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Post by aeromanda on Nov 22, 2010 4:39:16 GMT
I just watched the premier episode of Top Gear US and here is my very biased opinion:
It was obviously the beginning of the series. The chemistry between the presenters just isn't developed. The banter that was there was obviously scripted. In fact, the show seemed over scripted in general. For example, when the presenters reviewed cars while driving them their reviews really seemed scripted as if they were written in advance rather than just being the genuine reactions of the presenters.
The set was very much like the original TG set right down to the V8 coffee table. They reviewed cars that have been reviewed on the original TG and they did a challenge that was reminiscent of original TG (racing a Viper against a Cobra helicopter). They had a Stig whose name is "The Stig". They even did the "....all we know is he's called The Stig." routine. It differed from original TG in that it was a bit "Americanized". The set, although very like the original TG set, was more brightly lit. It is very obviously not set in an old hanger. It just seemed a little bit more prop laden and polished.
All in all I would say that it was a good attempt. It was an interesting show about cars. But it wasn't TG. Of course, it was never going to be TG because there is only one TG. I mean, how can it be TG without James, Jezza, and Hamster? I'm interested to see how it develops as the season progresses. I hope that the relationship between the presenters develops and becomes more natural. I think that would improve the series the most.
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Post by violetrose on Nov 22, 2010 5:51:00 GMT
I watched it tonight and I have to say that it was okay. I do see the potential. The presenters are pretty stiff, but I think that's expected and will get better with time. I liked Adam the best - he seems the most laid back of the three of them. However, if he interviews future guests the way Buzz Aldrin was this time, I don't think that such a good thing. I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, though - perhaps it was edited that way. Also, there was no chemistry with the audience at ALL despite the hangar at El Toro being much smaller than Dunsfold, but I've seen from a few people there were technical issues with the sound that may have been the culprit. I don't dislike Tanner and Rutledge. I haven't decided how I feel about them yet.
I realize the show is aimed largely at people who've never seen the UK version, but I cringed anyway at seeing ideas they lifted. Also, I kinda wish they wouldn't use so much of Jeremy's patented hyperbolic presenting style. That's HIS, and it only really works when he's doing it. It falls flat when someone else does it, IMHO. I'm hoping with time they'll be able to eke out their own presenting style. Gotta start somewhere, I think.
I really started to like the Lambo segment by the end. I saw glimmers of something truly good when they were teasing each other at the very end. If you could bottle the last five minutes of tonight's show and make the WHOLE SHOW like that? Now we're talking.
My verdict: It's going to take time to iron out all the technical kinks and get the three of them working together. I hope they get the chance, because it'd be really cool for this show become something great on its own.
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Post by aeromanda on Nov 22, 2010 15:30:02 GMT
I agree with you violetrose. You said it so much better than I did.
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Post by violetrose on Nov 22, 2010 20:50:58 GMT
Why, thank you, aero. ;D I just call it like I see it, is all. It would be so cool if History gives them the time they need to really grow from this and become successful. I want to see a future US vs UK special someday! ;D ;D
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Post by banned on Dec 2, 2010 17:37:30 GMT
Mixed reviews from me, whilst it had some potential, it needs to be less of a direct rip off of the original!! But following such a top show is always going to hard, so I shall give it time  |
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Post by banned on Dec 8, 2010 6:57:26 GMT
 3rd episode, and I think its growing on me, just a teeny little bit  ;D
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Post by lew on Dec 8, 2010 15:48:48 GMT
Wonder if the other ladies from over the pond think the same, which one is Jamesy ;D
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Post by devil-may-care on Dec 8, 2010 15:48:49 GMT
I've downloaded the first 2 episodes, but haven't taken the time to watch yet. Guess I should get my rear in gear! ;D
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Post by banned on Dec 8, 2010 19:19:43 GMT
Theres a definate Hammond a like  The studio scenes are still cringy, but the challenges are most amusing, and despite my inital reservations, it has potential the more I see! |
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Post by Jacksgirl on Dec 22, 2010 0:19:12 GMT
The set was very much like the original TG set right down to the V8 coffee table. They reviewed cars that have been reviewed on the original TG and they did a challenge that was reminiscent of original TG
That is sooooooooooooooooo like the aussie version IT'S CRAP!!,i mean why can't they just stick to the one top gear&that is ONLY the U.K version
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Post by Vivienne on Aug 1, 2011 3:23:54 GMT
I watched it tonight and it was better than last week. Would the UK have pawn brokers on their show as their guests? I believe Tanner is a mixture of Jeremy and James. He may have a small edge because he is a race car drive in different kinds of races. I see the technical part of James and the power part of Jeremy. For some reason last week I didn't catch Adam's obvious NY accent.He reminds me of the smart ass in Jeremy. I think Ruttledge did ok on the interview. He's sort of like all three mixed together. I know I shouldn't compare the UK and US versions but it's hard not too. I liked their take on the teenager driving the cars. The most promising of the three is Tanner. I wonder who their stig is.
t
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Post by Vivienne on Aug 8, 2011 15:18:15 GMT
I watched last night. It was fairly good. Definitely something UK wouldn't do. Ford,Chev,Dodge duelly trucks. That Tanner is some racer. He doesn't even use a helmet. If the Stig on the UK doesn't work out they should ask him. On the show they actually say he's the racer and will probably win. I think they may set up stunts so he loses. Adam did the interview not Rutt. Has anyone else done an interview on the UK show?
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Post by Vivienne on Aug 15, 2011 15:48:10 GMT
The episode last night was good. No guest. Driving through Death Valley, Mojave desert to Vegas. What is this thing with Vegas.Can't stand the place and I have relatives living there. My friends that show their car here told me I should be ashamed Tanner is my favorite because Rutt is from NM. Tanner is obviously the most talented. I also noticed when the show comes on showing the three of them Tanner way out in front and Adam and Rutt in the background like a triangle. Adam is so obviously and Long Islander!
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Post by adrianmay on Aug 15, 2011 17:42:17 GMT
The set was very much like the original TG set right down to the V8 coffee table. They reviewed cars that have been reviewed on the original TG and they did a challenge that was reminiscent of original TG That is sooooooooooooooooo like the aussie version IT'S CRAP!!,i mean why can't they just stick to the one top gear&that is ONLY the U.K versionGreed. |
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Post by Vivienne on Aug 22, 2011 16:13:41 GMT
Tanner's review of that Porsche was great. As someone commented on the Top Gear website, they wouldn't close down a part of London for them to test it like it was done in LA at midnite. Boy that guy can drive. I've noticed they rarely wear helmuts.
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Post by Vivienne on Sept 17, 2011 15:14:18 GMT
They interviewed Tanner Foust on the website, he claims he's not the Stig for any of Top Gear and he's 8% James 12% Richard 30% Jeremy and 50% the Stig. He must be about Richard's height because that's where the similarity is. He has an Audi Quattro 4000 which is a big deal and racers like them.
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Post by Wyvern on Oct 4, 2011 19:21:12 GMT
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Post by adrianmay on Oct 4, 2011 19:56:11 GMT
Save yourself the trouble and don't. The show is a shot by shot ripoff and the hosts are lackluster at best. I'm a bit embarrassed to have the letters US attached to it. We could have done so much better. |
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Post by slfriend79 on Oct 4, 2011 20:02:48 GMT
I'm with adrianmay about 'Top Gear US'  ...It's a pale imitation of the UK show.  |
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Post by mightybabs on Oct 4, 2011 22:51:04 GMT
'm a bit embarrassed to have the letters US attached to it. We could have done so much better. It seems to me that, aside from a few exceptions ("The Office," maybe?), the US typically takes a cool British show, puts its own "spin" on it, and subsequently turns it into crap. That's why I'm so worried about James bringing "Man Lab" to the States. Please, James. Please prove me wrong on this. |
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Post by Wyvern on Oct 4, 2011 23:34:37 GMT
The funny thing is, I have quite a lot of friends who are TG fans in the States but not necessarily specifically fans of a particular presenter, and they seem to be enjoying it, so I'm more than happy to give it a go. Then again, I liked the Australian version, so perhaps I'm just open minded on these things. The Russian version wasn't great, but what I've seen of the Korean version is very good. I suppose it depends in part what you watch for |
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Post by pie on Nov 28, 2011 7:08:42 GMT
Now this is interesting...and also a little annoying. Channel 9/GO seem to have dumped Top Gear altogether and are airing Top Gear USA instead (Saturday 6:30pm for Aussies). Not sure if this is the first week of it, but I hadn't noticed the change until now. Will I watch it? If I don't forget, which I usually do.  |
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Post by jmsquared on Nov 28, 2011 7:50:31 GMT
I watched it Pie. Don't bother. (Just my humble opinion mind you).
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Post by pie on Nov 28, 2011 8:24:07 GMT
Just realised I won't be anywhere near a TV on Saturday night, so I won't be bothering anyway!  |
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Post by slfriend79 on Feb 13, 2012 22:45:57 GMT
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Post by FizzyLogician on Feb 13, 2012 23:01:54 GMT
Two comments...
They started out 15 years behind the original TG-UK, so I'm not surprised they are using recycled ideas.
However, the show is pitiful in its own right, and an embarrassment to the US. I can't bear to watch it.
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Post by slfriend79 on Feb 14, 2012 0:18:39 GMT
Two comments... They started out 15 years behind the original TG-UK, so I'm not surprised they are using recycled ideas. I could understand that if 'Top Gear UK' was never shown here, but it's been on BBC America for YEARS.  And more then likely the people tuning in to watch the US version are fans of the UK show. However, the show is pitiful in its own right, and an embarrassment to the US. I can't bear to watch it. I'll second that emotion.  |
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Post by adrianmay on Feb 14, 2012 3:47:10 GMT
Is everyone ready for my multimedia rant? Here’s the thing that drives me nuts about the US version. I don’t want it to be Top Gear UK! We are fully capable of making our own car program where you see the latest and greatest cars (we’re a car culture and there’s at least one of every car imaginable running around here), outrageous stunts and silliness (please, we may not have invented silliness but we can take it to a new level of outrageous) and star power guests (An hour up the road is Hollywood…well, more than an hour in traffic). The ultimate let down is the hosts. There is no reason that TG US should have hosts that have been drained of their personality. Tanner shows some signs of charisma but the other two have the appeal of a cold hot dog on a soggy bun. Oh don’t get me started on Rutledge! He’s that guy when you were a kid that no one invited but was always tagging along. The conversation goes thusly… “Hey guys, wait up!” “Oh maaan, it’s Rutledge. Who invited him? We gotta ditch him!” So unless the three hosts stop reading poorly from a script and the producers start using American know-how in utilizing the abundance of resources we have readily available, the program will continue to be a shameful waste of an opportunity. On a positive note, I did enjoy Tanner casually showing off what he could do with a Ford f450 in season 2. Hee hee, that was just right. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ABfU_OK310If you go up to the corner in my neighborhood this is what you see.  If you zoom in, you can see where they film TG US at the decommissioned El Toro Marine Air Station. It's the flat brown area before the hills with the white hangers and plenty of flight line.  |
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Post by Wyvern on Feb 14, 2012 20:40:15 GMT
Rutledge is my favourite...
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Post by amie8 on Feb 14, 2012 23:09:09 GMT
Is there any reason why no-one has? It would seem a logical choice for a car culture
Genuine question.
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3rd episode, and I think its growing on me, just a teeny little bit 
;D
The studio scenes are still cringy, but the challenges are most amusing, and despite my inital reservations, it has potential the more I see! 
...It's a pale imitation of the UK show. 
that I might have been a bit hard on my assessment of 'Top Gear US' because of my bias towards 'Top Gear UK' 
