Series 14 reviews

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For all those who want to post a constructive review of the new series

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Series 14 Episode 1
Grand Tour in Romania (apart from James)

Lambo Gallardo, Ferrari California and Aston Martin DBS Volante makes the banter easier and the roars of the engines louder.
The beginning challenge was excellent and I so wish that first Dacia Sandero moment was geniune and not scripted (shame).
Loved the split screen and the tunnels under Parliament building. If only you could get away with that in an underground car park.

The News. Moment of the series Jeremy going through a cardboard loo. Opps ;D

James Car tests executive cars - BMW 760li and Mercedes S63 AMG executive cars with gentleman James behind the wheel. NB These aren't the airfix versions.
The film projection of the moving car on the stationary car was an interesting addition to the film. It added interest to the cinematography. And the split screen with the Stig laps.
I liked the Stig doing the mental stuff where James with the science, was in the back. Should have worn a seatbelt: pillock.
James and the Top Trumps, it could only work with him. Or not.
It's good to see a 'serious-ish' power test done by James.

SIARPC Eric Bana and friend of Jezza at least he's a petrol head but the plugging I know it makes the world go round but he had charisma and seemed like a good bloke, kobbah!

Three cars in Romania part 2
The Dacia Sandero is a happy car. Poor car, poor James. Poor James again. The bad luck continued with a revisited SmartForTwo live in the car for 24 hours test. Happy campers.
I loved the final cinematography at the end of the film when the cars were driven through the mountains.

Overall it wasn't butterfly inducing but it was a solid start to the series. It can only get better as the weeks go on and climaxing with the Christmas special/January Christmas left over's show. Considering this was in the middle of the MPH/TGLive in the UK it was definitely a good start. You have to start with 'Hello...'.
The cinematography was spectacular and no doubt amazing in HD.

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Series 14 Episode 2

Making your own eco car - How hard can it be?
With the science in James's hands, I think we can safely say he'll know what he's doing (POWER!), Jeremy with his car design with a hammer (oh dear Lord - maybe it could go really wrong) and Richard does the chasis. Clearly aerodynamics wasn't considered for a car named Geoff.
Quite briiliant entertainment - just a shame Geoff with his 'tache had a slight crash.

The news! Genius and oh James and loving the audience participation and accidental innuendo.

Jezza's Power Test Audi R8 faster 5.2l v10 versus Corvette ZR1
Completely unadulterated magnificence with Jeremy. I like the cinematography, the music choices and the Jeremy opinions. The only redeeming feature is how Jeremy throws them about on the track therefore showing quite how interesting/bonkers/no character they are to drive.

SIRAPC with Michael Sheen a fleeting plug but he's an interesting chap and looks like he was a genuine fan. Magnificent lap considering he was jet lagged and on a damp track.

Geoff Mark two or Hammerhead-i Eagle Thrust
Geoff Mk 2 or tweaked and James came up with a very good idea with power creating an impressive noise. The idea was to sell the improved version of Geoff Mk 2 they had to go through vigourous EU tests.
Back to Brooklands - don't watch out Hollywood with the test crash TG3 dummy tests and TG madness galore and the new Janet Stig Porter to do the lap around the track. The other independent testers were interesting and you wouldn't have recognised James.

Overall a very solid and very funny TG. It felt a little less stiff than last week which a good thing as then you know they are getting back into the swing of things. Brilliant soundtrack choices for the film too.

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This week's episode was again another solid programme. It was a calmer episode compared with last week's eco car.

The airship caravan film with the attachable Lamborghini Balboni was very good. I loved the use of Pink Floyd whilst it was lfoating across the countryside. There was some peril in it but not the crash which was documented in the press. I liked how the film was part road test part bonkers creation. James's vision was certainly inventive and he did an excellent job of pilot/butt clenching jeopardy.

News as always funny.

The Lancia film was an interesting history lesson about the car and the cars which Lancia made and the innovations. It was nice to see a two hander between Richard and Jeremy. The Marina joke is getting a bit old though apart from the unexpected double piano incident.

The SIRAPC was excellent Chris Evan is always a good guest with bags of enthusiasm and car knowledge. I'm quite relieved the plugging was at a minimum but it has to be done.

The power lap with the Hawk Stratos was definitely the way to go if you want a modern Stratos but it really is very pretty and makes a stunning noise.

Overall the programme was good. I liked the split screen usage in the final Hawk Stratos film and the use in the other films. The soundtrack was current and retro and always enhances the viewing experience. The flying cinematography was also stunning. Carry on camp TG.

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Episode 4

The airport racing was ok and I think Richard is turning into Jeremy. Pretty inventive and a light introduction into the show.

The news was very funny and the way they addressed they banning gays story was very well handled. Maybe the TG3 should have all been wearing pink. And Jeremy really is increaing his visions of James. I'm guessing some of the news will be cut out from the repeat.

Range Rover will always be the only off roader. The Overfinch and Holland and Holland tarted up version was stunning. I liked this weeks intro's to the Stig. Audi Q7 and BMW X5 M but have big power. The soundtrack and the use of tv screens was also an usual technique.

SIARPC Guy Richie or Ex Mr Madonna. What a nut and a good guest. Winching and greenlaneing and vans! But good grief the plugging! Stop it, it's not Loose Women! It may look like a good film but no no no. The only good thing is maybe the pimping of vans could be used as a challenge at another point.

Mr Needham returns with a moan and Jeremy shows him a real road test (think about Fiesta inside a shopping centre) but more bonkers. This time with the Renault Twingo Sport and a brief appearance from the Fiat 500 Abarth. It's also handy to know Ross Kemp can fit in the boot. Twingo on Ice beat that Torvill and Dean.
I want to drive upside down, have a bad day in a ship yard and do a hand break turns. It was bonkers and brilliant. BTW Daily Wail readers that was a stunt with ferry. But poor little Twingo being battered.

Overall again it was a good and entertaining episode. Definitely felt midseries but that's fine. It was very enjoyable but there wasn't enough James. The pace and editing felt solid.

I look forward to its return after the snooker, which is boring.

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The Noble M600 car was film was a typical Jezza film - great.

The news was very funny and with another classic Jezza moment with eau de RAC. The indicator ears only work on wingnuts. I should know.

Jenson Button as the SIARPC was superb.

The art gallery challnege was interesting. The first half where the exhibits was inevitably a bit staged but the art expert did play along.
I loved the guy who drew the Brooklyn Bridge but I wished it hadn't been quite so scripted. There were some brilliant moments which didn't need the bonkers bits. I wished they had gone with how they have so much pulling power and maybe something else had gone a bit awry.
It did feel like it was a mid series film. Just a hiccup but still enjoyable. It's not everyday you see an entirely car orientated exhibition

I still think TG has more to give but I think the Mole's blog from a few weeks ago will hopefully aid a bit of clarity to the creation of TG.

I can't wait for the Bolivia Road trip episode on 27th December will be TG at its best.