Episode 4 - 13th July 2008

[Deleted]

Andy wasn't blowing his trumpet enough IMHO ;D

Tonight's programme was simply stunning! The Alfa Romeo 8C is beautiful, just a shame the power lap was done on a lake. It would be fantastic if at some point they could test it on a dry track.
I wonder if Jeremy will end up owning one?

The news, fantastic as usual. They are soooo right about the Ferrari California, it is not as pretty as the original one. It does resemble a Peugeot or some something that is about to sneeze. But what is happening to the Dacia Sandero?? EDIT Loving the new picture ;D

Right the heart of this weeks programme the Nissan GT-R v. Train, Bullet train, train, train, ferry, cable car and run/stagger up to the Buddha of Road Safety. It was amazing and I sat watching the first part in anticipation and didn't want the break for the SIARPC to interrupt it. This only heightened the OMG what is going to happen and I wasn't dissappointed. Jeremy's Bill Oddie mask was a fantastic idea!

The SIARPC was funny and very playful. Kate Silverton was particularly impressive. Could she knock Simon 'high trousers' Cowell from the top in a dry lap?

The second part of the race was as dramatic as I've ever seen. James being abandoned by Richard accidentally, by the split train, couldn't have been foreseen and left me sitting on the edge of my seat encouraging Richard to catch up with James. Thank goodness for James cam, poor chap when Jeremy was gloating. The split screen for Richard and Jeremy (when he found out) was inspired. The language barrier was an additional challenge which caused its own problems. A Sat Nav and controls in Japanese; how hard can it be?? Very when Jeremy turned it off.

The race was gripping up to the final climb to the top of the mountain. I think (including the race to Verbier) that was the closest race to date. The cinematogaphy from the film crew was brilliant. Simply, it's a classic TG race and I'm delighted they waited to do another race like this with two amazing automotive inventions. The Bullet train puts the UK train network to shame. Yet again, Jeremy (just) proves a car can beat even the fastest and most reliable form of transport. Even with human errors all over the shop, made the race even more exciting.

Overall, it was stunning. Well Done TG and crew you should all be proud!

Edit : I forgot to mention it was EPIC!!! ;D

Edit edit : I forgot to mention the cutting of the race film and the music choices when James and Richard boarded the Bullet train and throughout that part of the journey was stunning. (Bet you can't tell I'm rewatching it ;D )

[lymaze]

Thanks MG. Brilliant stuff as usual. I'd forgotten about him turning the Sat-nav off. ;D

[Deleted]

[Deleted]

Oh yes the Nissan GT-R, um, actually it appeared to make sense near the end of the race when it was in race mode. I'm looking forward to the review and track test later on in the series. It looks pretty interesting.

[dutchdiva]

I think this was the best episode they ever made (well I think). I can't wait to watch it again today.

[lew]

MG brilliant review

[maibee]

We'll be expecting no less this week with uncut details galore, Lew! Not long to go! Are you starting to tremble?

[lew]

Sorry, head in my work, oh yes feel a bit nervy actually worried about everything what could go wrong ......must admit the uncut does appeal to me, though I've seen the pic that Jezz refers to on the interweb but I'm sure we'll let you know a few details, not too much to spoil

[adco]

I watched five parts on youtube and couldn't find part six! Arrrgh!
Whole family gathered 'round the lappy and no ending!
My husband asked me if any of my "on-line friends" had told me the ending! Like I would tell him!
Will check back after seeing all of it!

[mayniac]

top gear, top telly, fantastic episode last night. Soooo good I've watched it again this evening. Hope the last two episodes can live up to this standard.

[xjsarah]

Finally, I've managed to get this review written. No idea why I found it so difficult.

[xjsarah]

Following a solid, highly entertaining first half of the run, the fourth episode sees the series select the show’s namesake cog and put the hammer down hard. For the first time since series seven, the boys stage one of their epic car-versus-public-transport races; one that, in terms of scope and drama, is right up there with the very best. On this occasion, the car in question is a very fast Nissan GT-R. The public transport: Japan’s legendary, even faster Bullet train. James and Richard have high hopes for a long-awaited maiden victory, but alas, they are to be disappointed yet again.

Despite a mishap involving the car’s sat-nav system, resulting in Jeremy losing a lot of time trying to find his way around Tokyo unaided, victory ultimately goes to the Nissan, with Jeremy arriving at the finish line a mere three minutes before his colleagues. This, the closest ever finish to such a race, is achieved despite James and Richard suffering their own misfortune along the way, when they become separated as the train on which they are travelling splits into two at a station, stranding Richard and the camera crew and leaving James to continue the journey alone. Luckily, they are reunited not long afterwards, and no further problems are encountered along the way. Unless, of course, one counts losing the race as being a problem.

Aside from the main feature, there is plenty more to enjoy in this episode, not least a shakedown of the new Alfa Romeo 8C, arguably one of the most stunning cars that this marque has ever produced. In the capable hands of the Stig, it looks even more magnificent. The News segment is as witty and entertaining as ever, with the new material and running jokes amusing in equal measure. The Star In A Reasonably Priced Car section sees the first female duo of the series take to the track, adding a touch of feminine glamour to the proceedings.

All in all, a first-rate episode, one with the potential to be regarded, in time, as a true classic.

[maibee]

Fantastic review, XJ!

[lymaze]

Thanks XJ. Brilliant review.