If you watched new Top Gear was it any good, yes or no?
Poll: If you watched new Top Gear was it any good, yes or no?
Total Members Polled: 1113
Discussion
Just skipped through a few of the episodes of new TG.
No comparison to the chemistry there was between Clarkson, Hammond and May. Think the new show could work with just MLB, CH and RR where MLB takes the lead building on his comedy/acting skills to bring in a bit of fun. Would need to bring in more enthusiasm though. Seemed sometimes a bit too underexcited.
As for CE: Was he famous in Britain before the show? Was he in show business and people actually paid him for that? Appalling is probably the nicest I could say. Is there a petition I can sign for legally banning that guy from media presence?
As for SS: What is she needed for? CH can do the driving parts equally well or better and can actually talk. Hope they fade her out and if they ever bring her back then only as a guest presenter for Euro road trips etc and that after 2 years spent full time at language school. Her accent makes my ears cry for mercy...But then again hearing her speak German in the accent of her home region is a pain to 95% of her compatriots
No comparison to the chemistry there was between Clarkson, Hammond and May. Think the new show could work with just MLB, CH and RR where MLB takes the lead building on his comedy/acting skills to bring in a bit of fun. Would need to bring in more enthusiasm though. Seemed sometimes a bit too underexcited.
As for CE: Was he famous in Britain before the show? Was he in show business and people actually paid him for that? Appalling is probably the nicest I could say. Is there a petition I can sign for legally banning that guy from media presence?
As for SS: What is she needed for? CH can do the driving parts equally well or better and can actually talk. Hope they fade her out and if they ever bring her back then only as a guest presenter for Euro road trips etc and that after 2 years spent full time at language school. Her accent makes my ears cry for mercy...But then again hearing her speak German in the accent of her home region is a pain to 95% of her compatriots
Evangelion said:
B.J.W said:
I haven't watched Sunday's episode yet....
That would never have happened pre-Evans..
I watched it, but about 80% was on fast forward; that wouldn't have happened either.That would never have happened pre-Evans..
That said, my son bought me TG's greatest hits on DVD for christmas. It perhaps indicates my feelings to old TG that it had remained sealed until yesterday, when I was up stupidly early and thought I'd check the DVDs actually worked.
First clip was the trio on a car vs train race to Nice (2006, as I recall).
Say what you like, but they did some great stuff - I'm going to watch the DVDs soon and I'm looking forward to it.
DamnKraut said:
As for CE: Was he famous in Britain before the show? Was he in show business and people actually paid him for that? Appalling is probably the nicest I could say. Is there a petition I can sign for legally banning that guy from media presence?
He's reasonably well known as a TV and Radio presenter. He's always been very Marmite (like him or hate him, little in between - I agree with you). If he hadn't have been on the BBC payroll and well known, I'm pretty sure no-one would have offered him a job in front of the camera.I quite liked Sabine when she was on old TG once or twice, but I can imagine repeated exposure to her would be a little irritating (say, about 1/1000ths as irritating as 3 seconds of Evans... which would be more than enough for me to switch off.)
M
Edited by marcosgt on Thursday 30th June 09:41
joshcowin said:
I like it
CE shoukld go next season
Harris is great (I was a fan before)
MLB is getting better and I find him funny
SS is good, my wife likes her and she doesn't take anything away from it
Rory is OK
As a studio presenter, Rory tries too hard to be 'down with the kids'. His motoring segments are decent enough though.CE shoukld go next season
Harris is great (I was a fan before)
MLB is getting better and I find him funny
SS is good, my wife likes her and she doesn't take anything away from it
Rory is OK
Harris is great in a car, OK in the studio.
MLB enjoyable in car or studio. A wee bit too laid back (maybe trying to compensate for Evans) but likeable and seemingly knowledgable.
Evans - Crap in the motoring segments, OK-ish in the studio but comes across as a dilettante with respect to cars. He's somewhat interested in cars and has a very nice collection of them (as a result of being rich) but doesn't really know much about motoring. Could take him or leave him, a strong third studio presenter might make it all work better.
Sabine - good in car, OK in small doses in studio.
Eddie Jordan - court jester and WUM. OK in very small doses in the right situation.
xjay1337 said:
I thought tonights - err, yesterdays, episode was good.
Evans is getting better but I could still do without him.
MLB is brilliant, i think RR, CH and MLB could do well without Evans.
Alternatively, swap out Evans with Steve Coogan for a laugh.... :-)
About right. I find MLB funny - must be his comedy/acting training - perfect for TGEvans is getting better but I could still do without him.
MLB is brilliant, i think RR, CH and MLB could do well without Evans.
Alternatively, swap out Evans with Steve Coogan for a laugh.... :-)
Still itching when I look at Evans' clothes though
I thought first show was weak, but since then it's become a lot better. The photography and editing around the film pieces has stepped on a bit as well, I like the use of slightly different in car cameras, the additional effects and static shots they seem to have employed.
Hugely impressed with MLB I thought he's been great in the film segments. Not so strong in the studio, doesn't feel natural to me.
As for Evans, I've always been a fan, I think this isn't the right show for him though. Whilst he's quite good in the films, he's most at home in the studio in an interview situation. I guess that's part of the reason the guest slot has been kept. The acoustics are horrific in the studio, which doesn't help his delivery. I'm also interested in the reports that he is unkind to his team, having worked with him for 5 years I found that hard to believe. Also, coming from MLB I also find it hard to believe he's never seen it before with his Hollywood / US network background.
Massive fan of Chris Harris, so glad he's on there and the Vulcan film was comparable to the P1 piece by Clarkson last season.
Sabine and Jordan are not needed, I think you could have replaced Sabine with Harris in most of her pieces and it would have been better. Jordan, serves little or no purpose beyond the odd cameo.
Quite impressed with Rory Reid, seeing as he's had no experience beyond YouTube, I felt like he's got potential.
Watching the water splash challenge was interning. I felt that MLB, Harris and Rory Reid could carry the show themselves. Over time I think the chemistry could grow and the format could work. As for Evans, I think he'll stay for this next run of shows and then the format will change. I don't see the corporation having the balls to get rid of him after just 5 shows. Personally I'd like the see the guest piece changed to a weekly challenge slot, something not so car focused for the viewers who aren't so fussed about cars. Mix it up a bit, as I think that part is very stale (but can see why it's still there).
In short, some of the best film / review sections of recent years and looking forward to GT and TG in the autumn.
Hugely impressed with MLB I thought he's been great in the film segments. Not so strong in the studio, doesn't feel natural to me.
As for Evans, I've always been a fan, I think this isn't the right show for him though. Whilst he's quite good in the films, he's most at home in the studio in an interview situation. I guess that's part of the reason the guest slot has been kept. The acoustics are horrific in the studio, which doesn't help his delivery. I'm also interested in the reports that he is unkind to his team, having worked with him for 5 years I found that hard to believe. Also, coming from MLB I also find it hard to believe he's never seen it before with his Hollywood / US network background.
Massive fan of Chris Harris, so glad he's on there and the Vulcan film was comparable to the P1 piece by Clarkson last season.
Sabine and Jordan are not needed, I think you could have replaced Sabine with Harris in most of her pieces and it would have been better. Jordan, serves little or no purpose beyond the odd cameo.
Quite impressed with Rory Reid, seeing as he's had no experience beyond YouTube, I felt like he's got potential.
Watching the water splash challenge was interning. I felt that MLB, Harris and Rory Reid could carry the show themselves. Over time I think the chemistry could grow and the format could work. As for Evans, I think he'll stay for this next run of shows and then the format will change. I don't see the corporation having the balls to get rid of him after just 5 shows. Personally I'd like the see the guest piece changed to a weekly challenge slot, something not so car focused for the viewers who aren't so fussed about cars. Mix it up a bit, as I think that part is very stale (but can see why it's still there).
In short, some of the best film / review sections of recent years and looking forward to GT and TG in the autumn.
Last nights ep was OK again, not brilliant, just OK
Something about MLBs item on the porsche fell wrong with me though, he goes on and on about it being a simple car, needing a proper driver etc.. while the GT3RS (which is cheaper...
) is just too hardcore.
Why even buy a new 911, much less the R? If you just want a nice driving 911, why go for the most expensive of the bunch? If laptimes arent what you are going for, a regular Carerra or a lightly used older model (if you dont want a turbo lump) is a much better idea no? And personally im still in the "they can go on about the engine at the back being characteristic till they go blue in the face, i'd have a cayman" camp. Not even Hammond was this sickly love-stricken with the 911.
CE's item on the revised MGB was incredibly cringe-worthy again... Felt like he was trying to emulate Clarksons "the good old days" style from the Aston Martin film from 2009 (season ending item, waxing on and on about the last of the v12s, which also sparked speculation about TG ending). Instead of genuine nostalgia about some motoring greatness, he came off as a boring old man in a tweed vest boring everyone to death about his MG and it being a true british sportscar etc..
Something about MLBs item on the porsche fell wrong with me though, he goes on and on about it being a simple car, needing a proper driver etc.. while the GT3RS (which is cheaper...
) is just too hardcore.Why even buy a new 911, much less the R? If you just want a nice driving 911, why go for the most expensive of the bunch? If laptimes arent what you are going for, a regular Carerra or a lightly used older model (if you dont want a turbo lump) is a much better idea no? And personally im still in the "they can go on about the engine at the back being characteristic till they go blue in the face, i'd have a cayman" camp. Not even Hammond was this sickly love-stricken with the 911.
CE's item on the revised MGB was incredibly cringe-worthy again... Felt like he was trying to emulate Clarksons "the good old days" style from the Aston Martin film from 2009 (season ending item, waxing on and on about the last of the v12s, which also sparked speculation about TG ending). Instead of genuine nostalgia about some motoring greatness, he came off as a boring old man in a tweed vest boring everyone to death about his MG and it being a true british sportscar etc..
nickwilcock said:
It's very simple - EVANS MUST GO!!
The Top Gear Consumer Panel survey after the last episode asked "What would you like to see on Top Gear?". That was easy to answer - Clarkson, Hammond and May!
Relying on things like this and chasing viewer figures is why we end up with so much "X-Factor" "I'm a celebrity ...." but I guess that's the way TV is going.The Top Gear Consumer Panel survey after the last episode asked "What would you like to see on Top Gear?". That was easy to answer - Clarkson, Hammond and May!
Enjoyed the series, enjoy the format, like the broader number of hosts and not only did I watch the wholes series all the way through at first airing (a first in a long while), I was also left wishing there was a few more episodes in the series / looking forward to next series rather than feeling a little let down and thinking "time for a change" which has been the case for the last few years.
I think a few things need clearing up here; 1) the viewing figures have largely dropped because a lot of the non car lovers who switched on for the three amigos have stopped watching- I suspect most hardcore petrolheads are still tuning in.
2) The Clarkson, May and Hammond set up had become stale. people have short memories, I remember all the negativity on PHs during the last series. Then they leave and everyone is "oh, we loved Clarkson, May and Hammond, get them back".
3) They just need to ditch Evans, Schmidt and the SIARC, tidy up a few things and its a decent car show again.
4) the new show has a lot more car content. Don't we like that on here?! We had more new car tests last night than probably the entire last series with the three previous presenters.
I think overall, we brits do like to complain and its just not cool or fashionable to actually express a positive opinion, when the herd instinct is to be negative.
Looking forward to next season now and great to see Chris Harris becoming a TV star, having followed his progress from the late 90s when he was junior road tester at Autocar!
greenarrow said:
I think a few things need clearing up here; 1) the viewing figures have largely dropped because a lot of the non car lovers who switched on for the three amigos have stopped watching- I suspect most hardcore petrolheads are still tuning in.
2) The Clarkson, May and Hammond set up had become stale. people have short memories, I remember all the negativity on PHs during the last series. Then they leave and everyone is "oh, we loved Clarkson, May and Hammond, get them back".
3) They just need to ditch Evans, Schmidt and the SIARC, tidy up a few things and its a decent car show again.
4) the new show has a lot more car content. Don't we like that on here?! We had more new car tests last night than probably the entire last series with the three previous presenters.
I think overall, we brits do like to complain and its just not cool or fashionable to actually express a positive opinion, when the herd instinct is to be negative.
Looking forward to next season now and great to see Chris Harris becoming a TV star, having followed his progress from the late 90s when he was junior road tester at Autocar!
Agree for the most part but as much as I would like it to be purely a car show it needs to be more to survive. I would be happy if all future episodes were similar to last nights to be honest. The interview / Rallycross bit still needs something but think it is probably needed to some extent. Also I hope all the presenters remain, I would hate it to go back to just 3 but if the rumours are true and it was MLB or CE, I think MLB input could be covered by others.2) The Clarkson, May and Hammond set up had become stale. people have short memories, I remember all the negativity on PHs during the last series. Then they leave and everyone is "oh, we loved Clarkson, May and Hammond, get them back".
3) They just need to ditch Evans, Schmidt and the SIARC, tidy up a few things and its a decent car show again.
4) the new show has a lot more car content. Don't we like that on here?! We had more new car tests last night than probably the entire last series with the three previous presenters.
I think overall, we brits do like to complain and its just not cool or fashionable to actually express a positive opinion, when the herd instinct is to be negative.
Looking forward to next season now and great to see Chris Harris becoming a TV star, having followed his progress from the late 90s when he was junior road tester at Autocar!
greenarrow said:
I think a few things need clearing up here; 1) the viewing figures have largely dropped because a lot of the non car lovers who switched on for the three amigos have stopped watching- I suspect most hardcore petrolheads are still tuning in.
I guess if you'll watch Wheeler Dealers, those US chop shop shows and the like, you'll be watching anything about cars, but, whilst I'll watch Fifth Gear and never missed old TG, I won't just watch any old tat about cars.I WOULD give new Top Gear a go if they got shot of Evans, but with him, no way...
greenarrow said:
2) The Clarkson, May and Hammond set up had become stale. people have short memories, I remember all the negativity on PHs during the last series. Then they leave and everyone is "oh, we loved Clarkson, May and Hammond, get them back".
I think you're wrong here. They were different people. Most people enjoy CMH because the chemistry worked and their interest for cars held it all together. Those who didn't were a small minority and they didn't change their view that CMH wasn't enjoyable, but equally they didn't immediately think CE/MLB/CH/etc were better. greenarrow said:
3) They just need to ditch Evans, Schmidt and the SIARC, tidy up a few things and its a decent car show again.
And get Harris to calm down and get Rory to be less "Down wit de kids" and get MLB to be less actory...greenarrow said:
4) the new show has a lot more car content. Don't we like that on here?! We had more new car tests last night than probably the entire last series with the three previous presenters.
That's good, if true.greenarrow said:
I think overall, we brits do like to complain and its just not cool or fashionable to actually express a positive opinion, when the herd instinct is to be negative.
Sorry, but rubbish. The minority disliked the old team, go back and read the moans and see they're a small minoity. The viewing figures support this - People have left in droves...greenarrow said:
Looking forward to next season now and great to see Chris Harris becoming a TV star, having followed his progress from the late 90s when he was junior road tester at Autocar!
Mmmmmm - I've yet to be convinced he's any better as a presenter than Tom Ford and at times he shows definite Jonny Smith tendencies! See your previous point 
M
Edited by marcosgt on Monday 4th July 09:53
LDM said:
greenarrow said:
I think a few things need clearing up here; 1) the viewing figures have largely dropped because a lot of the non car lovers who switched on for the three amigos have stopped watching- I suspect most hardcore petrolheads are still tuning in.
2) The Clarkson, May and Hammond set up had become stale. people have short memories, I remember all the negativity on PHs during the last series. Then they leave and everyone is "oh, we loved Clarkson, May and Hammond, get them back".
3) They just need to ditch Evans, Schmidt and the SIARC, tidy up a few things and its a decent car show again.
4) the new show has a lot more car content. Don't we like that on here?! We had more new car tests last night than probably the entire last series with the three previous presenters.
I think overall, we brits do like to complain and its just not cool or fashionable to actually express a positive opinion, when the herd instinct is to be negative.
Looking forward to next season now and great to see Chris Harris becoming a TV star, having followed his progress from the late 90s when he was junior road tester at Autocar!
Agree for the most part but as much as I would like it to be purely a car show it needs to be more to survive. I would be happy if all future episodes were similar to last nights to be honest. The interview / Rallycross bit still needs something but think it is probably needed to some extent. Also I hope all the presenters remain, I would hate it to go back to just 3 but if the rumours are true and it was MLB or CE, I think MLB input could be covered by others.2) The Clarkson, May and Hammond set up had become stale. people have short memories, I remember all the negativity on PHs during the last series. Then they leave and everyone is "oh, we loved Clarkson, May and Hammond, get them back".
3) They just need to ditch Evans, Schmidt and the SIARC, tidy up a few things and its a decent car show again.
4) the new show has a lot more car content. Don't we like that on here?! We had more new car tests last night than probably the entire last series with the three previous presenters.
I think overall, we brits do like to complain and its just not cool or fashionable to actually express a positive opinion, when the herd instinct is to be negative.
Looking forward to next season now and great to see Chris Harris becoming a TV star, having followed his progress from the late 90s when he was junior road tester at Autocar!
I guess they are already committed to season 2 but if the viewing figures remain purely petrol-heads, then they are going to struggle to justify the budget and therefore I can't see there being a 3rd season - unless it's still selling well abroad.
Ste1987 said:
Last night's episode was a bit underwhelming. Did anyone else think Evans' restored cars feature was a bit pointless? To be honest, I've found most of Evans' features a bit pointless
I enjoyed that feature (along with the rest of the show), albeit it did once again highlight that Evans is incapable of simultaneous hooning and talking. Maybe leave that trope to Harris...Gassing Station | TV, Film, Video Streaming & Radio | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff