|
|
Post by jmsquared on Dec 31, 2011 0:24:13 GMT
Well I've watched it now and gave it a 7. (Thanks for the uploads people). It was beautifully shot, as always, and there were a few laugh out loud moments, but overall I was a bit disappointed. Others have already stated most of the irritating factors (eg predictability, old jokes etc) but one thing has started to creep into TG more and more lately and is really cheesing me off. It was illustrated in this episode by the scene where Richard and Jeremy are trying to tow the RR. Richard sits beside the RR with James driving, giving him instructions. Meanwhile the Mini is coming apart at the seams and Richard doesn't notice. I know scenes like this have always featured in TG but there used to be, in most cases, an element of doubt. Was that real, or staged? Now, there's no doubt at all. It's so obvious Richard is acting. I think that about sums it up for me....it was all a bit obvious. I also think that India presented a vast palette of visual opportunities that weren't really explored as well as they could have been. I didn't feel like I'd been there, except for the lovely scenes at the end. I still enjoyed it overall though!
|
|
|
|
Post by pie on Dec 31, 2011 8:51:48 GMT
I watched it again today. It's definitely better the second time around. That bit where the banner flies out of the train nearly had me in tears. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by morganstarr89 on Dec 31, 2011 9:28:10 GMT
I watched it again today. It's definitely better the second time around. That bit where the banner flies out of the train nearly had me in tears. ;D It's definitely better second time around! I watched it again yesterday and it was a lot funnier. |
|
ElerVim
Filthy Mayhemer
"If there is one thing I like in a woman, it's me." - TGL in Sweden
Posts: 598
|
Post by ElerVim on Dec 31, 2011 10:23:21 GMT
Even though it has been mentioned countless times already, I agree with the previous posters who said it was predictable in parts (the lunches falling off Richard's car, the banners getting ripped at just the right place, Richard's bumper getting yanked off). I wish they had done more endurance-like challenges and had done things that were a little more risky on the road and around town (like the driving at night was very entertaining). I've wanted to go to India for many years and I wish they had done more cultural things like gone to some temples. I also love the Indian music they played throughout as well. But I did wonder where the Stig's Hindu cousin was in all this. I'd love to hear from any Indian natives or people who have visited India what their thoughts are on this special and if they think the TG3 have missed anything. For me, it was more of the parts themselves are greater than the whole which is why I gave it an 8; there were distinct bits that I loved - the water fight was by far my favorite bit (and if someone could gif it, I will love you forever), rewiring James's horn to the brakes was clever (and they should've done it sooner), Andy singing with them and the inventing cricket with the engine was entertaining. James's orange shirt is absolutely lovely; I really like that color on him (even though it washes him out a little, it was still nice to see him not wear a white shirt, like Jeremy and Richard did). However, it upset me that Jeremy and Richard felt they had to tear open James's Airfix box to get the paint to cover up the gash Jeremy made in the side of the Rolls (and then go on to deface the rest of his car, which was to be expected).  How hard is it to just lift the box up, you guys? Honestly. I am concerned that because they left their cars up on plinths that vandals might come and either deface, steal or do something else to their cars now that they have left the country. And Jm 2, I totally agree with you about Richard acting; it has started to get on my nerves too. It's getting to the point to where it is too obvious. The fact that he even wanted to put a winch on the front of his car to tow out the other larger cars is like a Chihuahua trying to pull an old English sheepdog from a ditch; it just isn't going to work, no matter how you look at it. To some degree, having Richard act to that extent is insulting to the audience - it's like they assume we're not going to get the fact that the front of his car will rip off from trying to pull the RR up the hill so they have to beat us over the head with it. It's unnecessary and also assumes that the target audience has the IQ of a turnip. I really wish they would stop doing that. All in all, entertaining, but still not my favorite. Bolivia wins that one. ;D |
|
|
|
Post by antonia on Dec 31, 2011 12:08:59 GMT
I think it was spoiled slightly that a lot of the show was leaked,plus you could pretty much tell what was going to happen anyway.
I'm going to suspend full judgment until I get home and can watch it again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wyvern on Dec 31, 2011 15:11:30 GMT
Definitely better on a second viewing  I think basically it just needed to be about 20 minutes shorter, perhaps by trimming some of the recycled gags. If they'd done something slightly different with the banners and cut out a lot of the garden party (in fact, if theyd done without the 'promoting Britain' idea and just shown us India) it would have worked really well. As it is, it's still entertaining, but definitely not one of my top specials. Still, on the plus side, there did seem to be a lot more of 'them' rather than the telly characters about this one, and it did have a different feel to it. |
|
|
|
Post by Vivienne on Dec 31, 2011 15:18:41 GMT
ALL RIGHT YOU ALL, I TOLD YOU IT WOULD BE BETTER THE 2ND TIME ROUND. DIDN'T I? AND JESTER NOBODY WANTS TO GO INTO THE GANGES RIVER UNLESS IT'S PART OF YOUR RELIGION!All right enough of I told you so. We're having a BBCAmerica Marathon tonight.
|
|
|
|
Post by crumbs on Jan 1, 2012 23:28:35 GMT
Oh Lord I thought I might get 5 mins to make a comment but I've just been summoned. Briefly, I gave it 6 because it made me laugh at times and, frankly, James was very very attractive. I know, that is a bit of a poor basis on which to mark the show but that's how I felt. Yes, it was formulaic at times and weak in parts. To be honest, TG is less a car show and more a light entertainment show these days. I'd just like a bit more originality and brain stuff in it but that's just me. My favourite part was the garden party - Richard's hair was excellent and I rather liked the lawnmower skit. I thought the scenery at the end was beautiful and the shots in Jaipur gorgeous. Mr Crumbs, whose opinion is objective on these things, whilst mine would be affected by BES (blue eye syndrome), thought it was too much of the same thing and would like to see the TG team shake things up. He only laughed a couple of times and said he was disappointed overall. Very sadly, other friends of ours said they didn't bother to watch it at all as they feel TG is past it's sell by date. Oh dear.  |
|
|
|
Post by Wyvern on Jan 1, 2012 23:38:11 GMT
ALL RIGHT YOU ALL, I TOLD YOU IT WOULD BE BETTER THE 2ND TIME ROUND. DIDN'T I? I actually said as much to Mayfayre when the episode aired...  In fact, I always enjoy them more on a second viewing. I particularly didn't like the Vietnam special on first viewing, and yet on the second I haven't the faintest idea why. I never judge Christmas specials on the first viewing because I'm usually tired and sometimes hungover when they go to air... |
|
|
|
Post by Mayfayre on Jan 2, 2012 0:59:16 GMT
You also said "Not one of their best, bur still entertaining" and I agree with that, having finally got to see it!
There werre several points where we laughed out loud but I've forgotten which most of them were! One was when they were advertising English Muffins - having sent some over to Nat, I wondered how many more packets I'm going to gave to post abroad now!
|
|
|
|
Post by eolise on Jan 2, 2012 4:05:54 GMT
heheh, yea, I really liked that banner, Mayfayre, because of you having sent me packages. ;D And now, now Im going to say that they were very yummy, so be prepared thaty you'll receive loads of PM's now with addresses. |
|
|
|
Post by devil-may-care on Jan 3, 2012 18:41:11 GMT
I have finally had the chance to watch the Christmas special in its entirety. And it only took me 6 days.  First of all, I must say that Jeremy is just not diplomat material. I agree with several of you, the whole idea of 'promoting Britain' really should have gone by the wayside in the planning meeting. A simple adventure through India is plenty to deal with for an episode/special. And ElverVim, you are completely correct. That orange shirt was fabulous... and James in it was even better! ;D I loved the sneezing cow and even said God Bless You, as I was watching. ;D I screamed at James during the packing of the lunch cans. I laughed at Richard's enthusiasm for his Mini. I put my head in my hands when faced with Jeremy's car modification. So, all in all, a typical TG viewing night. The Garden Party was a bit on the cringe-worthy side. Although I did like James' lawnmower. I would have preferred a more up close camera shot of him attempting to start the thing though. ;D The shots of Jaipur and the Himalayas were superb. The cinematography was absolutely stunning and award winning. It was too long and a bit too contrived. Even though there have been many times while watching Top Gear that I have no idea why they are doing a certain challenge, the rushing of the lunches to the train station felt like a massive reach. Other than James' great line about his ring road trip, it was not worth it. I still haven't decided what to give it for a rating. Perhaps another viewing is in order. |
|
bob
Smutty Mayhemer
Posts: 111
|
Post by bob on Jan 5, 2012 20:54:49 GMT
I didnt think it was one of their best either, it just didnt seem right somehow. Maybe there was too much happening, with trying to promote UK, dimplomacy and challenges.
There also seemed to be a bit too much blantant stupidity, such as the hammond winch thing. I liked the bit at the end as it seemed more natural, playing cricket with the locals. It would also have been nice to see a bit more of the "countryside".
One thing I did notice was that James seems to be getting more confident. He seems to be telling the other two off in a more proper way and they seem to listen to him (well as much as they can for TV). Im thinking of the hose pipe bit.
|
|
|
|
Post by dit on Jan 5, 2012 22:58:40 GMT
I still haven't managed to record this from TV. It failed on the 28th, so I set it to start recording from Sky while I was out tonight. When I came in half way through the TV was reading 'No satellite signal' and it has been coming and going ever since. I tried adjusting the LNB but that didn't help, so I phoned Sky and they're sending an engineer out on Sunday afternoon. Of course the next, and probably last, transmission is Saturday night!
I've got it downloaded on the laptop but I do like to watch TG on the big screen and I don't actually know how to get it onto disc from the laptop (yes, I know I'm dim) so can only do it from the TV to the DVD recorder.
|
|
|
|
Post by britta1988 on Jan 6, 2012 1:01:34 GMT
I enjoyed it overall. (Thanks to those who uploaded!)
Was it just me or did it seem like Jeremy and Richard were picking on James quite a bit? I found myself saying "awww, poor James!" quite a few times.
I agree with everyone though. The predictable parts are getting a lil annoying.
|
|
|
|
Post by meimichan on Jan 6, 2012 2:12:32 GMT
I still haven't managed to record this from TV. It failed on the 28th, so I set it to start recording from Sky while I was out tonight. When I came in half way through the TV was reading 'No satellite signal' and it has been coming and going ever since. I tried adjusting the LNB but that didn't help, so I phoned Sky and they're sending an engineer out on Sunday afternoon. Of course the next, and probably last, transmission is Saturday night! I've got it downloaded on the laptop but I do like to watch TG on the big screen and I don't actually know how to get it onto disc from the laptop (yes, I know I'm dim) so can only do it from the TV to the DVD recorder. There are conversion programs you can use to burn a disc of the episode on your computer and watch it on your DVD player. I've got a few I've done myself, but the DVD drive on my last computer died long before the rest of the computer and I haven't done it myself in a really long time, so I don't remember how to do it. If I figure it out again, shall I pass this information on to you? |
|
ElerVim
Filthy Mayhemer
"If there is one thing I like in a woman, it's me." - TGL in Sweden
Posts: 598
|
Post by ElerVim on Jan 6, 2012 6:28:18 GMT
I enjoyed it overall. (Thanks to those who uploaded!) Was it just me or did it seem like Jeremy and Richard were picking on James quite a bit? I found myself saying "awww, poor James!" quite a few times. I agree with everyone though. The predictable parts are getting a lil annoying. It isn't just you Britta, other members of the board have commented on James being more confident recently and (this is my personal opinion from here on out) Jeremy may be realizing that James isn't just being indifferent to him anymore; he is actually starting to bite back now that he knows has tons of unconditional viral support from all over the world. Man Lab is picking up a 3rd season and people are starting to pay attention to him outside of TG and are realizing that he is indeed brilliant and multifaceted (and I say good for James; it's about time he got the attention he's long since deserved). People are believing in him more and that might be what is giving him confidence (that, and any attention he gets is usually positive, whereas the publicity Jer has gotten recently has been negative). Maybe Jer is feeling a little threatened and Richard is playing along? Maybe it is the whole "alpha dog" thing going on between the two of them. Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it ;D |
|
|
|
Post by Wyvern on Jan 6, 2012 8:24:31 GMT
I realise I'll probably be in a minority here, but I'm finding this episode a real grower. I've had to spend a lot of time with it lately as I've been doing a screencap recap for another website (I can't link to it because Proboards profanity filter changes the URL!!!), and having spent several hours grabbing and arranging about 200 images, I've really become quite fond of it. It's only when I started breaking it down into sections that I realised how much is in it, and how enjoyable to banter between the guys really is. Having said that, I think the comment about the whole in this case being less than the sum of its parts is very true. A tighter edit would have done so much for this episode.
|
|
|
|
Post by dit on Jan 6, 2012 9:46:21 GMT
I've got it downloaded on the laptop but I do like to watch TG on the big screen and I don't actually know how to get it onto disc from the laptop (yes, I know I'm dim) so can only do it from the TV to the DVD recorder. There are conversion programs you can use to burn a disc of the episode on your computer and watch it on your DVD player. I've got a few I've done myself, but the DVD drive on my last computer died long before the rest of the computer and I haven't done it myself in a really long time, so I don't remember how to do it. If I figure it out again, shall I pass this information on to you? Thanks for that, meimichan. I knew there would be a way but I don't want to blindly go googling it and maybe make a mess of it! If you get the info, please do let me know. |
|
Hops
Filthy Mayhemer
Posts: 902
|
Post by Hops on Jan 6, 2012 9:49:46 GMT
I realise I'll probably be in a minority here, but I'm finding this episode a real grower. I've had to spend a lot of time with it lately as I've been doing a screencap recap for another website (I can't link to it because Proboards profanity filter changes the URL!!!), and having spent several hours grabbing and arranging about 200 images, I've really become quite fond of it. It's only when I started breaking it down into sections that I realised how much is in it, and how enjoyable to banter between the guys really is. Having said that, I think the comment about the whole in this case being less than the sum of its parts is very true. A tighter edit would have done so much for this episode. All right, I'll try and re-watch it, then. |
|
|
|
Post by flatin5th - Knight of the NC on Jan 6, 2012 10:42:35 GMT
It was on again yesterday, but I got to the trian station bit and found something better to watch - Rising Damp c1976  its not growing on me (TG, not rising damp!) |
|
|
|
Post by Wyvern on Jan 6, 2012 10:54:18 GMT
its not growing on me (TG, not rising damp!) So there *is* rising damp growing on you?! You want to get that looked at |
|
|
|
Post by flatin5th - Knight of the NC on Jan 6, 2012 14:39:13 GMT
its not growing on me (TG, not rising damp!) So there *is* rising damp growing on you?! You want to get that looked at The doctor said it would clear up in a few days if I apply the medication correctly! |
|
|
|
Post by Vivienne on Jan 6, 2012 15:01:27 GMT
I enjoyed it overall. (Thanks to those who uploaded!) Was it just me or did it seem like Jeremy and Richard were picking on James quite a bit? I found myself saying "awww, poor James!" quite a few times. I agree with everyone though. The predictable parts are getting a lil annoying. It isn't just you Britta, other members of the board have commented on James being more confident recently and (this is my personal opinion from here on out) Jeremy may be realizing that James isn't just being indifferent to him anymore; he is actually starting to bite back now that he knows has tons of unconditional viral support from all over the world. Man Lab is picking up a 3rd season and people are starting to pay attention to him outside of TG and are realizing that he is indeed brilliant and multifaceted (and I say good for James; it's about time he got the attention he's long since deserved). People are believing in him more and that might be what is giving him confidence (that, and any attention he gets is usually positive, whereas the publicity Jer has gotten recently has been negative). Maybe Jer is feeling a little threatened and Richard is playing along? Maybe it is the whole "alpha dog" thing going on between the two of them. Anyway, that's my theory and I'm sticking to it ;D I believe James has always been his own man. Even last night when they were building the car, it was James giving orders and Jezza and Richard going along. The sixty minutes interview addresses this situation when Steve Croft mentions that James is the "foil" for Jezza. I agree James' confidence is showing more in the episodes but he has never been downtrodden. Also I found it funny that in Big Ideas when they scanned his brain it was almost too big to fit in the xray or whatever it's called. |
|
|
|
Post by xjsarah on Jan 12, 2012 17:24:55 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by Vivienne on Jan 12, 2012 17:40:03 GMT
Nowadays even the truth is offensive. Did they have this kind of backlash on the Middle East Special because Richard had the trots? In fact they were putting the bog there mainly for him.
|
|
|
|
Post by antonia on Jan 12, 2012 18:43:25 GMT
I really wish they'd lay off with the complaints.It's getting really annoying and stupid. People get a life!!!!!!!!! |
|
|
|
Post by devil-may-care on Jan 12, 2012 20:00:18 GMT
I really wish they'd lay off with the complaints.It's getting really annoying and stupid. People get a life!!!!!!!!! Yeah, all 188 of them! Sheesh! That many complaints constitutes a reason to blast Clarkson and the show? |
|
|
|
Post by pie on Jan 12, 2012 22:30:33 GMT
*sends large parcel of sense of humour to whingers*People out there, it's TOP GEAR. That's what they do. GET OVER IT. 
|
|
|
|
Post by pie on Jan 15, 2012 12:37:35 GMT
|
|
How hard is it to just lift the box up, you guys? Honestly.
