Top Gear America

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by JB135MDCT

What commercials? TIVO it.

Tivo or no, you're still only watching a 42 minute show, not a 60 minute show as in the UK.

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by jkp1187

Tivo or no, you're still only watching a 42 minute show, not a 60 minute show as in the UK.

We don't live in the UK. In the USA, how is this program any different in terms of commerecials?

[ML]

The UK version still has to fall into the hour time slot on BBC America. Somehow they manage to edit 20 minutes out of the show and still maintain good content. Guess it really just helps show the weakness of the current US version of the show.

[BlackjackMulligan]

Originally Posted by ML

The UK version still has to fall into the hour time slot on BBC America. Somehow they manage to edit 20 minutes out of the show and still maintain good content. Guess it really just helps show the weakness of the current US version of the show.

Every once in a while, they'll show the entire 120 minute version in the US. I believe that the News portion is longer, as well as perhaps the interview portion- two parts I don't mind living without anyhow.

[ML]

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

Every once in a while, they'll show the entire 120 minute version in the US. I believe that the News portion is longer, as well as perhaps the interview portion- two parts I don't mind living without anyhow.

The last season was shown in the full UK length (except for the episode with Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, which was cut to the typical BBCA hour slot) and then a few of the specials, like the trek across Botswana and Boliva.

I always download a torrent of the UK shows from a finalgear link and typically skip most of the star interview. And, just as a heads up, there are two upcoming specials slated for BBC2. One on Dec. 21 and the second on Dec. 26. Otherwise, new episodes of the UK show are expected on BBC2 in January.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by JB135MDCT

We don't live in the UK. In the USA, how is this program any different in terms of commerecials?

My point is that because it is down 18 minutes, TGUSA will always be at a disadvantage versus Top Gear.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by ML

The UK version still has to fall into the hour time slot on BBC America. Somehow they manage to edit 20 minutes out of the show and still maintain good content. Guess it really just helps show the weakness of the current US version of the show.

Wouldn't know - I usually watch the unedited UK version. In fact, Comcast OnDemand for BBC America was making these available for the last UK series.

[arrutled]

I think we need older funnier gentlemen

[ML]

Originally Posted by TrackRat

They should rename the U.S. show: "Broken Gear" or "Failed Gear" or "No Gear".

How about "Missed Shift" or "Money Shift"

[vividracing]

I'm a huge fan of the 'original' Top Gear, have watched every episode that's been shown here in the US, and have seen a significant number of the corresponding, full British versions. Subsequently, I agree, the 'original' version, in my opinion, is a lot funnier.

Now, in my opinion, there are a number of reasons for that... so, I won't get into that here. Everyone has their opinion, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and whether something is funny/entertaining/informative is subjective. Agreed?

OK, so I've watched the three episodes of the US version that have aired so far. I confess that I was, initially, quite skeptical. But, Episode 3 was definitely funny

The banter is developing. The chemistry between the 3 presenters is developing. The delivery to camera from each of the presenters is improving.

Personally, I'm definitely willing to give it a chance. I'm fairly certain that it will never present a serious challenge to the 'original' Top Gear, but hey, it's about cars, it's somewhat entertaining, they feature some nice cars, the presenters are starting to banter, and did I mention the really nice cars?

By the way, for what it's worth, I'm a certified "petrolhead", by the 'official' Jeremy Clarkson definition

Graeme

[BlackjackMulligan]

One thing I'm liking so far is that they seem to deliver the actual car sounds better- on the British version, rarely can you really hear what the car sounds like going around the track. In fact, the interior shots of the Stig usually some music or something going on. When the American Stig took the Aston around the track, the sounds of the engine inside and outside the car were intoxicating.

[JB135MDCT]

Wow, some positive comments. It's about time. Maybe we haven't been affected by the "My hpfp failed" club of complainers.

[jkp1187]

Anyone still watching this? I got to episode 4 or 5 (whichever one had the race to Key West,) and I have to admit, I haven't been enthusiastic enough to watch it since. Felt let down by that episode -- I mean, it's cool to watch James May fly his own aircraft when he does these "car vs. plane vs. whatever" races. It's boring to watch Tanner Foust be flown by someone else.

[and 1]

i actually haven't even watched TGUS yet! tho i'm with you on the DIY vs be flown in a plane. james may is also a badass in general, which def helps his case, evne if he does drive like a granny

[JB135MDCT]

I watch but admit the TIVO skip button has experienced a heat soak.

[BlackjackMulligan]

It started to grow on me toward the end of the season....I'll watch it again next year.

[Mikeshot1]

+1 ...Show got better for the most part after the initial 3.

Originally Posted by BlackjackMulligan

It started to grow on me toward the end of the season....I'll watch it again next year.