UK & USA?

Since i have been watching the US version of Top Gear recently, i have grown to be okay with it. I like Rutledge and Tanner, but Adam is just not my cup of tea, or should i say cup of Bud. I understand that the car culture may center around middle america, but all of their "Celebrity" guests are driving me up the wall. I also don't like the fact that not only do they not recognize the UK version, but it seems like they bash the United Kingdom in general a lot.

I just watched the final episode of this season and it seemed like they didn't utilize Adam at all, with the exception of his boring interview. In fact, it looked like Adam felt sad after being left out of the mix. Wonder if he got his walking papers?

I haven't watched TOP GEAR UK recently, but i am not sure there has been new episodes on for a while.

Clarkson & Co. all the way for me.

I thought there was ad for a new episode this Sunday, suggesting to me they're showing them out of production order. But yeah, Adam was all forlorn and neglected. Up here we're all of the same mindset: Tanner and Rutledge are great, Adam is a walking wannabe stereotype. Replace him with a James May-type and we've got gold.

I thought it was originally supposed to be Adam Corolla, who A) Knows about cars B) Is funny and C) whose dry wit is actually somewhat charming. Besides, he is tall with curly hair. He is the american version of Clarkson!

That would be nice. Be he'd also not hold back on his opinions - like Clarkson, but that isn't a very good idea on a network that has commercials.

Oh there were two Proper UK Top Gear specials in December: a return trip to the US (because Jeremy Clarkson can't get enough US hospitality) on the 21st and on the 26th a genuinely fascinating trip from Iraq to Bethlehem. New episodes start again on the 23rd of this month - for those of us who are in the UK of course...

...or have very sensitive high-range Internet-based antennas...

I like the UK version a lot.

It isn't that I dislike the US version, I think the problems that I have with it is 1) Adam and 2) it's cool that they cover all the supercars and they're not afraid to say what they think about them, but when it comes down to a car that you or I would be able to buy - I don't think we'll ever get them to say what's on their mind because they're on a network that will have Ford, Chevy, etc. buying airtime. Even if it isn't on Top Gear specifically. But they are clearly having fun (even with Adam around). Season 1 of Proper Top Gear was also a little rough around the edges too. In the first episode the studio audience seemed to be about 20 people or so that wandered in off the street.

I always like Top Gear for seeing the cars i could not buy, so i don't mind that they focus mainly on those. I think it is really weird how much bashing of the UK they do. I kind of wish that they would acknowledge that the UK version exists, so that we can get rid of that big elephant in the room, because i think that is why the audience is so awkward. The editing in the studio segments is also awkward, as it is obvious that they cut around the "jokes" to make it seem like people are laughing. If they just get rid of Adam and bring on one of the brits as a guest, the show could be a great american counterpart. If the office can create its own identity i am sure this show can.

Either way, i will still watch fast cars shot beautifully in slow motion.

Agreed! When Tanner was in the UK reviewing the Lotus I was really taken aback with his comments - and if he's in the UK and testing a British car, why not take it on the UK Top Gear test track? Get Richard Hammond on the US version for an episode so he can drool over US muscle cars with Rutledge I say.

I just caught the Alaskan Special last night and it is easily my favorite episode of Top Gear US!

I actually found Adam funny and entertaining, with the exception of one too many gay jokes. Other than that i could finally see the dynamic that all three host bring to the table. Maybe it is that bonding time that will really amp up the energy on the show.

it's still no UK TG, but it was a lot of fun.