Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear?

Question

Did anyone watch the special that was on sunday. How does CLarkson get away with what he says. Do you think the Americans are offended?

"I think I'll bribe him with a burger"

I will be honest, I LOVED that episode!!

Answer 1

I strongly suspect that

a. they don't show Top Gear except on some really obscure cable channel in the US
b. we have a very different sense of humour
c. he doesn't care very much

Answer 2

I adored that episode. But did you see how Clarkson scarped when it start to get roudy. And left the Hamster and James behind while he broke down. At first I was expecting them to say it was a joke but when whoever got there camera phone and filmed then taking it off I was laughing but at the same time thinking OMG what the hell is going on. To be honest to me it shows ho the Americans can easily get offended however I guess if they did that hear we wouldnt kick up a fuss because we no who they all are and how they like to make fun on the show even if it has gone from a car show to a comedy sketch. Clarkson gets away with it because simply he doesnt care which is what is so laughable and really quiete cool about him ...he doesnt care and is totally honest. It wouldnt make a show otherwise. The only thing that is getting boring is how he always wants to win but oh well. I love the show and adored that episode. Shows that not every American is as polite as they make out. Love this question...one star for me.

Answer 3

To be honest, I have been a fan of Top Gear for years and years, but that episode has me wondering whether it deserves my viewing time ever again!

I am not a poo pooer killjoy, but, I really do think that the biggest problem with that programme was the fact that they endangered the lives of others. Their cars were not roadworthy, and the way Jeremy Clarkson continued to drive his, with his view severely obstructed around the windscreen and then to continue driving when his windscreen wipers failed to work in a downpour - so badly that he only just avoided collisions with vehicles in the neighbouring lane due to Richard Hammond giving left/right guidance to him over the CB radio, was in my mind, totally irresponsible.

I have no problem with Clarkson and co doing stupid things in cars themselves - if they wish to take risks with their own personal safety, that is their prerogative, but to do so in conditions over which they have no control and which also endangers the lives of other people, is at best selfish and at worst irresponsible and dangerous.

The incident with the slogans all over the vehicles, and the remarks by JC illustrate just how irresponsible the producers of TG have become in an effort to be entertaining.

I accepted long ago that Top Gear is not really a programme about cars, it's more like 'Men Behaving Badly' with cars! However, I enjoyed that, or used to. But if this latest special were something done by one of those Japanese programmes featured on Tarrant on TV, where contestants do totally stupid and potentially dangerous things, we would be astounded that such things could be allowed. Without doubt, had this been filmed on a motorway in this country, the presenters, and possibly the producers would find themselves on several charges for motoring offences.

Answer 4

Firstly, I like the new format of Top Gear. Very informal.

Secondly, I was appalled at the antics of the presenters, decorating the cars with such overtly inciteful slogans and then complaining about 'no sense of irony'.

What do they plan for next years trip, Israeli emblems and Stars of David on a road trip through Lebanon or Syria?

Or maybe a re-enactment of the stunt that nearly got John McClane killed in 'Die Hard with a Vengeance'?

Shame on the production team for being so shallow-minded as to think of that stunt and shame on the presenters for not refusing to do it.

I was visibly panicking when the whole 'slogan episode' began.

And why did James May not leave his Cadillac and jump into Hammond's Pick-Up? His life is worth more than a £500 car.

People complained in droves about Richard Hammond's accident when a faulty tyre exploded and he ended up in hospital with severe head injuries.

If the headlines had stated that James May had been killed while on a trip to the U.S. because he drove around in a car on which was written offensive slogans, the BBC would have been in serious trouble.

Remember, folks in the UK are paying a licence fee for this kind of mindless, tactless nonsense to be recorded.

Answer 5

I watched that and I thought it was very close to the bone what was said and what they were doing, Couldn't believe they had a cow on the car and more so, did they not think that what they did with the cars going into that kind of area would have caused serious repercussions, it was soooooooooooo stupid what they did, but, it did make for good viewing all the same lol

I dont think the americans were offended apart from the painyting of the cars as I dont think that particular show will be getting aired in america lmao

Answer 6

I thought that episode was the best yet.... Especially the part when they pulled into get some 'Gas' and nearly ended up being beaten on... Can you think of any other programme on the tele at the moment which gets adrenalin running through your veins just by watching it?
I think Mr Clarkson gets away with it because he is so 'bold' about what he says and thinks. You will get some people that are offended but then again you always get people who get offended at anything.
I think most people respect Mr C because he doesn't mince around subjects, he just gets straight to the point and says what he is thinking.

Answer 7

On YouTube there are several episodes of Top Gear (many of which are now being removed due to copyright claims form the BBC), and a lot of Americans watch it there. They often enjoy his style of journalism, but many are very patriotic, and get offended by his comments (and they then put angry comments in the "comments" section of the video).

He also spoke about Americans on the Johnathan Ross Show, when he was promoting his dvd which was filmed in America (the good, the bad and the ugly). After making his comments, he was reluctant to return to the guests lounge- which was full of American guests.

The reason he gets away with it (and a lot of what he says) is because of freedom of speech in this country- he is entitled to voice his opinion.

With regard to the American comments, the BBC/ the production team are the only people who would censor him- and this would be if something was too controversial, or if it was going to affect viewer ratings. As the program is aimed at the British audience, this is not a problem. British viewers often find his stance on America to their taste, given the recent events in both American foreign policy, and our government's collaboration with the American Government.

Answer 8

I think Top Gear is fantastic they are quality.

I did think that Sundays episode was a cracker however i did think they went a little to far when they went through Alabama with all the writing on the cards its not nice to push someone's religion or quality of life. It could mbe measured in the same way as the 3 witches of Big Brother however at least they did the decent thing and made a donation to the charity for the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina mind you i dont think they would get far in those cars they gave them.

Answer 9

The Americans would not be offended because they ain't got the ability to become offended they just launch an attack to oppress anything said against them. Just like when they painted there cars in the episode. They have no sense of humour. That was by far the funniest hour of TV i've seen in a long time. So good i even watched the repeat on Wednesday.

Answer 10

It was amusing. Americans wonder why there country is looked apon so badly. Maybe because several thosands of them are homophobic twats. Come on "Bum Love Rules" thats funny more than offending. For once Clarkson wasn't an .... idoit. For once he showed how low America really is and thats what made it so amazing.

However Clarkson still has a lot to "make up for" driving over a heather filled moore in Scotland, but at least hes not homophobic.

Answer 11

Top Gear is shown on BBC World but not in America as i believe they are in the process of making their own version of top gear. Im on Gand Cayman and the satellite / cable TV feeds are American or Canadian channels. So i download it off the net using bit-torrents (many Americans with taste also do this i suspect). If you go to www.finalgear.com all kinds of arguments were appearing in the forums there.

All i can say is that episode was classic. Best thing on TV since 'to play the king' many moons ago and i always seem to have to agree with pretty much anything he says. Americans get all testy when he slags their cars but i have driven many of them down here and they really are just not up to standard. Too many vehicle companies competing with themselves and they don't put anywhere near enough money into their R&D. British Leyland all over again?