Gear works because they're all three fairly witty dudes who have different taste in cars but are truly passionate about them. I'm just...not believing these guys care so much as they're being told to care.

valley_parade · « **Reply #43 on:** 28 Dec 2010, 13:42 »

Not from that episode, but I definitely got that feeling when they did the moonshine runner thing and Adam had that old Caddy.

Ozymandias · « **Reply #44 on:** 28 Dec 2010, 14:43 »

I just watched the Three Wise Men special last night.

It was not their best special, I think. The cars weren't particularly exciting, owing to the fact that they seemed to play it safe with them since they were, by their very nature, inappropriate for the trip and I think May's injury put a damper on the hijinks a bit.

The ending was brilliant, though. On that bombshell, indeed.

rynne · « **Reply #45 on:** 17 Jan 2011, 10:16 »

Quote from: Ozymandias on 03 Dec 2010, 07:29

I can't possibly pick a favorite moment in Top Gear. The one where they built their own RVs was absolutely fucking fabulous

That is one of the most hilarious pieces of television I’ve seen. I was *crying.* “Now I’m monitoring everything at this point very carefully, ‘cause the last time I tried to cook on a campsite, the caravan caught fire, you may remember. And the one next to it. So I can’t be… HOLY COW, WHAT IS THAT?”

Honestly, I don’t mind the US Top Gear. Granted, it hasn’t quite found its legs yet and the reviews definitely suffer from a lack of British deadpan humor. (Though I’m actually relieved they don’t do Stig jokes, if only because it shows they’re not content to simply lift *all* the best bits straight from the British series.) But, at least from the Best Truck in America special, feels like the hosts are getting comfortable enough with each other to start seeing glimmers of the repartee that’s really essential to Top Gear.

I mean, from my point of view, the appeal of the UK Top Gear isn’t about the cars. It’s about Jeremy, Richard and James generally having fun messing around with, and trying to one-up, each other; and, oh by the way, they also know a thing or three about cars.

nekowafer · « **Reply #46 on:** 17 Jan 2011, 10:42 »

"Tonight; I wear a hat. Richard wears a hat. And James wears a hat."

Possibly my favorite opening.

Also another favorite line is "The thing in my nose has a face!"

I didn't mind the American truck episode. They all made some awful or not funny jokes, but it happens. I do miss the wonderful deadpan humor though.

valley_parade · « **Reply #47 on:** 07 Feb 2011, 16:19 »

Hey dudes. Ladies. Americans.

The newest season of Top Gear is starting on BBC America tonight at 9PM Eastern. Two episodes, so it's running until about 11 or so, I think.

Yayyyyyyyyy/

Scandanavian War Machine · « **Reply #48 on:** 08 Feb 2011, 16:20 »

i always hated this show...but then i realized that it was a shittified version of a british show and kind of changed my mind a little.

i'm not a car person, i actually hate cars, but the british version of this show is alright. I just saw the one with Danny Boyle last night and it was pretty rad.

Ikrik · « **Reply #49 on:** 08 Feb 2011, 16:50 »

I think the best part of not caring about cars or car porn in general is when I talk to my friend about Top Gear.

"So, there's this amazing show called Top Gear." -Him
"Yeah, I know, I heard it's amazing." -Me
"Yeah! It is!" - Him
"So much better than the British version." - Me

And then profit as he glowers in rage. But seriously, for a person who cares not for car porn or cars at all, is it seriously worth watching? And from when? Cause the HD versions of that take up way too much space for me to even consider them.

THESE FORUMS NOW CLOSED (read only)

Author Topic: American Top Gear (Read 17872 times)