Top Gear Series 11 Review Thread - all episodes are discussed within.

[Ben]

Episode 1

Absoloutly hilarious.

I've not laughed so much in ages.

Will have to watch it again as i don't think it all sank in first time.

[Col]

Noooooo !

They kept that quiet !!

Had no idea it was on on, when is it repeated ?

[hagis]

I almost sprayed a mouthful of beer over the living room carpet when the did the £1000 police car bit.

[dansansome]

i loved JCs line after his wheel fell off.

"i think something has gone wrong with the handling"

the "new presenter" was a bit of a red herring, but it looks like he'll be earning his money...

[Loofer]

Episode 1

Absoloutly hilarious.

I've not laughed so much in ages.

Will have to watch it again as i don't think it all sank in first time.

I was out last night, totally forgot about it.

When is the repeat on (other than on UK TV Gold and Dave in 5 years time)?
No details of repeat on BBC website:(

[dansansome]

try the bbc iplayer. its on there for another 6 days :)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/

[Loofer]

try the bbc iplayer. its on there for another 6 days :)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/
AArrrghh... that was my first point of call... tried that last night and it didn't have it there then...I think
Thanks for that

[RichardCranium]

Nice to have it back on the box. Saves watching boring nil-nil European football.

Thought the topgear stuntman thing was a tad naff. I was expecting the 'new' member of the team to be her from the Nurburgring.

Looking forward to watching Hamster in the RS6

[Captain Answer]

I thought it was one of the better episodes they've done for a long while, not so much "last of the summer wine" style slapstick.

I aslo liked the pop they took at the Prius and current environmental thinking in general.

[Audi A4 Lover]

'Hello and welcome!No this is not a repeat, and your not watching Dave'

And it just went uphill from there :D

[RichardCranium]

...and at the end. 'If you're watching Dave, see you in a couple of minutes'.:D

[andy pen]

Thank god they are back about the only thing our licence fee is well spent on.Funny informative(well nearly), loved the dig at eco cars and so true, construction emissions make taxing built cars a joke.BUT politicians are the most eco unfriendly buch around and make me look like a tree hugging greeny and I work in construction!!!!!
Great TG is back shall watch avidly
Enjoy fellow petrol heads :D:biglaugh:

[Sam]

Missed it Sunday because I was working, but managed to watch it last night. Made me laugh all the way through.

Glad its back too, at last.


Noooooo !

They kept that quiet !!

Had no idea it was on on, when is it repeated ?

And here's me thinking you watched all my posts :D

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=37803

Shame on you.

[SEMKY]

If anyone on here goes on bookface, theres a group campaigning for getting every episode released on DVD, like a big 'all series' boxset....if we get enough people to sign up, we are going to the Beeb...
get signing up guys and gals!!!
Groups called
Petition for the Full Release of Top Gear, as seen on TV to DVD.

Imaginative title eh?

[MalcQV]

I particularly liked the fact that an M3 was more economical than the Prius.:p

[Clinterous]

I particularly liked the fact that an M3 was more economical than the Prius.:p

Wouldn't it have been a fairer comparison to have both cars drive 100 miles on normal roads?

[Clinterous]

[quote=hereketty;197713]I thought it was one of the better episodes they've done for a long while, not so much "last of the summer wine" style slapstick.

I appreciate where you're coming from.

I do enjoy the programme but often think there can be too much middle aged men trying to be comedians.

[MalcQV]

Wouldn't it have been a fairer comparison to have both cars drive 100 miles on normal roads?

Well it was just a bit of fun, the Prius is a **** car so who cares :p

I guess there was a serious element to it. The M3 is not really more economical than a dorky Prius in the real world. The point they did make is it depends how you drive your car, that in itself can make a big difference to economy. More about how you drive rather than what you drive.

Another way to look at it is driving 100 miles in an M3 is going to bring far more smiles than in the Prius IMHO of course ;)

[Ben]

well, episode 2. It seems the evo is far better them the imp. The audi was very nice. For once a proper top gear that reviewed cars. Ok i like a good laugh like the next bloke, but there are an awful lot of cars out there that get passed by. I was hoping the passat r36 would make an appearance. Roll on episode 3.

[Taylor22]

Audi Drivers are dubbed as the new ***** instead of M3 drivers :zx11:

[dansansome]

i found that part (the cool wall bit) pretty funny, as i drive an audi, and want to buy a breitling lol. notice how he didnt metion the audi driver = **** line when that spooks bloke said he drove an R8 :)

the bit of banter about pairing BT phones was a little cringworthy imho, and seemed totally scripted. that was about the only thing wrong with the show.

i like RH's new nickname "fridge magnet" :biglaugh:

[Sam]

I'll take an RS6 Avant in black please.

One day, I will have one, one day.

[dansansome]

i sat in one at poole audi a week ago. i think it was in transport mode (or battery disconnected), as nothing worked on it, which was a shame. it meant that i couldnt adjust the driver's seat, and it was wound right back, so i couldnt get a proper feel as to driving position.

i have to say, the rs6 avant cockpit is a VERY nice place to be.

[sprout]

top gear repeated the first episode on the friday at 9 0 clock pm, i assume it willbe a weekly repeat i didnt check the second episode.:beerchug:

[Ben]

Any one see tonights TG?

When jezza did his impression of a cardigan wearing ferrari owner / enthusiast, i thought "i wonder if malc is watching?";).

anyone else?

[dansansome]

good episode i thought. i want an 8C. what a gorgeous looking car.

wouldnt mind the gtr either, but what puzzles me [spoilers alert] is

A) when JCs satnav stopped working, why didnt he park up and press the buttons until it worked again, instead of randomly driving (while pressing buttons)

B) when JC found the policeman that spoke english, why didnt he ask him to turn the satnav on for him?

[end of spoilers]

tokyo looks wicked, i'd love to go there. however i think i would get totally lost and frustrated at not being able to understand anything...

[MalcQV]

Any one see tonights TG?

When jezza did his impression of a cardigan wearing ferrari owner / enthusiast, i thought "i wonder if malc is watching?";).

anyone else?

I was, it is true and we were pi$$ing ourselves laughing (as usual). Another fine episode.

I used to be an FOC member too :p

[rubezz]

how scripted are they 'races'!!

jeremy got lost because sat nav goes off, then hamster and cpt slow get lost at the same time.. then the screen splits in 2 when they are all lost. just getting obvious now.

[dansansome]

i also found it quite amusing that although the gtr was in a "race" there was quite a lot of overtaking/overhead/action shots of the car. so not only were RH and JM beaten by the gtr, they also contended with the camera chase car (presumably some kind of large 4x4 type thing) and a helicopter.

oh, and it was pretty bloody handy that JM happened to have a camcorder in his bag eh? phew, that could have been a showstopper if he didnt.

[rubezz]

its all scripted now. even the camera that shakes in the top gear test track when anyone goes past it - thats fake!! u see the old ones where it shakes slower and they upgraded it to look more real.

and what are the ?pictures jeremy is always showing this series "ive been on the internet and found this" and the crowd react. whilst home viewers get a view of the ceiling. even at a delayed 9.30 showing. pathetic bbc.

[dansansome]

i believe hardcore isnt allowed at any time on the bbc :D

[Sam]

I think you're missing the fact that this is entertainment. Something that is seriously lacking on television at the moment.

There aren't many programs that make me laugh out loud, Top Gear is one of them.

[dansansome]

im not complaining at all, and i agree about it being entertaining. i catch my o/h and my daughter watching it (when they are pretending to read of something), they both smile and laugh in the right places.

im just one of those people who seems to be able to spot inconsistencies etc a mile off.

(and my o/h hates it lol)

[Sam]

When I say you, I mean the collective "one".

Lots of people love to poke holes in stuff (myself included) meaning they often miss the point of things.

[dansansome]

i knew you were talking about the collective (and NOT the borg), i was just carrying on the conversation :)

[MalcQV]

i also found it quite amusing that although the gtr was in a "race" there was quite a lot of overtaking/overhead/action shots of the car. so not only were RH and JM beaten by the gtr, they also contended with the camera chase car (presumably some kind of large 4x4 type thing) and a helicopter.


I know you are not complaining, though I am just pointing out a couple of things

They have to add a little drama into it to make it a little more entertaining. Alot of the footage you see is shot after the event. They literally go back and shoot bits without the trio where possible of course.

It is by far the best programme on television.

[Ben]

roll on 8pm tonight......

[MalcQV]

Knockout episode. I loved the tearing up the countryside bit. That should be done more often!

Did not care much for either May's RR or that lump of Clarkson's Merc crud, but pushed I would take the RR.

[dansansome]

the big/old car thing i watched purely for the funny bits, rather than anything else.

the gtr was awesome (again) it looks super stunning in black imo. i have always had a soft spot for skylines (yes i know this one isnt actually a skyline).

i really want to know what it is that JC finds on the internet every week. also that little pug looked pretty cool. eugh, did i really just say that about a french car.....

[SEMKY]

Dont think I have ever laughed so much at a TV show.....off-roading hunt was BRILLIANT!!!!!!

[hagis]

Where do they film it? Over the past two weeks I've seen some Harrier Jump Jets and a Russian Mil 24/25 helicopter sat in the background.

[Ben]

Where do they film it? Over the past two weeks I've seen some Harrier Jump Jets and a Russian Mil 24/25 helicopter sat in the background.

google earth co ordinates

Latitude 51° 6'59.09"N
Longitude 0°31'57.83"W

Dunsfold air field

[Ben]

tbh, i didn't think it was one of the berret episodes.

only one more left in the current run now:(

[Dudey Head]

Did anyone else notice that when they were sat down gassing, the cameraman seemed quite eager to keep an ample-chested young lady in the shot, just above RH's left shoulder? It was kind of difficult not to notice!
:naughty:

[Ben]

Did anyone else notice that when they were sat down gassing, the cameraman seemed quite eager to keep an ample-chested young lady in the shot, just above RH's left shoulder? It was kind of difficult not to notice!
:naughty:


i noticed. i thought about posting then my mind wandered, imagining what would she say when she looks back or is watching it and spies herself.




ARGGGGH look at my boobs!!

[bora(ing) nick]

i noticed. i thought about posting then my mind wandered, imagining what would she say when she looks back or is watching it and spies herself.

*goes to search bbc - i * :D

[dansansome]

didnt notice the boobs.

eye test booked for 2pm.

[Ben]

*goes to search bbc - i * :D
already looked for the iplayer to do a screen dump, but its not yet on there as its repeated this week i think.

Nick i know you like boobs;) shall i post another picture.:p

<goes to facebook>

[bora(ing) nick]

already looked for the iplayer to do a screen dump, but its not yet on there as its repeated this week i think.

Nick i know you like boobs;) shall i post another picture.:p

<goes to facebook>

Your an evil man!

[Ben]

Your an evil man!
thanks

however, after viewing these holiday snaps, i decided that taste and decency came in to play so popped another pic just below yesterdays effort.;)

[hagis]

All over until the autumn then.

I must admit, I've not enjoyed this series as much as the previous ones. It seems like they're trying a bit too hard and it's getting a bit contrived. ie) Jeremy always *just* manages to win the "car vs ..." challenges and we just managed to beat the Germans last night in the challenge.

The Britain vs Germany thing was a bit cringeworthy, I thought. A bit too jingoistic. Fair enough, make a few jokes about the war and the footy but they over did it last night.

[Ben]

a good projet for them to do (loike the convertable people carrier) would be to make a car fly. not just attatch it to a hot air baloon or a large helicopter, but similar to that out of james bond.

the 1st in this current series was the best.

[Dudey Head]

The Britain vs Germany thing was a bit cringeworthy, I thought. A bit too jingoistic. Fair enough, make a few jokes about the war and the footy but they over did it last night.

Yeah, I agree. You couldn't help but think the Germans' were thinking "hilarious, get over it you sad gits".
It was funny in places, but for all the gloating about 1966, how many times have they knocked us out of the World Cup? :o
It was funny in a toe-curling way when they flew in two-seat Spitfires! :D

[MalcQV]

:o So it was just us (Mrs QV and Baby QV) that enjoyed the Allies vs Axis powers. I was screaming for the Aston driven by James :p to storm past the Porsche, and it did. I firmly believe it did :p. I loved the Spitfires too. It was all in jest and I am sure the German version was bent towards them too.

I cheered for the Atom to wipe the backside off the German and Italian cars (and you know what I think about Italian cars) and it did.

I loved it. Had the Germans used a proper Italian car, instead of a half baked German/Italian one they would wiped the floor with us, their loss our gain :D

[dansansome]

watched it last night (i V+ed it) and it was ok. if they had dropped the spitfires, they would probably have had enough budget left for another episode.

funniest bit was the soundman's arm smacking him in the face as it was stuck on the steering wheel. oh, that and RH going up to the accountant after he won the 4x4 race.
it did get a little cringeworthy tho...

i want to see that furai thing go round the circuit.

[Dudey Head]

watched it last night (i V+ed it) and it was ok. if they had dropped the spitfires, they would probably have had enough budget left for another episode.

funniest bit was the soundman's arm smacking him in the face as it was stuck on the steering wheel. oh, that and RH going up to the accountant after he won the 4x4 race.
it did get a little cringeworthy tho...

i want to see that furai thing go round the circuit.


Ditto, I was 'swear'ing myself when his arm came off, the way he just shouted "Jeremy, my arm's come off" was brilliant!
RH's in ya face reaction was funny, & when JC described him as a bad winner.


:o So it was just us (Mrs QV and Baby QV) that enjoyed the Allies vs Axis powers. I was screaming for the Aston driven by James :p to storm past the Porsche, and it did. I firmly believe it did :p. I loved the Spitfires too. It was all in jest and I am sure the German version was bent towards them too.

I cheered for the Atom to wipe the backside off the German and Italian cars (and you know what I think about Italian cars) and it did.

I loved it. Had the Germans used a proper Italian car, instead of a half baked German/Italian one they would wiped the floor with us, their loss our gain :D

I agree Malc. All the races were really good.
I just think it's becoming almost a bit embarassing, it's like a big chunk of modern British culture is based around rubbing Germany's nose in it, & the vast majority of Germans that that are alive now were born after the Nazis were gotten rid of!
There's a difference between pride & arrogance. I'll always be proud that my grandfather volunteered to fight in the war, & grateful he was lucky enough to come back so that I actually knew him, but all this :nana: is gettin all a bit schoolboy, which most of the time is funny, I hope I never properly grow up & become a dullard, but some things do get tedious!

[Dudey Head]

Oh yeah, Gumpert, what an amazingly crap name, that cracked me up! It looked alright from the front, the rest of it's a bit of an eyesore though! I admire the way it's so uncompromising, if being ugly means it's a better car, then so be it! :p

[dansansome]

i looked better in black than it did in the dark blue, but probably only because you couldnt see it properly lol.

cant believe the makers stopped the seat from being moved :confused:

[Sam]

I was going to say it was the shortest series thus far but a quick look on Wikipedia suggests its the 3rd time there's only been a 6 episode series.

Bit of a let down this one, roll on the next.

[Dudey Head]

i looked better in black than it did in the dark blue, but probably only because you couldnt see it properly lol.

cant believe the makers stopped the seat from being moved :confused:

Yeah, your stumped if you're too short or too tall! They must have gone through a lot of statistical data to decide on the position. You'd hope! :confused:


I was going to say it was the shortest series thus far but a quick look on Wikipedia suggests its the 3rd time there's only been a 6 episode series.

Bit of a let down this one, roll on the next.

Yeah, it did seem to be pretty brief! That stunt driver quickly disappeared back into the woodwork, probably for the best. I really think they should have a woman on the team as well to step on 'little boys' toes & rip the 'swear' out of them. Well, JC primarily! Carol Vorderman was good when she demolished his supercharger arguement & there was not a lot he could say to that & it was more entertaining as a result.
Oh yeah, what a big-headed git Jamiroquai bloke is! 'Swear' me, he's got an ego & a half!

[Sam]

Carol Vorderman was good when she demolished his supercharger arguement & there was not a lot he could say to that & it was more entertaining as a result.
Oh yeah, what a big-headed git Jamiroquai bloke is! 'Swear' me, he's got an ego & a half!

CV is free now too - interesting ;)

Jay Kay is allowed to be arrogant, listen to his music (earlier stuff) and you'll know why - the guy is a musical genius.

[dansansome]

yup, and he got his wicked way with Denise Van-O....

[Dudey Head]

CV is free now too - interesting ;)

Jay Kay is allowed to be arrogant, listen to his music (earlier stuff) and you'll know why - the guy is a musical genius.

I think she'd be brilliant on it, & she's more intelligent than all of them so she'd run rings round them mentally, I think she'd be the perfect counter to JC's bullishness. (I'm not being critical of him by the way).
As for Jay Kay, he's done some pretty good stuff, but he made a bit of 'swear' of himself IMHO. Robert Plant was on Jools Holland a few weeks ago & he was almost humble, now he's got way more right to be arrogant, but there wasn't a hint of it! :approve:

[Sam]

I think she'd be brilliant on it, & she's more intelligent than all of them so she'd run rings round them mentally, I think she'd be the perfect counter to JC's bullishness. (I'm not being critical of him by the way).
As for Jay Kay, he's done some pretty good stuff, but he made a bit of 'swear' of himself IMHO. Robert Plant was on Jools Holland a few weeks ago & he was almost humble, now he's got way more right to be arrogant, but there wasn't a hint of it! :approve:

Hmm, he was a little OTT, but I saw that as excitement ;)

I'll back up my initial comments with the following;


yup, and he got his wicked way with Denise Van-O....

:biglaugh:

[Dudey Head]

Hmm, he was a little OTT, but I saw that as excitement ;)

Yeah, I don't mean to be too down about him, maximum points for suggesing JC couldn't drive 911's properly! I like JC, he's like an anti-hero, but it's great when someone outs his nose out of joint! :D

[MalcQV]

Valid comments, I just love TG cos they talk bolox and do daft stuff. I take 99% of what JC says with a pinch of salt. If I listened to him I would not have bought my old Accord, my Passat or especially the Mondial. He hates the latter with a passion and thinks the other too are for old men and bores!

But Clarkson is a complete **** to quote James May :p

I think Sabine Schmitt (spelling) and co laughed as much as us. She is one heck of a driver.

[Dudey Head]

Valid comments, I just love TG cos they talk bolox and do daft stuff. I take 99% of what JC says with a pinch of salt. If I listened to him I would not have bought my old Accord, my Passat or especially the Mondial. He hates the latter with a passion and thinks the other too are for old men and bores!

But Clarkson is a complete **** to quote James May :p

I think Sabine Schmitt (spelling) and co laughed as much as us. She is one heck of a driver.

True, they knew full well it was pure tongue-in-cheek. TG works so well because of it's lack of seriousness.
She's a phenomenal driver! There seems to be an almost sibling rivalry type of connection between her & JC.

[RichardCranium]

what happened to Sundays episode?? why did we get re-runs of 'The best Bits'??:confused:

[mkc]

Hi Richard,
For some reason this series was only 6 episodes. As much as I like top gear I didnt tune in for Sundays episode as there is only so much you can take after watching re-runs on Dave and UKTV.

Coming back in the Autumn so they say.

[RichardCranium]

Lazy bums! 6 episodes! I ask ya. I didnt watch the re-run either. I watched one from 2 weeks ago that i'd recorded while on holiday. just off to watch another i missed now!