Probably the second most anticipated moment in car related TV entertainment of 2016 in the world (obviously behind the 'Grand Tour'). It had big shoes to fill, clown sized in-fact. Not many would be foolish enough to try, especially whilst brazenly copying the old format, though I'm sure the paychecks helped.
The first disappointment to point out occurred before the opening credits had even finished. Evans trying (and failing miserably) to copy the voice-over style of Clarkson. It is something he just couldn't pull off and I think this video says it all....
Reaction to Evans' Top Gear from proper presenters
The next disappointment came right at the end of the credits. I expected the credits to finish and have Johnny Storm, or maybe even Captain America stood there... But instead was some old ginger pillock... I thought Chris Evans was presenting it?
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| Chris Evans Meme |
Into the first segment and Evans' Clarkson-isms continued to un-impress. "Brakes the size of dinner plates..." etc etc.
I've read a lot of criticism of Matt Le Blanc as well, though in my opinion he was much better than Evans and showed more potential at being watchable. I was a bit disappointed that the attempt at a cheap car challenge saw him on the back of a tow truck for the majority of it, fighting break downs was half the fun of those things! But still, as long as he can learn to say "Porsche" correctly, he may be a slight saving grace for the main show. Especially if the bookies odds are right for Evans being dropped after 1 season.
The real hidden gem was Extra Gear. Given how bad the main show felt, I'm not sure many will have gone out of their way to watch the Extra Gear sister show, and if not many did it would be a real shame, as I think Chris Harris and Rory Reid proved the much more watchable pair. If you hated the main show, I would strongly recommend giving that one a chance.
I also loved the concept of having a rally cross track for the 'star in the reasonably priced car' segment of the show. It really mixes thing up for those 10 minutes, it may no longer be the break in the show to make a cuppa it has always traditionally been. I will find it interesting to watch the first bad weather laps as I can imagine that will impact on lap times much more than the old track, but also make them more spectacular to watch!
On reflection, I think the negative reaction was that of a knee jerk, and I suppose that's why I waited a couple of days before posting about it. It's not as bad as people are making out, and there is some potential there. I suppose after a few episodes when Evans realises he will never be Clarkson and settles down into being himself, maybe even he could become a bit more watchable..... here's hoping, and failing that, counting down to Grand Tour, albeit still watching Top Gear in the mean time.
And for those still resistant to change (maybe myself included) don't forget Top Gear used to look like this:
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