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October 8, 2008
Top Gear Australia Not Doing So Hot
By John Coyle
Editor
While the blokes on Top Gear Australia don’t have the hilarious interplay of their British brethren, in all fairness, it takes time to develop such seasoned report. But judging from the ratings, the Aussies will have to shape up quick—or they might not get a the time to settle into their dressing rooms. Just under a million viewers caught the premiere, which isn’t bad, but a quarter of those choose not to tune in for the next episode, which is. Personally, I think this clip is just ok, but if I could watch this show in prime time, I totally would. What do you think? Will Top Gear fly in the Land Down Under? via Jalopnik
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SpeedCanHurt
Oct 10, 2008 at 2:01 am
It’s not being advertised, I keep forgetting it’s on. Anyway, it’ll take time to get up to speed. For those who think it’s crap, go and watch the first few episodes of Top Gear UK – that’s pretty painful compared to the latest series.
Brad
Oct 9, 2008 at 2:12 am
Bill, while the original appears unscripted it clearly is. The outtakes on the DVD show the presenters flipping through scripts between segments.
This isn’t a ripoff or a copy, it’s a franchise. And even then the franchisee (Freehand) is part owned by BBC Worldwide anyway! This is a BBC production in all but name, but happens to be made in Australia for Australian audiences.
Top Gear UK was not an overnight success. It took years to gain cult status. The vintage episodes shown recently on SBS look very shaky by comparison to today’s slick, high budget productions.
I think Top Gear Australia deserves a chance to find its own feet. The ratings for the second episode could have been affected by the start of daylight savings (which does affect our viewing habits) and a public holiday in 3 states.
Dave
Oct 8, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Seems pretty lame to me unfortunately
They just dont have that British wit
Anonymous
Oct 8, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I think it will take some time to getting used to it. I mean the jokes seem kind of the same as the UK version so I think after a while people will get used to it.
Philscbx
Oct 8, 2008 at 12:34 pm
After being in Europe 3 times a year for 3 months, you tend to pick a couple English shows where they speak English. So Top Gear was a daily tour.
I suspect this Australia’s attempt at keeping the tires constantly warm will entertain the Manufacturer as well.
I read some past reviews where some people thought the high speed runs of the UK series was pushing it too far. I’m sure those people find watching cold mold grow entertaining.
It will be interesting if the Australian series do the junk yard dog series and actually pull it off as long as they keep the pace up with creative action. Adding artificial drama will kill it. Like they do on Pinks.
If we get to see it here in the US, hell why not. All we got now is the Family Guy. Cheers
Waytofurious
Oct 8, 2008 at 8:06 am
All the people that I have spoken to that have not liked the show have all made the same mistake in that they expect it to be a carbon copy of the UK show. It’s not, and it was never expected to be. I have watched both shows and enjoyed them for what they are. The third show is going to have:
DIY when the guys visit a junk yard and turn 4 wheel junk into treasure.
They will review the BMW X6 Coupe 4wd.
They will also look at the Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Black Series.
And that’s only half of it! With a couple of challenges and other great stuff thrown in why wouldn’t you want to watch it?
Bill
Oct 8, 2008 at 2:10 am
Where the original Top Gear appears unscripted the Australina version appears to be scripted as many of the comments have been copied straight from JC in particular.
Steve Pazatti comes across as the weakest of the team as he does not seem to project any warm image and honestly grates me.
The car tests where they are using hand held 2-ways show a real cheapness in the make up of the show.
Camera angles on the test track are poor and as has been stated miss far too many of the vehicle attitudes.
A test segment where more time was spent doing burnout than an actual test was areal blight on the show.
The Mini Moke segement was totally pointless and the cage far too professional in manufacture not the mug cage we would expect from the British team.
Stig is more like the Twig than a Stig.
Please raise the standard as this effort will no doubt turn off the viewers from the real Top Gear.
shamal
Oct 8, 2008 at 12:30 am
i think they have the concept right, they just have to accept the fact that everyone is always going to compare them to the british one… and honestly its very hard to top JC, hammond and may…but that said these guys are giving it a good shot…and im all for it…
Nes!
Oct 8, 2008 at 12:22 am
Pfffff not a chance! As soon as I saw the flock of seagulls on his head I paused the video!