TOP GEAR: USA

[HunterGreene]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

Wow. Can you throw any more stereotypes into one sentence?

Well, I don't watch NASCAR, don't drink Budweiser, don't have enough hair to grow a mullet, but I do speak with a southern drawl. Even so, I do watch TOP GEAR: USA, primarily because I enjoy the "buddy film" aspect of the segments. I just treat it as it is, scripted semi-fiction.

I don't think there is anyone on here that wouldn't love to go out with 2 buddies, but some old cars and put them "to the test" and be able to legally get away with it.

Not sure why they have chosen to stick to that particular part of the TOP GEAR formula and throw out the rest of it. It would be better if it included shorter segments and more of the other "faux review" portions of Top Gear UK.

Bottom line, as some have said, both shows are scripted. The UK trio has just gotten better at making it their own, and the writers are better at highlighting their personalities. I mean does anybody really think James May single-handedly built a "space shuttle Yugo"?

I also don't like Bud, do not have a mullet, I dislike NASCAR, and I speak with the classic Midwestern accent. Also, the Attention of Accuracy Department wanted me to inform you that it was a Reliant Robin shuttle. Even they wouldn't use a Yugo for that.

But I'm pretty much with you there. I like the show, even though I would like to see them do more power lap times and faux/real car reviews. Ditch the interviews, most boring part (for the most part) of the UK show.

I'll repeat myself, but the UK show has the advantage of not having to deal with commercials. They have a full hour (sometimes more) of uninterrupted programming (hence why when they show it over here, its between 1:15-1:20). You simply can't fit in the same amount of content when you have to sell out to make a buck.

Lastly, there are a couple things that are encouraging about TG:US. You are seeing more ad-lib and the hosts personalities coming through, as well as challenges that are becoming unique to the US show (whereas the first two seasons were all challenges that had been done by the UK show). Finally, they are finally starting to travel outside of the US, and the production value has increased. That indicates that Discovery/BBCA is starting to throw more money at them. It won't be a yearly production budget of millions of dollars (as TG:UK has), but its a sign that the producers and executives are not listening to the haters.

You will know if TG:US has made it if TG:UK makes a crossover episode as they have done with Germany and Australia.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by HunterGreene

... Also, the Attention of Accuracy Department wanted me to inform you that it was a Reliant Robin shuttle. Even they wouldn't use a Yugo for that.

Correction noted, and can't believe I made that mistake! The second I read your note, I knew I knew the right answer. I am imposing a 5 day suspension of my "Car Guy" license for even typing that.

Overall, with your comments on the show I think you hit the nail on the head! It's got a ways to go, but TG:USA is still infinitely better than Adam Corolla's "The Car Show" could have ever been.