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BBC to attempt to relaunch Top Gear again

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Tracked

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4/5, speaking as a non-petrolhead who only watched CHM Top Gear for the laughs and isn't generally that interested in the cars. It was entertaining and I don't think I've laughed at a new Top Gear episode as much in a good few years. The three of them worked well together and I found their enthusiasm quite infectious, like CHM sometimes you knew what was going to happen but couldn't help laughing along. I found it better than some of the later CHM episodes (the quality started dipping for me after the Caravan Train and VW advert episodes), as examples of their road trips that felt tired in comparison I'd suggest Romania, Cherynobyl and India.

The main bad thing would be that once you've got the novelty of the new presenters out of the way you're left with another road trip episode, the show probably won't escape the endless comparisons with earlier presenters by recycling previous episodes.
 
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swj99

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How many of you remember The Goodies, starring Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie and Tim Brooke-Taylor ?
That show basically followed the format of a sit com, and it worked because of who the characters were, and the chemistry between them. I don't imagine it would have worked as well if they'd replaced any or all of the characters, in the same way The Good Life, The Young Ones or George and Mildred would have probably lost something if different people were brought into the show.

There have been exceptions where a show has continued and remained successful if one of member of the cast is replaced. For example, in Goodnight Sweetheart, Gary Sparrow's wife was originally played by Michelle Holmes, but at some point was replaced by Emma Amos. The magic was still there, probably because the main character was played throughout by Nicholas Lyndhurst.

Love him or hate him, Clarkson was the leading character in the Top Gear lineup, and when he went, the show lost something it's not likely to get back.
 

MonsooN

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I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode. I freely admit I wasn't keen on Flintoff or McGuiness but I found them all quite entertaining.

It's never going to be the same as it was with the old trio but I'd be happy watching more of these three.
 

Tetchytyke

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I like the "original" three (*no, not Angela Rippon and Noel Edmonds, you know who I mean. I watch the Grand Tour on Amazon and enjoy it very much.

I also liked LeBlanc and Harris (who is very funny), other than Matt's wooden autocue reading. I was pleased with the first episode with Flintoff and McGuinness. It was good fun.

I think people look back on the "old" TG with rose-tinted specs. Some episodes were brilliant, others very meh. People just remember the brilliant ones.

It isn't what it was, but then again TGT isn't what TG was either, despite the same presenters and writers and a much much bigger budget.
 

thenorthern

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From what I understand the BBC spent more per episode on the Matt Le Blanc version of Top Gear than Clarkson version of Top Gear although it only got a quarter of the audience. I was talking to a researcher for Top Gear and you would be amazed about what perks and additional costs Clarkson, Hammond and May got for presenting Top Gear.

From what I understand though viewing figures for the new series were 2.5 million which are still only a fraction of what the old Top Gear got.

I think people look back on the "old" TG with rose-tinted specs. Some episodes were brilliant, others very meh. People just remember the brilliant ones.

It isn't what it was, but then again TGT isn't what TG was either, despite the same presenters and writers and a much much bigger budget.

I think the Clarkson, Hammond and May Top Gear was getting rather repetitive and predictable and had past its best, had his contract not been renewed I think the BBC would be looking at canceling Top Gear by now.
 

Dave1987

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How many of you remember The Goodies, starring Graeme Garden, Bill Oddie and Tim Brooke-Taylor ?
That show basically followed the format of a sit com, and it worked because of who the characters were, and the chemistry between them. I don't imagine it would have worked as well if they'd replaced any or all of the characters, in the same way The Good Life, The Young Ones or George and Mildred would have probably lost something if different people were brought into the show.

There have been exceptions where a show has continued and remained successful if one of member of the cast is replaced. For example, in Goodnight Sweetheart, Gary Sparrow's wife was originally played by Michelle Holmes, but at some point was replaced by Emma Amos. The magic was still there, probably because the main character was played throughout by Nicholas Lyndhurst.

Love him or hate him, Clarkson was the leading character in the Top Gear lineup, and when he went, the show lost something it's not likely to get back.

When Clarkson was interviewed post being sacked by the Beeb for his incident he said he didn’t think the Beeb Two senior management understood the effort it took to get Top Gear to the level it did and just took it for granted how popular the Top Gear brand was. I don’t think Top Gear will ever get back to the heights it was at back between 2005-2010. People may well say they love the new format but it’s the majority that matter. If it cannot pull in the mass viewing figures and provide the brand status that Clarkson and Wilma managed it can only be a matter of time before it is consigned to history again.
 

Dave1987

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I like the "original" three (*no, not Angela Rippon and Noel Edmonds, you know who I mean. I watch the Grand Tour on Amazon and enjoy it very much.

I also liked LeBlanc and Harris (who is very funny), other than Matt's wooden autocue reading. I was pleased with the first episode with Flintoff and McGuinness. It was good fun.

I think people look back on the "old" TG with rose-tinted specs. Some episodes were brilliant, others very meh. People just remember the brilliant ones.

It isn't what it was, but then again TGT isn't what TG was either, despite the same presenters and writers and a much much bigger budget.

Even the later episodes were drawing in viewing figures in excess of 5 million. This latest incarnation only managed half that. Remains to be seen what the average long term viewing figures will be.
 

HOOVER29

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Watched the first episode of the new series before going to work.
Always had Flintoff down as a bit of a t**t. Gradually though through the episode I came around to him. Ok he’s still a tad autocue but I reckon all 3 were generally ok. It’s early days yet so not getting too excited.
 

Cowley

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Literally just finished watching the first episode.
I watched it all the way through even though I only intended to watch half tonight, and finish watching it tomorrow night.
Quite enjoyable, and I’ll be watching the next one...
 

MonsooN

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Watched the first episode of the new series before going to work.
Always had Flintoff down as a bit of a t**t. Gradually though through the episode I came around to him. Ok he’s still a tad autocue but I reckon all 3 were generally ok. It’s early days yet so not getting too excited.

Exactly. People often forget that it took several series for the bond to develop between the three original presenters. You can't just expect a new team to pick up where the old team left off. You have to give it some time and allow the rapport to build. I just hope they get that time.

On another note, I'm sad Rory isn't part of the lineup. I thought he was really entertaining and informative and I liked his presenting style. It's a shame he didn't get a chance to be a main part of the lineup.
 

Cambus731

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I dipped in. but it was embarrassing.
I am a bit surprised that knowing what a petrolhead he is, no-one suggested that Chris Barrie (Red Dwarf, Brittas Empire) take it on.
 

trentside

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I dipped in. but it was embarrassing.
I am a bit surprised that knowing what a petrolhead he is, no-one suggested that Chris Barrie (Red Dwarf, Brittas Empire) take it on.

I’m surprised he’s not been touted as a potential TG presenter, but then we don’t know he’s not been offered it and turned it down!

Personally, I’m giving this latest relaunch a chance. Will see how I feel after a few episodes.
 

Geezertronic

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Clarkson, Hammond and Dawe then?

I've never seen any repeats on Dave with Dawe in it :D People either conveniently forget about Dawe or don't know who he is in relation to Top Gear. Captain Slow was not one of the original three, but the combination of Clarkson, Hammond and May are the ones people always associate with Top Gear :D
 

MonsooN

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I thought last night's episode was very entertaining. I was really sceptical about the combination of Flintoff and McGuinness but the dynamic is building up quite nicely. I found myself laughing out loud several times in last night's episode. It was entertaining and informative. What more could you ask for?
 

Darandio

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I thought last night's episode was very entertaining. I was really sceptical about the combination of Flintoff and McGuinness but the dynamic is building up quite nicely. I found myself laughing out loud several times in last night's episode. It was entertaining and informative. What more could you ask for?

It wasn't too bad. The mickey taking of Chris Harris by the pair of them is wearing very thin already though.
 

HOOVER29

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Did Flintoff accidentally put the nut on Harris. I’m not so sure.
Only talking of erm experience.
Look away look away then bop.
Given the height difference of Flintoff against Harris he had to drop his head a good distance to accidentally put one on him.
I know because I’m 6 ft 4 & used to play rugby. I’ve clashed heads a few times, some accidentally some deliberate. It takes some doing to make it look accidental.
Watch this space for those two.
Flintoff, a leopard who never changes its spots.
Once a c*** always a c***.
 

S26Crewe

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Watched last week's yesterday and it was certainly up to standard. I reckon they've got the team right this time.

I think once they've settled in, it will be great. The 'presenting' sections are still a little bit rigid. But I've not enjoyed TG this much in a very long time
 

Cowley

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I think once they've settled in, it will be great. The 'presenting' sections are still a little bit rigid. But I've not enjoyed TG this much in a very long time
I watched Sunday’s episode last night and really enjoyed it.
I’m actually looking forward to next weeks one now, which I haven’t done for a while.
 

Geezertronic

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I did find it funny that Chris Harris felt the need to Tweet out that he was not being "bullied" by Freddie & Paddy and that everything was done in good humour.
 

DarloRich

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I am a bit surprised that knowing what a petrolhead he is, no-one suggested that Chris Barrie (Red Dwarf, Brittas Empire) take it on.

I’m surprised he’s not been touted as a potential TG presenter,

Top Gear isnt a show about cars. It is a show about 3 blokes messing about. You don't need a "petrol head". Also I doubt Chris Barrie has reach or recognition with the target market for TG, especially abroad.
 

Geezertronic

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Top Gear isnt a show about cars. It is a show about 3 blokes messing about. You don't need a "petrol head". Also I doubt Chris Barrie has reach or recognition with the target market for TG, especially abroad.

Also they seem to have gone for a younger presenter lineup so although Chris Barrie is the same age as Clarkson, he might not fit the younger narrative that they seem to have gone for
 

JamesT

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Also they seem to have gone for a younger presenter lineup so although Chris Barrie is the same age as Clarkson, he might not fit the younger narrative that they seem to have gone for

And being a car geek isn't enough, Chris Evans is a huge motor nut but was terrible. Allegedly he couldn't manage the driving and presenting bit so they needed lots of takes to get it right.
 

westv

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Why aren't the power laps shown on the main programme any more?
 

westv

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Top Gear isnt a show about cars. It is a show about 3 blokes messing about. You don't need a "petrol head". Also I doubt Chris Barrie has reach or recognition with the target market for TG, especially abroad.
TG under Clarkson, May and Hammond was a car show that included 3 blokes messing around. The current series is 3 blokes messing around with a bit of a car show tagged on.
 

DarloRich

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TG under Clarkson, May and Hammond was a car show that included 3 blokes messing around. The current series is 3 blokes messing around with a bit of a car show tagged on.

Eh? Are you watching the same show? It hasnt been a car shiw for 20 years! It is a show for 3 blokes to cock about. The cars are just a sideline. They hardly deliver detailed assessments of the cars!
 

westv

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Eh? Are you watching the same show? It hasnt been a car shiw for 20 years! It is a show for 3 blokes to cock about. The cars are just a sideline. They hardly deliver detailed assessments of the cars!
Not quite true. The old programme had a section of car news + all 3 presenters gave car reviews of a sort. The new programme has no car news and only Chris Harris seems to do any car reviews.
 
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