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Post by lew on Jul 19, 2010 17:01:18 GMT
No doubt various places, forums blah, blah will be having another field day, in that case don't watch it ;D.....and as I'm going to be at long last about, along with millions of others  |
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Post by jacqui on Jul 25, 2010 20:07:54 GMT
Well that had me glued to my seat for the last hour, the Vetron film was fantastic.... its great to see James max it... well almost... but then the test driver probably does it day in day out  Looks like James really enjoyed himself. Tom Cruise doesn't do anything for me but watching that lap and waiting for his time & Cameron's had me willing them to be the top! The fil about Senna was very moving, Lewis Hamilton was genuinely honoured to be able to drive his car. I can't believe how long ago that was now, time really does go by too quickly  Great show for many different reasons  |
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Post by lindenchase on Jul 25, 2010 20:22:51 GMT
Great episode, but I didn't think it was perfect, so I gave it a 8. I liked the Ayrton film a lot, very moving, but I had expected it would focussed more on Lewis Hamilton as well. It felt like Jezza wanted to tell more and show more than he had time to do so. Why not make a seperate documentary about it? I'm sure the BBC would have been thrilled to have given him the opportunity to do so. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz were very entertaining, but yet again they showed a trailer. #fail James' film on the Bugatti felt very short. Reminded me of the volcano segment in the first episode, where he was short changed as well imho.  |
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Post by inky on Jul 25, 2010 20:28:45 GMT
I gave it a 10. I can't stand Tiny Tom Cruise but thought he and Cameron were well worth the screen time. James and the Veyron was also very good but there is only so much time you can spend watchng the exterior shots fly past The Senna tribute was fantastic. When you think of the shambles created by Ferrari today, the TG film showed F1 in its glory (not that Ayrton wasn't averse to pulling a fast one every now and again ;D) |
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Post by Wyvern on Jul 25, 2010 20:45:11 GMT
As close to perfect for me as it gets.
I always enjoy the more serious episodes above the very silly ones, and that was one of the best episodes in a very long time. Up there with the all time classics for me.
I laughed, I sat on the edge of my seat, I cried. The three films reflected very different aspects of the boys, and getting past the content, the camera work and editing on the Touareg film was some of the best they've done in a while. Not too many gimmicks, but stylish, classy and clean. Nice work on the Veyron film too - I love that Captain Slow gets to drive the fastest production road car - again - and I liked that there were touches in the editing that were reminiscent of the first Veyron film but not too similar.
This is the kind of Top Gear I like best of all.
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Post by xjsarah on Jul 25, 2010 21:26:56 GMT
IMHO, that was one of the best episodes ever produced. Top quality television! ;D The Veyron film was excellent, and I found myself willing James on, just as I did when he maxed the first car a few years ago. The SIARPC was very entertaining, and congratulations to Tom and Cameron for brilliant lap times.  I loved the tribute to Ayrton Senna. He was, and is, my favourite racing driver, and it was great to see some footage of him again. Full marks to Jezza for presenting it so well. I have to say that listening to Senna's interviews proved to be an interesting experience. Like Ayrton, my OH comes from the north side of Sao Paulo, and it was only on hearing Ayrton's accent on the footage tonight that I realised that my OH sounds just like him! ;D Hardly surprising, I know, but this was the first time I'd been able to make a direct comparison of the two of them (my OH was watching the show with me). He was still living in Sao Paulo at the time of Senna's death, and thus he has first-hand memories of the funeral and all the tributes. If we ever go to Brazil together, I hope we'll be able to visit Senna's grave and pay our respects. I'd love to do that. |
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Post by dit on Jul 25, 2010 21:55:44 GMT
First time I've given, or been tempted to give, a 10.
There was such a variety of approaches. Richard was ,well, being Richard. I'd had no opinion previously on Cruise and Diaz but they were way more interesting and entertaining than I expected. Cruise's 2 wheel corner had my jaw on the floor and Diaz was more of a car-wrangler than I could ever have expected. The Senna piece was a dramatic change of pace and style and felt very personal to Clarkson and Hamilton, and showed a strong bond between them.
James and the Veyron? Even though I knew the outcome I was holding my breath for him. I thought the editing this time actually showed much more clearly just how mind-destroyingly fast he was going and really, the guy has got balls of steel, hasn't he? He does that and laughs? I also picked up that Clarkson was actually showing James some real respect for what he'd done.
Yeah, I'll go a 10.
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Post by lymaze on Jul 25, 2010 22:11:58 GMT
Enjoyed this. A good balance and the tribute at the end showed they can still do something serious if they really try. Lewis Hamilton was brilliant, as usual. Even the guests were good and I was determined not to like them! I wish the plugging would stop though and I'd prefer to see our own home grown talent on the show but there you go. I'm sure the figures will be good. Bugatti obviously have a great deal of trust and faith in his ability to drive their car too. Wish Richard would get some thickener on his hair though. It's getting thinner the longer it gets.  |
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Post by violetrose on Jul 26, 2010 0:08:58 GMT
Really, what can I say beyond what all here have said? I gave it a 10. That was the best episode in AGES, if not one of the best they've EVER made. I finished watching it and I just sat, speechless at what I had just seen. Richard's Sweden film was outstanding - it reminded me very much of James' film with Ken Block. It was spectacular it almost exactly the same way. I was in my seat going out of my bloody MIND with James' film, though. I was shaking in my seat, even! I loved how similar it was to the original Veyron film, but really felt sort of like a sequel to it as well. I agree with Dit; the man has absolute balls of steel to keep doing things like this.
I was really dreading the guests tonight, but *shock* - their segment ended up being actually a lot of fun. It seemed to help that both Cameron and Tom were rather petrolheady people. I was astonished at their laps (and sad for Rupert Grint)!
As for Ayrton Senna's film, it feels like it's been quite a while since they did a film like it. Here's where I show my ignorance about cars and racing in general: I've only had but the vaguest awareness of who Ayrton Senna was, so Jeremy's piece was actually very educational, for me. I really felt a lot of heart in it, and I ended up finding myself moved. This, overall, feels like Top Gear at its absolute best.
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Post by devil-may-care on Jul 26, 2010 2:48:13 GMT
I wanted to give this episode a 10, but I really couldn't. Richard's film was exceptionally well shot. The camera work was spectacular. Loved being able to see snow when it's 80 degrees with humidity bogging everything down! ;D James' Veyron film was wonderful. Agree with the balls of steel. My eyes were glued to the screen and my butt was glued to the seat. I discovered that I was holding my breath at one point. I knew what the outcome was, but I still was willing him to the top speed. He looked so happy, both in the car and in the studio. ;D I agree that it did seem a little short. And I desperately wanted to hear James explain the new Veyron Super Sport. I was genuinely interested in why and how it was that much faster. Jeremy's film about Senna was very well done. I've watched all sorts of racing over the years including some Indy car and Formula 1. I do admit that I had no idea who Senna was. I'd never heard of him before. Watching the race footage reminded me why I love racing. I love the mechanics of it all. I love being able to figure out how things work, how to make things better and so on. Senna appeared to be quite talented. Not too sure about some of his antics on the track though. The film was well shot, serious and entertaining. Good one, Jeremy. ;D Where the episode really fell down for me were the stars in the reasonably priced car. As I have stated on here before, I'm no fan of Tom Cruise or Cameron Diaz. When MOH and I watched the episode initially, he told me to fast forward through that segment, which I gladly did. However, I went back and watched it after he went to bed. I wanted to be able to comment on it since I had been vocal about them to begin with. As I watched, I kept thinking - Pain! Cringe! Pain! Cringe! Pain! Cringe! The genetic blueprint for the human race?? Please Jeremy!! I did like what came out as a dig at Tom, but probably wasn't meant that way. Jeremy - my kind of movie, everything explodes, lots of close-ups of Cameron and (points at Tom) You were funny! ;D Generally when Jeremy reads out the guest's time, I really don't care. I've no great interest in where they finish on the board. I was genuinely depressed that they topped the board. Was also disappointed that Jeremy explained who some of the people were on the board. To most Americans he says they won't recognize the names and moves on. I couldn't care less about their film and the clip. They didn't really say anything of entertainment value. I suppose I really shouldn't fault Top Gear as an entity for my disapproval of the guests. I would have preferred to see a British actor/broadcaster. The episode was a 10 with the exception of Cruise & Diaz. Wow, guess I was a bit passionate about this episode. Sorry. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2010 3:50:21 GMT
Well this one sounds like quite an episode! Certainly on the TG website the guy who writes the blog says everyone was very proud of it. I can't wait to watch it in 5 weeks' time.
But I confess as someone who doesn't like cars, or even have a driver's licence, I like the silly stuff. That's what drew me to TG in the first place. When they road test cars, I usually have the mute button on or I bugger off to find something else to do for 10 mins.
Maybe after 15 series, the silly stuff wears thin but I have only been into TG for maybe 3-4 months.
Still looking forward to watching it.
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Post by violetrose on Jul 26, 2010 4:48:53 GMT
I can definitely understand wanting to bugger off during the track tests and the like, Wen. Sometimes, they're not that interesting to me either. However, I have to say that many of them have been educational, as I don't have a license, either. I didn't know a thing about cars and I didn't think I would like it, but I ended up wanting to watch those segments just to see if I get something out of it. Most especially, I appreciate the art in the test segments. Sometimes they have the most beautiful cinematography, and even the weather on the track will contribute to create a deeply dramatic set of visuals. I really love it when they film tests in winter. There's something about the ice cold landscape, with its bare trees and a light dusting of snow that changes the mood. It's glossy and a bit hyper-produced, but I lap it up because I'm a visuals sort of junkie, LOL. DMC, I also understand what you mean about the SIARPC. If there was one real crit I can give about this episode, it's that TG and Jeremy both were utterly butt-kissing and didn't take the p-ss at all. I didn't want to see an acrimonious conversation, but Jez didn't even rag on Tom about his bikes or anything. I think, to us Americans, we get an over-saturation of Tom Cruise and his personal life. Whereas, for Top Gear - they're just thrilled to be getting huge A-listers on the couch. Eh. I'm analysing this too much in my head, so it's time for bed now. |
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Post by chariset on Jul 26, 2010 5:30:28 GMT
Watched it, thought the James film seemed.... I don't know. They tried to wring some drama out of the tire question, but since we already knew he could do 253, it wasn't much of a surprise he could do 259. There just wasn't enough 'story' substance for a full film, and much as I love good Cpt. Slow, it still seemed like something was missing.
Still, I did NOT expect it to end up so high on the lap board. And James seemed so pleased.
I skipped most of the SIARPC interview, but I watched the laps. Tom's two-wheeled corner was funny, and Cameron Diaz swearing through hers ("I think we can actually broadcast some of this"), and they had such a childlike energy that bordered on the manic. They also had undeniable chemistry... I think they seemed more like a couple than Tom and Katie Holmes do. It was so evident that UK fame isn't US fame -- in the US they would have had a protective little circle of people around them, hangers-on to make them look better and flatter them -- and they didn't have it in the TG audience, but I thought they seemed to win the crowd.
Senna -- do you know, there's a rumor going around that he's a Time Lord and Stig is his regeneration?
Hamilton seemed so overwhelmed with the car, and in this case less really was more. And they used a little Radiohead! (Optimistic and There There). It seemed logical, at least to me, that they would have shown the actual fatal crash, but either they couldn't do it or it seemed tasteless. The overall tone was more like Jeremy's documentaries and not like a TG film at all.
It was good. I think Andy and the crew will always be proud of putting that one in the can, no matter how much longer TG runs. The only thing missing was more of their three-way banter, but there was a lot of that last week.
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gemmiejewel
Filthy Mayhemer
"Oh you utter clot!" - Credit to the gorgeous girls of the Matrix for the Avi! xxx
Posts: 590
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Post by gemmiejewel on Jul 26, 2010 7:46:22 GMT
I was in tears for most of the Aryton Senna tribute. My late brother used to worship him and he brought a lot of happy childhood memories of the two of us cheering him on, on a Sunday afternoon.
On a happier note, James' Veryron film was amazing and I am now begging the family to let me have one lol!
Tom Cruise used to do it for me in the days of Top Gun but not anymore unfortunately. And although my boyfriend would disagree, I just find Cameron Diaz annoying.
But all in all an excellent episode.
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Post by jacqui on Jul 26, 2010 8:34:50 GMT
James and the Veyron? Even though I knew the outcome I was holding my breath for him. I thought the editing this time actually showed much more clearly just how mind-destroyingly fast he was going and really, the guy has got balls of steel, hasn't he? He does that and laughs? I also picked up that Clarkson was actually showing James some real respect for what he'd done. I agree Dit - there is a huge risk of danger involved in maxing a car at that speed even those its as safe as houses! Balls of steel definitely and respect from Jezza absolutely... but then i think they do (secretly) have a great respect for each other |
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Post by lew on Jul 26, 2010 15:17:27 GMT
Concur with the above comments |
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Post by Shazzybabes on Jul 26, 2010 19:26:23 GMT
First time i have ever given a 10, i totally loved it from start to finish, it made me laugh, cry, giggle, the Aryton Senna piece was so beautiful, clearly Lewis was a massive fan, he drove that car like he was a little kid, all his dreams came true, it made me glow with pride ;D
Well done to everyone involved, truly a masterpiece of TV.
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Post by flatin5th - Knight of the NC on Jul 26, 2010 19:59:28 GMT
where is the 11 button? For me that was one of the very best - if not THE best - episodes ever!
Quality Top Gear! Not one bit of filler! (I can even forgive the snowmobiles losing - even though they simply wouldnt have! Even I have driven/riden one at 80mph on bare ice - just takes balls, but not difficult)
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Post by From Afar on Jul 27, 2010 7:50:59 GMT
Hmm.... a 9 for me.... was a brilliant episode, def one of the best. Down sides was the blatant plugging of the "Hollywood Celebs Ego's" which was I suppose to be expected given the actors but was still a bit disappointing that Jezza gave in to it. Tom was more normal than I expected though I have to say.
James in the Veyron..... oh my..... I was on the edge of my seat.
Jezza & Ayrton.... he should make a proper documentary on it, seemed like it was too short.
Richard in the "Porsche".... cycling.... ha ha ha ha..... not laffed so much in ages!
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Post by TheDaisy on Jul 27, 2010 8:25:20 GMT
I only gave this one a 6, I'm sad to say. Quite a bit of it just didn't work for me. You can all throw rocks at me if you like, but I'm not really into motor racing, and I found the Senna part dragged on too much for me. The more I saw of it, the less I liked the style of the man - some of his moves on the track looked pretty unsporting to me, and I just couldn't 'get' it at all. Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz I left the room at that point and went to do some washing up, so I can't comment on that at all. Not a fan of TC, me, and having seen his antics on other shows (Oprah, anyone?) I just couldn't face it. Loved the pedal powered Porsche though - I wants one of those, I does. And the Veyron was pretty impressive - I wants one of those too ;D The Touareg film wasn't bad, but didn't really draw me in much, tbh. |
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flyslip
Smutty Mayhemer
Hello...
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Post by flyslip on Jul 27, 2010 8:31:03 GMT
Daisy, that sloganiser thing on your sig makes me laugh at times - sometimes it just throws things up there that work rather well with what you just said. This time, it was "James May - what more could you want?" (and the answer, it seems, is "Quite a bit..." ;D LOL.) |
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fallatyourfeet
Filthy Mayhemer
You'll never see the end of the road while you're travelling with me.
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Post by fallatyourfeet on Jul 27, 2010 8:41:55 GMT
Loved it.
I had my reservations at first because I'm not a fan of the short guy and the girl with bad skin but even their bit was good.
Gave it 10/10.
I do like The Archers though.
I said that out loud didn't I.
*runs away*
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flyslip
Smutty Mayhemer
Hello...
Posts: 357
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Post by flyslip on Jul 27, 2010 10:27:36 GMT
...I'm not a fan of the short guy... I need to stop skimming this board when my mind is elsewhere. For half a second, I thought "oh, come on, Richard Hammond isn't THAT ba--- OHHHHH, right." *Slaps side of head*  |
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Post by devil-may-care on Jul 28, 2010 15:58:02 GMT
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Post by chariset on Jul 28, 2010 19:09:45 GMT
"Hello. I'm James May, and this is the secret and insane spouse I usually keep locked in the basement."
"HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"
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Post by devil-may-care on Jul 28, 2010 19:40:31 GMT
LOL ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D LOL
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Post by violetrose on Jul 28, 2010 20:13:18 GMT
LMAO ;D
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Post by SonicSophie on Jul 28, 2010 21:03:35 GMT
...having seen his antics on other shows (Oprah, anyone?) I just couldn't face it. ... urgh, I've seen that and I was worried there would be a similar incident on Top Gear. With the jumping and the screaming... not good. He wasn't as bad as I thought he'd be though... The episode on the whole though, I thought it was quite good. Gutted that next week's is the last episode though...  What will we all do with ourselves on a Sunday night?! |
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Post by devil-may-care on Jul 28, 2010 21:18:50 GMT
We could always start from series one and work our way to 15 until 16 starts! ;D ;D
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Post by SonicSophie on Jul 28, 2010 21:47:32 GMT
Oooh, I'd be up for that ;D How many episodes are there in total? I know over 100... so if we even watched one a day, we could make them last until the new series ;D I can see it now: "The James May Board Entire Top Gear Series One - Fifteen Ultra Marathon!" ;D
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Looks like James really enjoyed himself.
I love a man who can handle a gun 
I held you, you felt me, I touched you, you kissed me.......
