Just watched the Second episode of the new BBC Top Gear (Spoiler Alert)

I CANT STAND EVANS, HE TALKS LIKE IM TYPING!!!!!!!!! He needs to shut the berkley up!

Missed the first episode due to DVR scheduling issues. Watched the second last night, including the Extra Gear. I rather enjoyed it for the content if not the presentation. It seems that Evans sounded like he was yelling because he was overmiked in the warehouse shots and had more reverberation than the others. I'm not sure I would have been near so aware of it if the media hadn't already made a big fuss about it.

My biggest disappointment is that they didn't change it up more. I know they've got some big shoes to fill, but they only made it worse by having the same old format, rather than freshening it up. They really made it feel like they were just substituting for the real thing rather than creating something new. They could have at least modified the theme music, for example, even just by recording it in a different style, like some shows do every new season. I've never really liked the thing with the audience self consciously and awkwardly standing around the presenters. Same old chairs on the same old set. The two new things that made an impression were celebrity rallycross and the fact that challenges were texted to their smartphones, rather than the white-coated staffer handing them an envelope. That's it.

American Top Gear has always seemed stilted to me, though the guys have gotten better. I never fail to watch it, though, because it has a certain quirky charm and I'm a sucker for any car-themed show. Even with the substitutes, the production of the BBC Top Gear is superior. It just seems to flow better and the quality of the camera and visual direction is better. Probably down to the fact that the BBC is putting a lot more behind what is their most-watched show, versus American Top Gear scraping together a crew for a niche product.

I am late to the game but am half way through Ep 1. Evans makes me feel like I am watching an infomercial about some amazing new kitchen utensil.

More drama:

Matt LeBlanc is allegedly planning to quit Top Gear if his co-host Chris Evans is not removed from the team first, sources have claimed. The American presenter, 48, is said to be concerned about Evans’s rudeness towards other members of the team, with some suggesting he also is frustrating to film with.

singleslammer wrote: I am late to the game but am half way through Ep 1. Evans makes me feel like I am watching an infomercial about some amazing new kitchen utensil.

Stick it out to the third episode, it gets better. That said, after this week's masterpiece with the Jag, just can Evans already and give Rory the big chair.

In reply to szeis4cookie:

I have watched through ep4 and am reasonably happy with it. Evans needs to leave though.

In reply to Tom_Spangler:

Isn't the Telegraph a tabloid type paper?

Edit: According to Wikipedia, Chris Evans (that one) is the freaking editor! Apparently it isn't a crap paper. It won best UK paper in 2010

I just watched episode 3 last night. Leblanc is doing a fine job. Move Harris to the front seat and Evans to the back seat and things will be good. Well, fine until Clarkson & crew blow them out of the water.

I've been watching the whole series. Chris Evans is so energetic, is punch lines are often just missed, get the lad some Ritalin. i think Matt Leblanc is better than expected. and getting better playing on his Hollywood star status. Chris Harris and Rory, deserve the co host with Matt. and dare i say it Sabine to replace the Stig

singleslammer wrote: In reply to Tom_Spangler: Isn't the Telegraph a tabloid type paper? Edit: According to Wikipedia, Chris Evans (that one) is the freaking editor! Apparently it isn't a crap paper. It won best UK paper in 2010

Um, different Chris Evans. I read the Telegraph online daily. It is one of Britain's best, if you prefer real news over tittylation. Although they do get a bit shouty and "clever" with headlines because British journalism.

I haven't watched any of the TG Extra, but Rory's appearances in the big show are really good. I'd be good with Rory and Matt as two main presenters, amping up the in-studio segments. Even bring back the news! I'm not sure Chris Harris has the attention span to show up in the studio for that. Sabine is good when she's improvising, but she might kill the chemistry when delivering prepared lines.

I'd watch Sabine flogging cars around and bitching about their lack of power instead of the silent Stig.

I haven't seen the fourth installment yet, I look forward to more Rory.

Basil Exposition wrote:

singleslammer wrote: In reply to Tom_Spangler: Isn't the Telegraph a tabloid type paper? Edit: According to Wikipedia, Chris Evans (that one) is the freaking editor! Apparently it isn't a crap paper. It won best UK paper in 2010

Um, different Chris Evans. I read the Telegraph online daily. It is one of Britain's best, if you prefer real news over tittylation. Although they do get a bit shouty and "clever" with headlines because British journalism.

I thought that was just journalism in general

The British press is not the same as US clickbait websites. They've had a lot more practice, for one thing.