firehawk12
Subete no aware
That was basically them trying to recreate a scene from the movie though. lol
-
Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.
Top Gear New Series |OT| No Longer Starring Chris Evans
- Thread starter Betty
- Start date
- Status
I know but it was really lame and fake. I always thought those bits were crap in the old Top Gear too.
BluenoseGames
Member
Holy shit just watched Extra Gear and that was so much better...
Fox Mulder
Member
It takes time to build chemistry and get in a groove, but I wonder if they'll get the chance with the pressure the show is under.
US top gear fucking sucked at first, but grew into something better in time.
US top gear fucking sucked at first, but grew into something better in time.
CrudeDiatribe
Member
Thought it was pretty alright cringed at some cheese, laughed a lot.
When they said "Rallycross", I thought they were going to reveal a 600hp monster.
Based on the trailers Harris is at least supposed to be on in a future episode flogging a Ferrari around a track. Sad he wasn't in this episode, though.
I think I'm going to find Evans grating, but I was expecting worse based on the internet's comments. Pleasantly surprised by LeBlanc.
More Schmitz, plz.
When they said "Rallycross", I thought they were going to reveal a 600hp monster.
Based on the trailers Harris is at least supposed to be on in a future episode flogging a Ferrari around a track. Sad he wasn't in this episode, though.
I think I'm going to find Evans grating, but I was expecting worse based on the internet's comments. Pleasantly surprised by LeBlanc.
More Schmitz, plz.
Captain_Fujisawa
Member
Remember the first episode of the rebooted Top Gear, the one where James May was Jason Dawe. It wasn't great, it takes time to build rapport.
I thought the episode was ok in parts. I think it's unfortunate that the first thing Matt and Chris film is the quite frankly poor Reliant trip, it didn't work. The star in a rally cross car should be an interview, this may work better next week if both of the guests actually own cars.
I think we may have to wait for episode 3, Chris said on his Radio 2 show that EP2 has already been filmed, so they can't change anything that people don't like.
I thought the episode was ok in parts. I think it's unfortunate that the first thing Matt and Chris film is the quite frankly poor Reliant trip, it didn't work. The star in a rally cross car should be an interview, this may work better next week if both of the guests actually own cars.
I think we may have to wait for episode 3, Chris said on his Radio 2 show that EP2 has already been filmed, so they can't change anything that people don't like.
i'm a huge fan of the original show and i thought it was ok, got a few laughs from me and Matt was good, especially the nomad film. The Top Gun bit was shit and the reliant bit was a waste, should have just started with the jeeps, atleast that would have been original
can't stand Chris Evans, his voice alone doesn't work at all for this show and he was awful in the studio segments.....why was he clapping during the celebrity hot laps?
can't stand Chris Evans, his voice alone doesn't work at all for this show and he was awful in the studio segments.....why was he clapping during the celebrity hot laps?
KimonoNoNo
Member
Captain Slow was the true MVP of Top Gear.
The problem in a nutshell
Instead of a semi reboot, with Evans and LeBlanc treating it as an opportunity to reintroduce themselves with an initially earnest episode about their passion of cars and wit, later progressing into pally banter and swag, they just carried on like Clarkson et al had been killed and were trying to impersonate their style 1-1 hoping everyone would just accept it not saying anything.
Like or loathe him, Evans is an experienced broadcaster and I'm confused he didn't realise this tact was very, very wrong to walk into / adopt
Wasn't Gordon Ramsey a guest? He's a big car guy or a big Ferrari guy.
JonathanEx
Member
Yes, and despite the fact Evans interviews people every morning, he seemed to forgot how to ever interview somebody without an overly restrictive format and ruin any chance of personality shining through.
Yeesh no wonder it's a shortened season. Matt was the MVP of the first show, and replacing him would mean enduring another season of shitty chemistry.
thesoapster
Member
Don't care for Evans yet. LeBlanc seemed to be OK when he was having fun driving stuff. Schmitz and Harris should be in bigger roles - they are by far the best drivers, and I think they've been pretty damn entertaining in the past. I hope Chris Harris really does have more stuff than the occasional show appearance and the "Extra Gear" bit.
KimonoNoNo
Member
Well it was rumored that there was a back room power struggle between Evans and the BBC about control of the show. Who knows maybe Evans wanted to change the format and was over ruled by the producers that just wanted a continuation of what came before just without Clarkson.
My thoughts, full disclosure is that I've been very down on this show through production, but:
- Chris Evans is not Jeremy Clarkson, he's much closer to Richard actually. Very ambivalent about him currently. He's super goofy, not in a charming way, and I don't feel like any of his jokes landed, but he was good in his matter-of-fact speaking parts.
- Sabine wasn't very entertaining, and the way that segment was shot didn't really show off her driving prowess well, which is probably the best thing she brings to the show.
- The entire Viper vs. Corvette section segment sucked. Wasn't very tense, wasn't very entertaining, I feel like the cinematography, which is one of the show's strengths, was not up to par, except for that one shot with the Corvette peering through the hangar doors and some of the shots of the base in general.
- The road trip segment was decent-to-bad. So much fake/unconvincing camaraderie and chemistry between Chris and Matt. This is one of those things you can't say if it'll truly improve later on or not, but the bar is set really, really low for banter right now and I feel like them all coming from such disparate backgrounds can't help. Second half was better and more kinetic.
- New studio looks kind of.. devoid of charm. The big screen is helpful, but sitting around the TV really gave you the feel that you were part of the family and it really shows in the SIARPC segment where the camera is on the big TV as much as it is on the guests. Also the new SIARPC kind of misses the reasonably priced car point? The dirt section is a cool spin, but I have a heavy nostalgia for the old track. Wish they had kept it because it's so integral to Top Gear, but this is one thing I can see being a good change over time. Evans was an okay host for this.
- Confirming the LaFerrari Spyder on the new Top Gear was odd because it felt super, super, staged, but it was cool I guess.
- Matt's Nomad segment was the best part of the show and felt the closest to what I love about Top Gear, from the humour to the cinematography to the commentary, etc. If there was hope in this episode, it's here.
- 2 host set up is weird; is it going to stay like this or will they rotate? It seemed more like an Evans show with Matt (and Sabine) where necessary. And Chris Harris is going to be relegated to Extra Gear too? WTF?
---
Overally, it doesn't give me much hope, but definitely has space to improve. I still feel like I am watching out of obligation than enjoyment. Since segments are all shot in a different order (I presume), I don't know if we'll see them improve their chemistry much by the end of the season, but it just seems like a clash of humour styles, whereas Clarkson/Hammond/May all had a similar one which allowed them to have good banter and make their relationship seem more genuine, and all of these factors are reflected in the quality of the actual segments. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt because they're just starting this, but they also had an established, expected and desired blueprint to emulate with and they've missed the mark in places.
- Chris Evans is not Jeremy Clarkson, he's much closer to Richard actually. Very ambivalent about him currently. He's super goofy, not in a charming way, and I don't feel like any of his jokes landed, but he was good in his matter-of-fact speaking parts.
- Sabine wasn't very entertaining, and the way that segment was shot didn't really show off her driving prowess well, which is probably the best thing she brings to the show.
- The entire Viper vs. Corvette section segment sucked. Wasn't very tense, wasn't very entertaining, I feel like the cinematography, which is one of the show's strengths, was not up to par, except for that one shot with the Corvette peering through the hangar doors and some of the shots of the base in general.
- The road trip segment was decent-to-bad. So much fake/unconvincing camaraderie and chemistry between Chris and Matt. This is one of those things you can't say if it'll truly improve later on or not, but the bar is set really, really low for banter right now and I feel like them all coming from such disparate backgrounds can't help. Second half was better and more kinetic.
- New studio looks kind of.. devoid of charm. The big screen is helpful, but sitting around the TV really gave you the feel that you were part of the family and it really shows in the SIARPC segment where the camera is on the big TV as much as it is on the guests. Also the new SIARPC kind of misses the reasonably priced car point? The dirt section is a cool spin, but I have a heavy nostalgia for the old track. Wish they had kept it because it's so integral to Top Gear, but this is one thing I can see being a good change over time. Evans was an okay host for this.
- Confirming the LaFerrari Spyder on the new Top Gear was odd because it felt super, super, staged, but it was cool I guess.
- Matt's Nomad segment was the best part of the show and felt the closest to what I love about Top Gear, from the humour to the cinematography to the commentary, etc. If there was hope in this episode, it's here.
- 2 host set up is weird; is it going to stay like this or will they rotate? It seemed more like an Evans show with Matt (and Sabine) where necessary. And Chris Harris is going to be relegated to Extra Gear too? WTF?
---
Overally, it doesn't give me much hope, but definitely has space to improve. I still feel like I am watching out of obligation than enjoyment. Since segments are all shot in a different order (I presume), I don't know if we'll see them improve their chemistry much by the end of the season, but it just seems like a clash of humour styles, whereas Clarkson/Hammond/May all had a similar one which allowed them to have good banter and make their relationship seem more genuine, and all of these factors are reflected in the quality of the actual segments. I want to give them the benefit of the doubt because they're just starting this, but they also had an established, expected and desired blueprint to emulate with and they've missed the mark in places.
Chris Evans antics, mostly the yelling and whoo-hooos, are extremely obnoxious. His voice doesn't work for the description of the events to unfold and it is not just because it isn't Clarkson's tone, it just lacks depth.
Matt looked and sounded depressed whenever he had to share screen with Chris Evans too, which made it awkward to sit through on those segments.
I really disliked the episode with the exception of the 2 shinning moments being Matt's lone car review and the Extra Gear segment by Harris. It seems like Harris wont even be the main presenter on the B class post show segment which is super disappointing.
With their all new personalities on this show, why the hell are they trying to pretend like the show can stick to the formula Clarkson, Hammond and May had going, why not make something completely new of the show even if it carried the name? So far it's just a mess.
Matt looked and sounded depressed whenever he had to share screen with Chris Evans too, which made it awkward to sit through on those segments.
I really disliked the episode with the exception of the 2 shinning moments being Matt's lone car review and the Extra Gear segment by Harris. It seems like Harris wont even be the main presenter on the B class post show segment which is super disappointing.
With their all new personalities on this show, why the hell are they trying to pretend like the show can stick to the formula Clarkson, Hammond and May had going, why not make something completely new of the show even if it carried the name? So far it's just a mess.
I rewatched it with a mate earlier today and one of the things that really made me cringe was the forced audience participation. I guess Chris wanted to change things up by having them more active, but now it just seems like they have an "Audience Clap" signal in the studio - it sounds and looks worse than the fake conference cheering at E3.
As someone else mentioned, the bigger, spacious studio layout made the show less personal, whereas before it had a more "car auction" feel to proceedings, and that was the same with the audience participation - the old trio, especially Clarkson, were naturals at engaging with the audience where necessary, and it didn't seem like they clapped and cheered on cue.
Less of that, more of the other hosts from Extra Gear (the car news in the sister show? really?), proper interviews with the guests, dial down the screaming and shouting a bit, and they can begin to let the show flourish.
As someone else mentioned, the bigger, spacious studio layout made the show less personal, whereas before it had a more "car auction" feel to proceedings, and that was the same with the audience participation - the old trio, especially Clarkson, were naturals at engaging with the audience where necessary, and it didn't seem like they clapped and cheered on cue.
Less of that, more of the other hosts from Extra Gear (the car news in the sister show? really?), proper interviews with the guests, dial down the screaming and shouting a bit, and they can begin to let the show flourish.
LordOcidax
Member
Thanks God for Extra Gear... I really liked it. Extra Gear>>>>Top Gear by far.
FunkyDealer
Banned
Extra Gear was pretty good. It felt sincere. I rather liked it.
The main event though, Top Gear. Very mixed. Chris Evans was grating, his voice-overs were crap and he just seemed like "that annoying, too close for comfort chap" at parties. Such a shame that the main presenter is also the worst.
The Top Gun bit was too scripted, nowhere near beliveable. I'd much rather just see the two musclecars have at each other round a track and on the roads.
The UK vs US should have been great. It had all the components: stupid three-wheelers, varying weather conditions, off-road, drag race.... But it rarely came together to be interesting and exciting. It never felt like much of an actual competition.
The star-segment was stupid. Well, the new track is cool. But the lenghty top-trumps bullshit was cringe-worthy, and having the guest introduce themselves? Piss off.
The audience seemed uninpressed as well, I noticed some odd cutting to make them seem more cheerful.
I'm surprised by how likeable Matt LeBlanc was, but then perhaps it's just because he was next to Evans. The Ariel Nomad segment was pretty cool though, if only due to the car and excellent location. The paparazzi stuff was never going anywhere.
I'm probably going to watch the season in hopes of something cool. The first couple seasons of 2001 Top Gear (the last show) was rather poor as well. But it felt more likable and genuine from the start, this seemed a bit "try-hard".
The main event though, Top Gear. Very mixed. Chris Evans was grating, his voice-overs were crap and he just seemed like "that annoying, too close for comfort chap" at parties. Such a shame that the main presenter is also the worst.
The Top Gun bit was too scripted, nowhere near beliveable. I'd much rather just see the two musclecars have at each other round a track and on the roads.
The UK vs US should have been great. It had all the components: stupid three-wheelers, varying weather conditions, off-road, drag race.... But it rarely came together to be interesting and exciting. It never felt like much of an actual competition.
The star-segment was stupid. Well, the new track is cool. But the lenghty top-trumps bullshit was cringe-worthy, and having the guest introduce themselves? Piss off.
The audience seemed uninpressed as well, I noticed some odd cutting to make them seem more cheerful.
I'm surprised by how likeable Matt LeBlanc was, but then perhaps it's just because he was next to Evans. The Ariel Nomad segment was pretty cool though, if only due to the car and excellent location. The paparazzi stuff was never going anywhere.
I'm probably going to watch the season in hopes of something cool. The first couple seasons of 2001 Top Gear (the last show) was rather poor as well. But it felt more likable and genuine from the start, this seemed a bit "try-hard".
blastprocessor
The Amiga Brotherhood
Chris Evans needs to take the tone of Matt LeBlanc and not shout so loud. Matt was certainly a surprisingly good presenter and didn't feel out of place unlike Chris Evans.
Pristine_Condition
Member
Besides the usual good photography, Leblanc's solo review segment was the only enjoyable thing on the show. This is not "must-see" TV for me anymore, but I'll see if it improves down the road.
S
Steve.1981
Unconfirmed Member
Just caught the last half hour of the repeat. Matt LeBlanc looks like he could be quite good at this kind of thing. His segment with the off-road car was entertaining and he came across relaxed and confident, if a bit scripted.
Chris Evans presenting style doesn't seem like it'll work here though. And I don't hate the guy, I'm someone who loved TFI Friday. He just looked like he was really forcing it, and it wasn't working at all.
Willing to give them a shot though. I'll need to catch next weeks show from the start, and Extra Gear.
Chris Evans presenting style doesn't seem like it'll work here though. And I don't hate the guy, I'm someone who loved TFI Friday. He just looked like he was really forcing it, and it wasn't working at all.
Willing to give them a shot though. I'll need to catch next weeks show from the start, and Extra Gear.
Pretty sure they legally can't say anything publicly about Top Gear.
My impressions:
LeBlanc is sympathetic.
Evans is obnoxious.
Schmitz is Schmitz.
I think the cast will get better in the coming episodes, at least I hope so.
Extra Gear was a pleasant surprise.
Never heard of Rory Reid before, but he did a great job.
Chris Harris is one of my favorite car journalists, but he came across a bit uncomfortable in the studio segments.
The atmosphere on Extra Gear was much more relaxed and authentic than on the main show. Shame it's only an expanded BTS.
How about switching the casts?
LeBlanc is sympathetic.
Evans is obnoxious.
Schmitz is Schmitz.
I think the cast will get better in the coming episodes, at least I hope so.
Extra Gear was a pleasant surprise.
Never heard of Rory Reid before, but he did a great job.
Chris Harris is one of my favorite car journalists, but he came across a bit uncomfortable in the studio segments.
The atmosphere on Extra Gear was much more relaxed and authentic than on the main show. Shame it's only an expanded BTS.
How about switching the casts?
Fallout-NL
Member
Yeah, they obviously don't know what they have with Harris.
Massive wtf to find out he wasn't even on the damn show.
S
Steve.1981
Unconfirmed Member
There were about a dozen people in the studio audience for Extra Gear. The place was echoing as they stood in stony silence. I'm not sure if moving away from the live studio environment might be an idea. There are other ways to link segments.
Apart from that it was decent. I don't know the guys but I liked Chris Harris, with his dead-pan serious sense of humour and obvious love of cars. He could be good entertainment. Rory Reid did a solid job presenting and moving things along.
It feels weird that we now have two parts to the show. Guess we'll see how it works in the coming weeks.
Apart from that it was decent. I don't know the guys but I liked Chris Harris, with his dead-pan serious sense of humour and obvious love of cars. He could be good entertainment. Rory Reid did a solid job presenting and moving things along.
It feels weird that we now have two parts to the show. Guess we'll see how it works in the coming weeks.
It doesn't work Evans and Le Blanc trying to take on the roles of Clarkson/Hammond/May, they're trying to be something they're not.
Harris is wasted on "extra gear", hopefully he gets a regular slot on the proper top gear and doesn't try and be one of the three musketeers just to be popular.
Harris is wasted on "extra gear", hopefully he gets a regular slot on the proper top gear and doesn't try and be one of the three musketeers just to be popular.
Holy shit you weren't kidding. Extra Gear is extremely more tolerable than Evans' schtick.
I still don't think they would have had good chemistry, but Harris should have Evans' spot.
Leno is a car guy. Just look at his garage when James May visits in one of the earlier seasons.
The problem is/was: Jay is not a good personality to have the "comedy" for Top Gear. His brand of comedy doesn't work in the same style that "three men faffing about" does with the original three and that's what Top Gear US was trying to go for at the time. (I dropped out because they changed too many elements and outside of the Nascar/Country dude I couldn't stand the other two presenters. Especially Tanner)
The Dutch Slayer said:
Twitter and the subreddit has been complete gold. The universal cry of "#anyonebutchrisevans" has had be dying of laughter.
XGRaViSmOrSX
Member
I can't wait for the eventual fall off a cliff the ratings will do next week and what his response will be then...
I think they might be ok next week as people tune in just to see if its more of the same. Can't see them being like that by episode 6 though.
First ep was always going to draw viewers just because of the Clarkson mess to see what was what with the new crew.
Mmmm. Arrogant. Somebody please tweet Chris Evans a link to this thread so he can see how many people he annoys. Maybe he'll take it on board.
Huw_Dawson
Member
Am I best off just watching Extra Gear until the main show gets its act in gear?
It sounds like Evans won't survive the season.
It sounds like Evans won't survive the season.
Exterminieren
Banned
Well, he's not wrong as such, but there's a distinct feel of desperation to those tweets.
- Status