All this stuff about the relationships between the presenters is nonsense to me. They really weren't that special, and the scripts pretty much just played to one stereotype with every joke. "Here's James May! He's slow and badly dressed! Here's the little guy. And Jeremy is mouthy!" - why is that so clever? After a decade, the jokes were the same. It didn't get built on, it didn't even have a running joke, just repetition. The things they did varied, but the jokes were always the same. Maybe it won't work with other presenters, but that's only because repetition has led to familiarity. Nothing more.
It's emperors' new clothes. Someone said it about them once and it's being repeated. The show's writing simply wasn't that clever. It didn't once show any wit or even pathos between them. Nothing developed relationship-wise despite how long it went on, which is quite incredible.
It was a safe format and they stuck with it, and that's fine but it wasn't anywhere near as clever as is being claimed. The best thing about the show was the way it was shot, which had nothing to do with those three.
You can think what you like about it personally, but the proof is in the pudding. Just because you didn't like it, didn't stop it from being one of the most popular global TV shows and that is down to the presenters, the gags and the 'script'.
Also, I would argue it was the opposite of 'safe'.
I suppose the formula could be accused of being a bit safe and contrived – but it was enjoyable for a lot of people including myself. There were themes running through as well – just not subtle ones. We got to know the three presenters and their traits and the question is, will we make the effort to do that to three new ones. I personally doubt it.
All this stuff about the relationships between the presenters is nonsense to me. They really weren't that special, and the scripts pretty much just played to one stereotype with every joke. "Here's James May! He's slow and badly dressed! Here's the little guy. And Jeremy is mouthy!" - why is that so clever? After a decade, the jokes were the same. It didn't get built on, it didn't even have a running joke, just repetition. The things they did varied, but the jokes were always the same. Maybe it won't work with other presenters, but that's only because repetition has led to familiarity. Nothing more.
It's emperors' new clothes. Someone said it about them once and it's being repeated. The show's writing simply wasn't that clever. It didn't once show any wit or even pathos between them. Nothing developed relationship-wise despite how long it went on, which is quite incredible.
It was a safe format and they stuck with it, and that's fine but it wasn't anywhere near as clever as is being claimed. The best thing about the show was the way it was shot, which had nothing to do with those three.
You can think what you like about it personally, but the proof is in the pudding. Just because you didn't like it, didn't stop it from being one of the most popular global TV shows and that is down to the presenters, the gags and the 'script'.
Also, I would argue it was the opposite of 'safe'.
Why did you put script in inverted commas? Do you think it didn't have a script?
I didn't say I didn't like it...I watched it if nothing else was on and enjoyed elements of it (in spite of myself, and knowing that at least two of the presenters are genuine bona fide pricks, one first-hand). Why? Cos it was a familiar show that was on the BBC. It appeals to the cosiness of familiarity.
And all that you said about its popularity is absolutely true. But it STILL doesn't mean they had this mysterious, once-in-a-life-time relationship thing. It was well produced and familiar.
As for safe, I clearly said it was a safe format i.e the same structure of car, news, interview, car, offensive bit, ordinary car thing. The jokes weren't safe. They were often lazy and aimed at people not in a position to fight back. Offensiveness for the sake of it. Steve Coogan put it best.
MacDonald's is popular, but is doesn't stop it being the vilest, vomit inducing chite of the highest order, and that's just the so called vegetarian option! I quite like aspects of Top Gear, but being popular doesn't make it good.
MacDonald's is popular, but is doesn't stop it being the vilest, vomit inducing chite of the highest order, and that's just the so called vegetarian option!
My aren't you the gourmand, if it was as you described then millions wouldnt eat it everyday (they do choose to walk through the golden arches),get back to your tofu burger you commie pinko!.
Also If something is unpopular it doesn't make it good, maybe just elitist or pretentious.
I have not said unpopular is good have I? Maybe the millions who consume it every day are swayed by the advertisements that are shown non stop, or maybe the adverts are there to inform!
MacDonald's is popular, but is doesn't stop it being the vilest, vomit inducing chite of the highest order, and that's just the so called vegetarian option! I quite like aspects of Top Gear, but being popular doesn't make it good.
*pops out to the golden arches on the strength of Seths sales pitch*
I have not said unpopular is good have I? Maybe the millions who consume it every day are swayed by the advertisements that are shown non stop, or maybe the adverts are there to inform!
It's cheap and familiar. And exactly the same as it was twenty years ago. I don't put the success down to the relationship between the Big Mac, McNugget and apple pie.
I have not said unpopular is good have I? Maybe the millions who consume it every day are swayed by the advertisements that are shown non stop, or maybe the adverts are there to inform!
It's cheap and familiar. And exactly the same as it was twenty years ago. I don't put the success down to the relationship between the Big Mac, McNugget and apple pie.
Amazon also have Ripper Street, which was also dropped by the Beeb - only to now be aired on the Beeb again after fan demand, isn't there a footy song about this? So perhaps (whatever its called) will be aired later on terrestrial tv somewhere..
Weird. I'm not sure where race comes into this, seeing that both are white, and one's a Yorkshireman and the other Irish?
You do know Racism is not just down to the colour of your skin right?
Yes, but we're not in the 1960s where poor Irish were discriminated against. It's not like he's a Polish or Romanian immigrant. If we chant "dirty Northern bastards" at Northerners or Sheep Shaggers at Welsh supporters, is that racist? Clarkson didn't punch him because he was Irish, that would have come out 6 months ago if it was relevant. Clarkson was removed, and Tymon kept his job, so I can't see where the discrimination comes in.
Weird. I'm not sure where race comes into this, seeing that both are white, and one's a Yorkshireman and the other Irish?
You do know Racism is not just down to the colour of your skin right?
Yes, but we're not in the 1960s where poor Irish were discriminated against. It's not like he's a Polish or Romanian immigrant. If we chant "dirty Northern bastards" at Northerners or Sheep Shaggers at Welsh supporters, is that racist? Clarkson didn't punch him because he was Irish, that would have come out 6 months ago if it was relevant. Clarkson was removed, and Tymon kept his job, so I can't see where the discrimination comes in.
Yes it is racist.
But there wasn't racial discrimination here the bbc are just pissed they have lost their flagship show because clarkson is bigger than top gear.
Weird. I'm not sure where race comes into this, seeing that both are white, and one's a Yorkshireman and the other Irish?
You do know Racism is not just down to the colour of your skin right?
Yes, but we're not in the 1960s where poor Irish were discriminated against. It's not like he's a Polish or Romanian immigrant. If we chant "dirty Northern bastards" at Northerners or Sheep Shaggers at Welsh supporters, is that racist? Clarkson didn't punch him because he was Irish, that would have come out 6 months ago if it was relevant. Clarkson was removed, and Tymon kept his job, so I can't see where the discrimination comes in.
You are correct, it's not the 60's so I thought people would be more educated and tolerant towards these issues.
Racism is defined as the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. So yes referring to a Northerner as a dirty Northen bastard, or Welsh person as a sheep shagger is indeed racist.
Ha ha, I edited it straight away, after some initial confusion with killerandflash's post. You were quick off the mark though, so sorry to ruin your good joke.
Weird. I'm not sure where race comes into this, seeing that both are white, and one's a Yorkshireman and the other Irish?
You do know Racism is not just down to the colour of your skin right?
Yes, but we're not in the 1960s where poor Irish were discriminated against. It's not like he's a Polish or Romanian immigrant. If we chant "dirty Northern bastards" at Northerners or Sheep Shaggers at Welsh supporters, is that racist? Clarkson didn't punch him because he was Irish, that would have come out 6 months ago if it was relevant. Clarkson was removed, and Tymon kept his job, so I can't see where the discrimination comes in.
Yes it is racist.
But there wasn't racial discrimination here the bbc are just pissed they have lost their flagship show because clarkson is bigger than top gear.
The BBC are getting sued too so I don't think it has anything to do with them being "pissed".
Comments
Also, I would argue it was the opposite of 'safe'.
"and now, the moment all you petrol heads have waiting for, ITS BACK, ITS GINGE AND A MINGE, ITS TOPGEAR"
I didn't say I didn't like it...I watched it if nothing else was on and enjoyed elements of it (in spite of myself, and knowing that at least two of the presenters are genuine bona fide pricks, one first-hand). Why? Cos it was a familiar show that was on the BBC. It appeals to the cosiness of familiarity.
And all that you said about its popularity is absolutely true. But it STILL doesn't mean they had this mysterious, once-in-a-life-time relationship thing. It was well produced and familiar.
As for safe, I clearly said it was a safe format i.e the same structure of car, news, interview, car, offensive bit, ordinary car thing. The jokes weren't safe. They were often lazy and aimed at people not in a position to fight back. Offensiveness for the sake of it. Steve Coogan put it best.
I quite like aspects of Top Gear, but being popular doesn't make it good.
Maybe the millions who consume it every day are swayed by the advertisements that are shown non stop, or maybe the adverts are there to inform!
The trio will front three series of a new motoring programme for Amazon Prime, with the first season to be made available worldwide in 2016.
Clean toilets
The height of their ambition
Find it extra strange as he was doing Have I Got News for You only a few weeks back
But there wasn't racial discrimination here the bbc are just pissed they have lost their flagship show because clarkson is bigger than top gear.
Racism is defined as the belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races. So yes referring to a Northerner as a dirty Northen bastard, or Welsh person as a sheep shagger is indeed racist.
Presume she may well be one of the new presenters.
bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-35490238
All we'll get now is 'fenders', 'trunks' and filling up with 'gas'.