Series 21 - Episode 2

[lymaze]

Discuss

[Wyvern]

That's me happy. Episode 2 is usually a more horsepower-oriented one, and that was no exception. Loved the 4C vs amphibious quad bike film, and not just because Jeremy in a wet shirt. So good to see a pretty car being driven on beautiful roads, and Richard's impression of Jeremy's smug!face was priceless. Loved Jeremy and James sharing glasses to read the health and safety notice on the, um, quad-ski, and the debate about the price of Jezza's sausage... Joking aside though, that film also showed exactly how much thought goes into putting these films together, because they already knew what music edits they were going to be doing before they even shot the film.

The Camp Bastion film was classic James, with plenty of show-and-tell. He was the right person for that piece - he gave it suitable gravitas, but still managed to have a little fun along the way. And I thought the use of music in that section was perfect - the Johnny Cash cover of Nine Inch Nails' 'Hurt' just worked amazingly well.

Tom Hiddleston. What can I say? The current crop of young British actors are all delightful, and he is utterly lovely. And his impression of Jeremy was ace. But what commitment on that lap! The rooster-tails coming off that thing... how he managed to keep on the track in those conditions is beyond me, and he was so much fun in the studio.

And then the McLaren P1. Holy crap, that was up there with the Ferrari vs Bentley ice driving film for sheer wow factor. It was a thorough test too, demonstrating the car in town and motorway conditions and giving an idea of the feel of the thing and then tearing up the track at Spa. Showed too what a good driver Jeremy actually is, when he's not arsing about - the man must have parts of titanium to hit a wet track like that.

Yes. I am liking this episode very much.

[Vivienne]

Wyvern I agree with all you wrote except I did not know who Tom Hiddleston was. I've seen the Jag ad many times during the Olympic coverage. This episode flew by very quickly because I was so drawn in. I can't critique like most of you because I can't remember that much detail afterwards, age factor.

[Flying Lady]

That was exactly what I was hoping for! A proper Top Gear whacky race. A nice, thoughtful, informational interlude by May. A bit of hypercar insanity from Jeremy. Good, quippy "News" segment. And Tom Hiddleston. I had no idea. He's really a funny chap. I'd love to just watch and listen to him do impersonations.

After the clownish parody episode of Top Gear we had last week, this feels like a solid return to form.

I'm also really looking forward to Hammond testing the hybrid Porsche. And the "Jennifer" bet.

Also, when James had to do that shouty bit in the transport helicopter, god above but that made my neck hair prickle. His shouting voice just gives me a hell of a fizz.

[crumbs]

Finally caught up with this episode last night and what a cracker it was.
I loved it all - apart from two things, which is why it didn't get a 10 from me. I would have preferred if they'd kept the quad out of the Alfa review. It's a proper little Alfa - stylish (I'm afraid to say it was rather cute), fast, exciting, a bit shabby and that would have done for me. Introducing the quad made it feel contrived IMO although I appreciate it gave some of you moments of pleasure!
I also enjoyed SIRPC - Tom was entertaining and obviously enjoyed himself, shame about the weather. Oh yes! I forgot to mention how lovely it was to see Hugh Bonneville in episode 1 (lovely eyes).
The McClaren was a fabulous, beautiful car. It kind of made me proud to be British (for a change).
For me it James that stole the show. I loved his bit in Afghanistan - how many of you wanted to be Sue when he squeezed past her? I wouldn't have said no.....that segment informed and gave a real insight into what's happening over there now. He's a brave chap.
Anyway, this episode showed they've still got it, although I think James needs to revisit the barber.....sorry......