Top Gear USA

[squirrel_hunter]

I taped this off of BBC3 last night and just watched it, thought I'd share...

Its very similar to the real version, the format is the same - challenges, guests, cars. The cinematography is the same, good tracking shots and the arty videos of the cars.

But it lacks something. Overall the program feels a little rushed, and you can see more obviously where some of the action is staged. But the real problem is the 3 presenters. They are identical to each other and between them they don't have even an ounce of personality, let alone the skill to present. One of the challenges they had was to teach a blind guy to drift, which was pretty cool. But there was no warmth in the feature, no real humor. Over here it would have been hilarious and that would have made the chaps achievements even better. Alas no they really were just going through the motions.

I think the blind mans seeing eye dog summed it all up at the end of the show better than I ever could. I think I'll stick to the original version. But if you want the next episode is on Friday at 19:00 on BBC or the previous episodes can be found on the iPlayer.

[DarrenSV650S]

Watched 10 minutes of it and turned over. Americans phail again

I agree the presenters are naff

[DJFridge]

Love 'em or hate 'em (and I'm happily in the former group) you have to admit that Clarkson, May and Hammond make a very good team. It took a long time for them to get to that point though - revisit TG USA in 3 series time and it might have improved a bit.

[beabert]

My thoughts entirely, all 3 presenters are very generic. Not heard the verb 'taped' for a while lol.

[Sid Squid]

Not heard the verb 'taped' for a while lol.
:D.

I still say it myself, it hasn't meant anything to do with a tape in years though.

[Bluefish]

I think SQ does use a vhs recorder though ;)

[beabert]

I think SQ does use a vhs recorder though ;)
Or betamax :D

[sauluk]

Was a very American effort, I just don't think they can put a comedy spin on the reviews, seemed strained and I barely cracked a smile throughout. Worst thing though for a car show is they were pretty useless drivers, their attempts of burnouts a doughnuts were pretty feeble! The one guy can't really drive a manual yet presents a car show!

[BanannaMan]

But the real problem is the 3 presenters. They are identical to each other and between them they don't have even an ounce of personality, let alone the skill to present. One of the challenges they had was to teach a blind guy to drift, which was pretty cool. But there was no warmth in the feature, no real humor. Over here it would have been hilarious and that would have made the chaps achievements even better. Alas no they really were just going through the motions.




One of my staff at work liked it and asked me had I seen this "new" show.
I have and it's ****e to be quite honest. I told them to watch the real Top Gear on BBCAmerica.
They are very intent on copying the original's format but they are so plastic they can't have any fun with it.
One has to wonder, have they ever seen the real Top Gear?

[tigersaw]

I saw part of one tonight, before turning over to 5th gear.
OMG it was dire, the three 'presenters' are so talentless and dull

[metalangel]

It's a matter of finding good personalities who interact well with each other, and they haven't.

It's not all bad when they take a show overseas, the US version of Takeshi's Castle is vastly, VASTLY superior to the UK one.

[_Stretchie_]

I saw part of one tonight, before turning over to 5th gear.
OMG it was dire, the three 'presenters' are so talentless and dull

You swtiched over to 5th Gear for an improvement in presenting.... Says it all really.

[Wideboy]

Flicked it on last night when I got in whilst waiting for family guy to start, thought it was wank. Even considered watching children in need to pass the time

[DarrenSV650S]

It's a matter of finding good personalities who interact well with each other, and they haven't.

It's not all bad when they take a show overseas, the US version of Takeshi's Castle is vastly, VASTLY superior to the UK one.

You mean the one with Craig Charles? How could they possible improve on Craigs comic genius?!? :eek:

Is it new footage or just a yank commenting on the japs?

[metalangel]

You mean the one with Craig Charles? How could they possible improve on Craigs comic genius?!? :eek:

Is it new footage or just a yank commenting on the japs?

Craig Charles isn't a comic genius, and he's barely amusing on Takeshi's Castle.

The US version (Takeshi's Most Extreme Elimination Challenge, shown from time to time on UK TV) dubs over the Japanese hosts with kung fu-style dialogue, and the two commentators (key: two of them, to play off each other) provide a constant stream of obscene double entendres and innuendos. It's fantastic.

Going by stereotypes, you'd swear the US and UK versions should be the other way around (double entendres? from the US?)... but I suppose it's the same as the way that Richard Hammond - who also isn't funny -attempts to carry Total Wipeout on his own while Total Wipeout Australia has two hosts who interact for 100%more funny.

[DarrenSV650S]

Wait a minute. You find the two american numpties on total wipeout funny??? Your opinion is no longer valid I'm afraid :)

[metalangel]

At least I can read properly :p

Total Wipeout Australia has two hosts who interact for 100%more funny.

Yes, they are funny. The stupid nicknames they come up with the contestants, the genius that was Fighthugs... a million times better than Hammond acting like a plank.

[DarrenSV650S]

oooh haven't seen the Australian one. What channel is that on?

[metalangel]

It's on Watch.

Alas, Most Extreme Elmination Challenge isn't on UK TV at the moment but you might be able to find some clips on Youtube (it's show in Spike in North America).

[Sir Trev]

Flicked it on last night when I got in whilst waiting for family guy to start, thought it was wank. Even considered watching children in need to pass the time

I did not get quite that desparate myself! Yes it was tosh but some of it was funny. I know some of the "challenges" on proper Top Gear are staged but the earlier ones were quite entertaining. The one on TGUSA last night - the car/plane/boat race - was pure tripe. Having all three of them in shot at once and two of them arriving at the end marker together was so poorly scripted it was hopeless. But then it is written for a different market!

And they were not too rude about Morgan in the first part of the show. I thought that would go in a different direction once they started spouting on about wood being used in the construction.