Series 15 episode 4

[lew]

[lymaze]

I loved this one. Probably helped being slightly merry but it worked very well. Was interesting to hear James say he found the wedding bit a bit painful too. Andy Garcia - well, lose the face fur and he probably still has it. The motorhome section was hilarious despite waiting for the fire to start and one of them to go off the cliff. Very funny. ;D

[nobody]

The challenge made me smile at first but then it became it bit to predictable, with them setting things on fire again and throwing a van off a cliff.

[violetrose]

I have but one thing to say about this episode, and that is: James in a wetsuit. *thud*

[lindenchase]

If it wasn't for the cringeworthy SIARPC segment, I would have given it a 9, but I had to go for a 8. Why have an American actor flown in to plug some B-movie, while there are dozens of more interesting people who know TopGear and would love to have a go?

The challenge was very silly indeed. ;D But you know what, I think James' design could actually work. Although the bog might need some adjusting.

[flatin5th - Knight of the NC]

only just slightly better than 50/50 for me! The motorhome session could have been so much better, and far, far less predictable! The Audi v Porshe wasn't that good either!

Could do better - see me after school!

[violetrose]

I agree with you about SIARPC, Linden. I like Andy Garcia, but he didn't seem like a good match for the show, you know? He was nice, but so serious, and really just there to plug a film. Blah.

[Wyvern]

Thoroughly enjoyed that, though it wasn't perhaps as good as (most of) last week's episode for me. Then again, although bits of the motorhome film were predictable, they were given a slightly different spin and I don't think I had any cringy moments at all (I loved James referencing the comments that the wedding film made people cringe - it shows that they do read the comments and they noticed that it was the one consistent criticism of that episode). Yes, the fire was obvious, but it wasn't as overplayed as it was in the caravan film. TG haven't set anything on fire for a while, so it was about time... and I liked that although they shoved the one motorhome off a cliff, it was done in a much more 'knowing' way this time. What I'm really liking this series is that they're acknowledging that the audience isn't stupid. Perhaps that there's a little more editorial honesty is part of why it feels a bit more natural this series, but for whatever reason, they just seem to be enjoying it a lot more and that helps more than anything they can put in the script.

And I enjoyed Andy Garcia. He might not have been a laugh a minute, but he was interesting, and he clearly likes cars (even if he did have a Peugeot, which in my driving experience are the worst cars... In The World).

[dit]

I tend to agree with you, Wy, about the feeling that they are listening to the comments and criticisms and from that comes a more natural feel to the show. I know that a constant complaint from some quarters is that the show is scripted, which always annoys me (what do people expect?) but what can't be scripted and what to me is the whole key to the show is the interaction and humour going on between them. I laughed so loud so many times tonight that the cat left the room to find somewhere quieter to sleep.

[xjsarah]

I thoroughly enjoyed that episode. It felt like 'traditional' Top Gear, which IMHO can only be a good thing!

My favourite part was when they were messing around with the vuvuzela. James's attempt to play it cracked me up! ;D

Quote of the series so far: "Two long noisy things, that's just what we need!" ;D

[devil-may-care]

I agree with Wy and Dit. I loved this episode. Although I knew that they were going to be going surfing and that Jeremy's caravan was going to go over the cliff, that took nothing away from it. Hilarious from start to finish! ;D ;D

Did anyone else stop listening to what James was saying as he was unbuttoning his shirt and half into his wetsuit?

I enjoyed Andy Garcia. I can remember seeing some of his older and better films when I was in college. He made a wonderful one with Meg Ryan years ago. The title escapes me at the moment.
He seemed genuinely interested in Jeremy's questions and was quite amused by him. ;D

I love that Audi!! Perhaps not in white though.

Sounds like: "Peter Mandelson being attacked by a bear."
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

[chariset]

I lost it when Jeremy was taking the woman with the lovely hair for a drive, and the News was great -- it was exactly what makes the program work when it does, the three of them taking unscripted potshots at each other. The motorhome-over-the-cliff thing... well, we knew from the spoilers that something like that would happen, so it's not like it was a surprise. And the dinner obviously wasn't going to be salvageable anyway: when Jeremy said he needed oil and hoped Castrol would do, I admit that I was hoping something would go wrong so they wouldn't have to actually eat it.

Though I still wonder how James' Spam starter would have turned out.

The giant swaying tower of motorhome also nearly killed me, especially with James and Hammond laughing at him the whole time, but it was hard to put out of mind that he could have been seriously injured or killed if it actually had gone over. Especially on that long bridge.

And poor James in a wetsuit. Was I the only one wondering how he could carry any money? Or where he would put his change?

So... when it was good it was very very good... and when it was bad it was still (as you would say) decent telly.

[From Afar]

Should hopefully be able to watch this tonight.... am looking forward to it immensely after reading all you comments ;D especially this one:

Jul 19, 2010 2:25:02 GMT devil-may-care said:

James was saying as he was unbuttoning his shirt and half into his wetsuit?

[richmondgal]

I quite liked the episode to an extent (obviously because of the Motorhome segment) and they really need to work on some bits about the comedy elements of the show. Other than that, everything else was great.

7/10 for me.

Really looking forward to next week.

[TheDaisy]

I missed this one but luckily it's been recorded, so I'll see it to night or tomorrow maybe.

[gemmiejewel]

A classic ep in my opinion. The only let down was Andy Garcia, but I still gave it a ten purely for the sight of James in his wetsuit!

[richmondgal]

transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2010/07/18/episode-four-more-out-takes-and-the-post-show-discussion/

Here's James talking about the differences of an RV and British Motorhome.

[flyslip]

Jul 19, 2010 11:08:28 GMT richmondgal said:

transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2010/07/18/episode-four-more-out-takes-and-the-post-show-discussion/

Here's James talking about the differences of an RV and British Motorhome.

I had to watch that a second time... I got rather distracted when he got to the bit implying that Jeremy and Richard were doing kinky things in the American bedroom... and had to pick my jaw up off the floor when he started talking about about "imaginative, rampant sex" ;D )

[From Afar]

Jul 19, 2010 11:08:28 GMT richmondgal said:

transmission.blogs.topgear.com/2010/07/18/episode-four-more-out-takes-and-the-post-show-discussion/

Here's James talking about the differences of an RV and British Motorhome.

Thanks for posting Richmondgal ;D

Well..... *splutters slightly* James uttering the words..... gimp mask..... hand cuffs and rampant sex..... Has he been frequenting the Naughty Corner recently and reading about Dit's Dungeon does make you wonder

Love how his mind works *scrambles to the Naughty Corner as fast as possible*

[dit]

The man knows his perversions, doesn't he? There's stuff he casually mentions there that I wouldn't dream of putting the The Dungeon.

Back to the Naughty Corner before I get tempted!

(btw, does anyone think that he seems much more confident recently? Can't put my finger on it, just a hint of a change in attitude. Could just be me imagining it, though.)

[flyslip]

Jul 19, 2010 16:07:06 GMT dit said:

The man knows his perversions, doesn't he? There's stuff he casually mentions there that I wouldn't dream of putting the The Dungeon.

There's stuff he says there that made me suspect he'd been reading[/i] the Dungeon...! ;D

(btw, does anyone think that he seems much more confident recently? Can't put my finger on it, just a hint of a change in attitude. Could just be me imagining it, though.)

You know, I thought the same thing... although indeed, don't ask me to put my finger on precisely what it is, either, but yes.

[lew]

I gave this an 8, SIARPC sorry I know the campervan might be not to everyones taste, but I laughed.....and well seeing as I'm in Cornwall soon it made me all excited ;D Audi R8, was behind one of those last Saturday in Braintree.....tis a very lush thing, making the most wonderful sounds (or the chap seeing my lust, was showing off ;D ) funny really, same colour (white) on a 10 plate too, erm maybe next week I'll actually get to watch it on a Sunday.

[devil-may-care]

Jul 19, 2010 16:22:44 GMT flyslip said:

(btw, does anyone think that he seems much more confident recently? Can't put my finger on it, just a hint of a change in attitude. Could just be me imagining it, though.)

You know, I thought the same thing... although indeed, don't ask me to put my finger on precisely what it is, either, but yes.

Totally agree on both aspects. He seems very confident, self-assured - but I can't put into words exactly why or what...hmmm...will have a think.

May have to do some research...re-watch the episodes from this series thus far, pay close attention to everything James does or says. This may take some time.

[TheDaisy]

Well, not bad but I've been more entertained before now.
Never heard of Andy Garcia before ;D and not that bothered about him now, to be honest. I enjoyed the camper vans, but some parts were a bit predictable.

[bob]

Just watched on iplayer. For some reason i keep missing the ones on sunday, this time it was stupid people crashing and delaying us getting back home!

Any ways loved the motorhome bit, although it was very obvious scripted it was still quite amusing.

[From Afar]

Jul 19, 2010 16:22:44 GMT flyslip said:

There's stuff he says there that made me suspect he'd been reading

[/i] the Dungeon...! ;D

(btw, does anyone think that he seems much more confident recently? Can't put my finger on it, just a hint of a change in attitude. Could just be me imagining it, though.)

You know, I thought the same thing... although indeed, don't ask me to put my finger on precisely what it is, either, but yes. [/quote]

Took the words out of my mouth ;D It does sound like he's been reading Dit's Dungeon!

And I also agree he has more of an air of confidence about him too... but like has been said not something you can put your finger on.... not complaining though make him even more sexy and appealing

Still waiting to watch this episdoe thought as it's not downloaded yet

[Deleted]

Hooray everyone. Australia finally getting new eps Top Gear - due to start next Tues. Still 4 eps (well 5 eps, by the time next Tues rolls around) behind you guys but I can't wait to see this new confident James!!!!!

*happy smile on face*

[flyslip]

We're getting the NEW ONES?

The really new ones?

Hang on, wait, this is Channel Nine... I know how they work - so, well, I'll believe it when I see it!
*Starts feverishly working on her dodgy digital TV connection* (C'mon, QTQ-9, up the signal already, you cheap so-and-sos!)

[jacqui]

Fab episode ;D
Loved the wet suits and I think James and Richard secretly enjoyed surfing

[lew]

It's their inner hippie ;D long hair, surf, proper beer, I can't wait ;D