November 7 Weekly Open Thread: More thoughts on Top Gear - US vs. UK
I'll admit I am/was behind the curve on the original (UK) version of Top Gear. My brain sucking electronic device (TV) doesn't get it. Or at least, it didn't until I added NetFlix to my Nintendo Wii that is. Silly me, I owned the Wii for a year before I realized it had wireless internet functionality.
So over the past month I've watched 4 seasons of UK Top Gear. And I like it. A lot. But interestingly, I still like the US version better. I'm sure that'll spur comments.
Jeremy Clarkson makes the UK version go, and there is noo ne filling that role in the US version - or at least Tanner Foust hasn't got to his level yet. Understandable though, Foust has couple hundred fewer episodes under his belt. But in reality, I don't think he'll get to Clarkson's level, and honestly I'm fine with that. But it is Clarkson that makes the UK version tick in my mind.
Where the US version pulls ahead for me is on relatability. The cars they use and sites they visit in the challenges are familiar on some level. I can relate to that far better than a Fiat, a Skoda and a Ford not available in our market. Nothing against those cars (particularly the Skoda) but when I see Adam Ferrara get an early 70's Cadillac Coupe DeVille airborn it is a perfect example of why I like the US version better. I've been in that Cadillac. Sat on the back seat where there is room for a basketball team. Floated down the road with zero sensation from the outside world. And that is where I think the US version works - it connects.
That doesn't mean the US version is perfect, I just prefer it warts and all. Sure I'd like to see the banter between hosts be natural rather than forced. That will hopefully come with time. Yes, I'd like to see them come up with their own more unique production style, but that might be limited/controlled by the parent company. But without question I'd like to see more of them. Thankfully the US version was was given another season.
Which version do you like best? Have a favorite episode of either? And as usual, post anything else you want in here that's vaguely car-related.
Al on November 07, 2011 at 04:20 AM
I Kinda Felt The Same Way, About How One Can Relate To The Cars More. But I Feel That The US Version Offers Nothing Over The UK Version.They All Have The And The Stig. But Its Not Just The Cars That Make The UK Version Great, Its The Presenters. I Just Think Its Funnier To See 3 Middle Aged Men Who Have Nothing In Common Present A A Show About Cars, Then Adam, Tanner And Rutlage. Ive Seen Almost Every Episode Of UK TG, And My Only Compalint Is Im Not British. Ergo I Dont Know Who 98% Of The Stars In A Resonably Priced Car Are.
Just My 2 Cents.
Off Topic Question For Any Experts On 40s Cars: I've Seen Pictures Of Lots Of 40s Cars With Spotlights On Them. Why Were These Installed? Why Arent The Still Installed?
That Car Guy on November 07, 2011 at 07:57 AM
I look forward to the next season of TopGear USA. I'll bet there will be some changes and improvements. This show is in its infancy, it's still developing, and the fact that it's already been renewed twice says something for it.
At least the program is not another senseless reality show.
tigerstrypes on November 07, 2011 at 09:21 AM
What most "Top Gear fans" in Youtube don't know is that Top Gear has been around for decades, since the 1970s. It got overhauled in 2002 (after its cancellation in 1999 due to poor ratings) with the current host line-up, with James May joining in '03. "Fifth Gear" sorta continued with the "Old Top Gear" formula with some of the rest of the former "Old" Top Gear hosts.
While Jeremy Clarkson is not the oldest of the original Top Gear hosts, he's definitely been around the longest. Here he is talking about his first Top Gear appearance. His hair was EPIC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8i_ktmqXzU
Tanner Faust will need a second lifetime to catch up on Jeremy's motor-journalist skills. And that's not including all the books and specials that Clarkson has done.
Though I believe a comparison with Richard Hammond, while still a stretch, is more appropriate.
XD
Anthony Cagle on November 07, 2011 at 07:35 PM
"Where the US version pulls ahead for me is on relatability"
I feel that way as well, although I haven't been watching TGUS that much since I discovered The Car Show. Especially the older cars that TGUK deal with, it's still fairly funny but it would be much better if you really understood what the deal really was with, say, a Jensen Interceptor was. I get it perhaps a bit more than most Americans since I'm old enough to have seen at least some of the old 1970s British TV shows (and enjoyed them!). I loved, for example, the TGUS ep where they went and bought their first cars. A VW pickup! A K-car!
But I agree that the hosts are the weakest link so far in TGUS. Despite it's Man Show-esque routines, The Car Show hosts are all comfortable in front of the camera and interacting with each other, for the most part. That makes a big difference.
Ben on November 08, 2011 at 07:48 AM
I would love Top Gear U.S. to succeed. As much as I enjoy the current U.K. show, there is very little love, or even tolerance, for U.S. cars. The problem, in my opinion, is that a large percentage of America really does have different requirements in cars that aren't taken into consideration; and, unfortunately, I don't see the Top Gear U.S. program doing a very good job in that department, either. And the U.S. hosts...ugh. I don't like any of them, I don't relate to any of them...and after two seasons, I still don't feel as if a single one of them is bringing a real opinion to the table. It all feels scripted.
John G on November 23, 2011 at 06:14 AM
Hi All;
I enjoy both shows, but the nod goes to TGUK due to one thing, money. You see, TGUK is produced by the BBC, which has a fountain of taxpayer money. They have a bigger crew, better cameras, optics, and post production. I like TGUS, I do relate to the cars, but you can tell, it's just not as 'good'.
Thanks for reading.