Yet Another Cycling Forum

Off Topic => The Pub => Arts and Entertainment => Topic started by: simonp on 10 March, 2015, 04:54:53 pm

Title: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 10 March, 2015, 04:54:53 pm
Clarkson has been suspended by the BBC pending an investigation.


http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31824040
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2015, 05:30:29 pm
Back next week to even higher ratings?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ferret on 10 March, 2015, 05:31:13 pm
just read this myself, maybe if he goes our licence fee will be reduced, or will they just replace him with another over paid tosser??
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 10 March, 2015, 05:35:23 pm
Sadly, he makes money for the BBC.

But he has been protected up to now by the producer of the programme, who is, reportedly, the other person involved in the 'fracas'.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Hot Flatus on 10 March, 2015, 05:40:30 pm
Err.....not so fast. 'A' producer, not 'the' producer.

Might be the executive producer, but might not be.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 10 March, 2015, 05:41:27 pm
Ah.  An important distinction.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 10 March, 2015, 05:43:10 pm
zOMG I'm going to have to watch Call the bleeding Midwife.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2015, 05:49:04 pm
Maybe he sniffed the producer's coke.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: bumper on 10 March, 2015, 05:53:26 pm
zOMG I'm going to have to watch Call the bleeding Midwife.

dont panic, theres something about canals on ch4 ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 10 March, 2015, 06:04:11 pm
zOMG I'm going to have to watch Call the bleeding Midwife.

You have to watch TV?  Your 'off' switch must be like my 'mute' switch - it doesna work >:(

OTOH there is 'on demand' TV these days so forget the schedules..

 
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ferret on 10 March, 2015, 06:37:26 pm

[/quote]
OTOH there is 'on demand' TV these days so forget the schedules..
[/quote]

but you need something better than dial up to enable "on demand"
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2015, 06:45:23 pm
It's the liberal pinko gayers war on the motorist.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Polar Bear on 10 March, 2015, 07:17:28 pm
 We can but hope...  (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-31824040)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hubner on 10 March, 2015, 07:38:50 pm
Who really gives a ...I think he and the BBC operate on the basis of any publicity is good publicity.

Presumably the show that is not going to be broadcast has already been made, so they'll show it the week after and get  even more people watching.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tigerrr on 10 March, 2015, 07:38:59 pm
certainly might be the way Clarkson breaks away from his BBC contract and seriously cashes in on the character the BBC licence payer forked out to create for him. He has a huge global fan base of grunting males who love stinky cars and rightwing politics so this will be unlikely to be the end but more likely to be a start of his career expansion.
it is quite possible he may emerge bigger than the BBC - he has been one of its biggest revenue sources for years. If he hasn't left it too late he can now go seriously global on cable and pay TV. He will own all of Surrey if he doesn't go non dom.
Of course we may hope he finds a body in his swimming pool.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2015, 08:22:47 pm
Yes, like Jonathan Ross, he will soon turn up on ITV. And then eventually creep back into the BBC by stealth, appearing on charity game shows and the like.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: andrewc on 10 March, 2015, 08:40:31 pm
Ideal UKIP election candidate...... oh dear....  :o
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ham on 10 March, 2015, 08:50:31 pm
Sorry, much as though I wish to, I can't see this working out badly for Clarkson. The idea that acting out his bad boy image makes him in anyway toxic is entirely misplaced. A suspicious part of me wonders if it is staged, rather like an American wrestling match
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: T42 on 10 March, 2015, 09:42:09 pm
Maybe they'll get Frankie Boyle back to replace him.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 March, 2015, 09:49:31 pm
Err.....not so fast. 'A' producer, not 'the' producer.

Might be the executive producer, but might not be.

The executive producer is one Andy Wilman, who used to do a bit of presenting himself many years ago ( and was quite a lot funnier than Clarkson too).  He and Clarkson have been mates since school so it seems unlikely to be hi.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2015, 09:56:27 pm
I'm not sure that a deliberately provocative buffoon is good publicity for a corporation that is fighting to retain the Licence Fee,  however much that buffoon earns for himself and the BBC.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 10 March, 2015, 10:18:48 pm
Who really gives a ...I think he and the BBC operate on the basis of any publicity is good publicity.

Presumably the show that is not going to be broadcast has already been made, so they'll show it the week after and get  even more people watching.

They've just said on the news that none of the three remaining shows of this series will be broadcast as originally scheduled.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: C-3PO on 10 March, 2015, 10:27:44 pm
Masters,

It has been brought to my attention that two threads on the latest antics of Mr J Clarkson is at least one too many.  R2-D2 is disappointed, of course, as he has a crush on The Stig.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spindrift on 10 March, 2015, 10:39:49 pm
His dinner wasn't ready, The Mirror is reporting, so there was a fracas.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2015, 10:44:07 pm
Don't you mean a fricassee?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Coffee Snob on 10 March, 2015, 11:02:04 pm
Clarkson is a typical ex public schoolboy tory toff muppet whom I hope the bbc give the sack.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hubner on 10 March, 2015, 11:05:19 pm
Who really gives a ...I think he and the BBC operate on the basis of any publicity is good publicity.

Presumably the show that is not going to be broadcast has already been made, so they'll show it the week after and get  even more people watching.

They've just said on the news that none of the three remaining shows of this series will be broadcast as originally scheduled.

Maybe they'll broadcast them one week after the original schedule.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: IanDG on 10 March, 2015, 11:20:33 pm
What a shame, from the title I thought he may have been suspended by a rope around the neck.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wowbagger on 11 March, 2015, 12:00:06 am
Ideal UKIP election candidate...... oh dear....  :o

(http://i.guim.co.uk/static/w-940/h--/q-95/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2015/3/10/1426019992146/db454944-4b79-4009-a4f4-0b44d05ba09d-620x424.jpeg)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 12:08:17 am
Maybe they'll broadcast them one week after the original schedule.

Teh BBC, they say:

Quote from: Those Commie Pinko Tools of the Establishment at Broadcasting House

BBC News special correspondent Lucy Manning said sources had confirmed reports Clarkson was suspended for "allegedly hitting a producer".

"The incident is believed to have happened last week, but was reported to the BBC on Monday and dealt with on Tuesday," she added.

"The next two episodes of Top Gear will not be broadcast and it's understood that a third programme, the final of the series, is unlikely to be transmitted."

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jakob on 11 March, 2015, 12:21:15 am
I like Top Gear. Clarkson is an oaf, but an entertaining one. He knows how to make fun of himself and not take himself too serious.
However, he has very clearly screwed up big time and I don't get the seemingly blind support he gets.
https://twitter.com/JeremyClarkson/status/575396502559985665
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 12:33:49 am
What the hell happened there?  I clicked Jakob's link and Chrome was suddenly hijacked by a twitter virus O:-)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rafletcher on 11 March, 2015, 07:12:13 am
Blimey, tired and possibly emotional presenter throws hissy fit when flunky fails to sort the sarnies. And that's news? Only because it's the Guardian's hate of the decade Clarkson.  ::-)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: madcow on 11 March, 2015, 07:55:38 am
Even better the postponement of said episodes of "Top Gear" has stopped Gary Lineker from appearing on our screens again.
Two for the price of one.
 Anyone noticed that the BBC has a very annoying habit now of using one BBC programme to promote another?

Clarkson ,in all likelihood,  is not actually employed by the BBC . Like all the big names they are self employed or via service companies , so that the BBC doesn't have to pay beancounters to calculate their PAYE .
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 11 March, 2015, 08:04:51 am
It's got nothing to do with the Guardian, rafletcher, and everything to do with the fact that Clarkson is a superannuated pub bore who thinks his celebrity status gives him licence to do and say whatever he likes.

The sad fact is that he's probably correct. Clearly he's become too toxic for the BBC in the current climate of fear but commercial TV will undoubtedly snap him up very soon.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 March, 2015, 08:11:46 am
Clarkson is a typical ex public schoolboy tory toff muppet whom I hope the bbc give the sack.

Yes.  And if he parts company with the BBC I wonder what he will get up to next?  No doubt the BBC contract was a restraining influence :hand:

No doubt he will assume his natural vocation as a latter day Alf Garnett role model.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: T42 on 11 March, 2015, 08:18:11 am
"Allegedly used a racist word..." Mealy-mouthed twats. What did he say, or is it too, too terrible for our tender young eyes? Or, old fart that I am, would I actually understand it if I read it?

The funny thing is in France these days that you can actually make up a word or gesture, and if you use it to the wrong person in the wrong tone it'll eventually find its way onto the Index, probably via your court appearance.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: jsabine on 11 March, 2015, 09:10:33 am
"Allegedly used a racist word..."

The one I think they're referring to was in Korea (or somewhere else where the natives have slitty eyes; it really doesn't matter), gestured to a bridge in camera shot and said something like "look at the slope on that."

One end of the bridge was at a different elevation to the other. There were also several people of local ethnic origin crossing it at the time.

Witty reference to the possible dual meaning of perfectly normal words that are only misinterpreted as denoting a racial slur when heard by members of the PC Gorn Mad brigade, or the ramblings of a turgid elderly racist? You decide.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 11 March, 2015, 09:14:01 am
There's the poem he recited and mumbled. I believe squirrel is the modern version of it. You catch its toe. There's the Mexican slur. There's another one too.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: jsabine on 11 March, 2015, 09:16:24 am
There's the poem he recited and mumbled. I believe squirrel is the modern version of it. You catch its toe.

Having been brought up with AA Milne, it took me *years* to cotton on that it wasn't "Catch a Tigger by his toe."
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 11 March, 2015, 11:04:12 am
I'm actually quite scared by how many people have signed the petition for his reinstatement.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ferret on 11 March, 2015, 11:16:02 am
well going through Change.org I'm quite disappointed by the amount of support there is for such an archaic, sexist, racist over paid prick, but then I suppose I'm just out of touch and this type of thing is considered entertainment these days  AND! auntie wants an increase in our TV tax   

funny how a lot of people on here consider the "comedies" of the 70's racist or sexist, Love thy Neighbour, On the Buses, Man About The House etc etc yet jump to Mr Clarkson's defence, I find that very odd.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 11 March, 2015, 11:21:42 am
I'm actually quite scared by how many people have signed the petition for his reinstatement.
One 'campaign' message going around is tagged with 'We need more truth tellers on the BBC'. You can debate whether or not clarkson is entertaining but any idea that he is purveying 'truth' would reduce even him to fits of laughter. I find it scary.


Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 11:24:58 am
well going through Change.org I'm quite disappointed by the amount of support there is for such an archaic, sexist, racist over paid prick, but then I suppose I'm just out of touch and this type of thing is considered entertainment these days  AND! auntie wants an increase in our TV tax

A "tax" which can simply and legally be avoided.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ferret on 11 March, 2015, 11:55:47 am
not if you want to watch TV,
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: geraldc on 11 March, 2015, 12:06:25 pm
I think he'll go to make his own youtube channel, but keep the same production levels. He'll still have access to all the cars and stars, but will absolutely coin in it from global advertising.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ian on 11 March, 2015, 12:09:04 pm
not if you want to watch TV,

Broadcast TV. Which I believe is optional. I manage to avoid having an opinion either way about Clarkson by having near zero exposure to the man.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Andrew on 11 March, 2015, 12:22:08 pm
Witty reference to the possible dual meaning of perfectly normal words that are only misinterpreted as denoting a racial slur when heard by members of the PC Gorn Mad brigade, or the ramblings of a turgid elderly racist? You decide.

Clarkson's no fool. He knew exactly what he was saying. Ditto the nigger rhyme. He's deliberately provocative. He may not be a bigoted racist but he knows how to prod a stick, stir a hornets nest, and generate publicity. Personally, whilst I can find him genuinely funny, I find that 'stirrer' side of his character boreish and lame.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 11 March, 2015, 12:30:40 pm
not if you want to watch TV,

Broadcast TV. Which I believe is optional.

I'm inclined to agree, but I do so noting that I have little interest in the sort of thing that live TV is best at.  News, sporting events, that sort of thing.  If I were an avid sportsball fan, I might think differently about the TV licence.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 March, 2015, 12:38:15 pm

Clarkson's no fool. He knew exactly what he was saying. Ditto the nigger rhyme. He's deliberately provocative. He may not be a bigoted racist but he knows how to prod a stick, stir a hornets nest, and generate publicity.


Indeed so and I am 100% certain he knew exactly what he was doing with that registration plate in Argentina.   In fact, I believe wholly that the brief was to find appropriate plated vehicles then come up with a theme once you know what your core material is.   The show has history with number plate games so it's not like there isn't a precedent.   These things don't just happen and James May should be extremely ashamed that he even tried to claim otherwise IMO.   
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 11 March, 2015, 12:41:58 pm
I think he'll go to make his own youtube channel, but keep the same production levels. He'll still have access to all the cars and stars, but will absolutely coin in it from global advertising.
win-win!

All his drooling fans would be able to get their fix, and
the rest of us would be able to ignore it, just like all the other dross in the bottom half of the internet.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 12:44:13 pm
Indeed so and I am 100% certain he knew exactly what he was doing with that registration plate in Argentina.   In fact, I believe wholly that the brief was to find appropriate plated vehicles then come up with a theme once you know what your core material is.   The show has history with number plate games so it's not like there isn't a precedent.   These things don't just happen and James May should be extremely ashamed that he even tried to claim otherwise IMO.

That grassy knoll must have been enormous :demon:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 11 March, 2015, 12:53:53 pm
Clarkson is a typical ex public schoolboy tory toff muppet whom I hope the bbc give the sack.
I hope they conduct a fair and impartial investigation and hearing and take the most appropriate action. And I hope all the morons calling for his immediate reinstatement remember what happens when people are deemed to be above disciplinary action because of their celebrity status.*




*eg Jimmy Savile
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 11 March, 2015, 01:17:50 pm
I'm actually quite scared by how many people have signed the petition for his reinstatement.

Exactly how reliable are on line petitions? 

Quote
Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson is set for a multi-million pound windfall after selling his stake in the hit car show to the BBC.

Presenter Clarkson and the show’s producer Andy Wilman owned 50% of the rights to the Top Gear brand through their company Bedder 6. The Beeb owned the rest.
  28/9/2012 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/jeremy-clarkson-sells-top-gear-1347649)


Quote
According to employment lawyers, the corporation could have to pay Clarkson twice over if it was to force him out, at a time when pay-offs for departing BBC staff have been described as a national scandal.
5/5/2014  (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/10808089/Jeremy-Clarkson-could-get-two-pay-offs-if-forced-out-of-BBC-over-Top-Gear-gaffe.html)

His present contract expires in September.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 11 March, 2015, 01:24:04 pm
I'm actually quite scared by how many people have signed the petition for his reinstatement.

Exactly how reliable are on line petitions? 

Well, quite, but 300,000 names in 24 hours is a bit terrifying in support of someone accused of violence in the workplace.

Quote
Quote
Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson is set for a multi-million pound windfall after selling his stake in the hit car show to the BBC.

Presenter Clarkson and the show’s producer Andy Wilman owned 50% of the rights to the Top Gear brand through their company Bedder 6. The Beeb owned the rest.
  28/9/2012 (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/jeremy-clarkson-sells-top-gear-1347649)


Quote
According to employment lawyers, the corporation could have to pay Clarkson twice over if it was to force him out, at a time when pay-offs for departing BBC staff have been described as a national scandal.
5/5/2014  (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/bbc/10808089/Jeremy-Clarkson-could-get-two-pay-offs-if-forced-out-of-BBC-over-Top-Gear-gaffe.html)

His present contract expires in September.

Interesting correlations.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tom B on 11 March, 2015, 02:23:16 pm
Feminism is relevant because only a macho culture would have allowed a bunch of idiots to elide heedless fossil fuel use with mindless racial slurs and scientific illiteracy  (http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2015/mar/11/jeremy-clarkson-suspended-eco-feminist-top-gear)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 11 March, 2015, 02:41:00 pm
Clarkson's intelligence is given too much credit because he's so clever at being funny.  I don't believe he always has everything planned out.  He's had so much power from his popularity that he simply doesn't need to think before he speaks, or punches.  But it can come to an end, like it did for Jonathon Ross at the BBC.  Leaving the BBC will not be a good move for Top Gear.  They won't get the budget and long term support elsewhere these days.  It's not what Clarkson planned.  He has been a genuine complacent berk.

Incidentally, the amount of swearing before the watershed is remarkable - an indicator of the power of the program.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rafletcher on 11 March, 2015, 02:52:49 pm


Incidentally, the amount of swearing before the watershed is remarkable - an indicator of the power of the program.

Yes, Gillian Anderson was quite bad wasn't she.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 11 March, 2015, 02:58:59 pm
I mean unbleeped swearing.  Ok, "arse" is a mild swear word, but they have an awful lot of arses before 9pm ('scuse the pun), and worse occasionally, iirr.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: interested on 11 March, 2015, 03:01:47 pm

His present contract expires in September.

[Conspiracy mode]
Wearing Machiavellian glasses, one could view the many Clarkson "gaffes" as an attempt to get extra cash by getting forced out. Such a strategy would only make sense if he knew BBC wouldn't renew his contract, or that another TV-network have made him a huge offer to work them as soon as possible.

Perhaps the other TV-network didn't invite the Top Gear producer and brand Co-owner too; that could explain the fracas. Time will tell...[/Conspiracy mode]
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 11 March, 2015, 03:04:24 pm
Leaving the BBC will not be a good move for Top Gear.

Top Gear won't leave the BBC - they own the brand (100% since Wilman and Clarkson sold their stake in 2012) and make an awful lot of money out of it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 11 March, 2015, 03:04:48 pm
Gardening leave 'til September then.

Everyone wins apart from those that need to watch him.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ham on 11 March, 2015, 03:16:36 pm
Leaving the BBC will not be a good move for Top Gear.

Top Gear won't leave the BBC - they own the brand (100% since Wilman and Clarkson sold their stake in 2012) and make an awful lot of money out of it.

...and it is much bigger than Clarkson:
Quote
Key stats

Guinness Book of Records holder for most watched factual programme in the world
Sold to 214 territories worldwide
Over three million YouTube subscribers
Over 19 million Facebook fans
Over one million Twitter followers
Top Gear Magazine global circulation: 1.67 million
Over 4 million unique users on topgear.com every month
Half a billion page views in the last year
Over 8.9 million downloads of Top Gear game apps
Over 1.5 million visitors to Top Gear Live
Audience

Top Gear’s unique entertaining nature appeals to a broad audience – 40% of the audience are female!
Core audience: males 18-35 passionate about cars and driving
Dads and lads who like cars: males 35-54 and their kids 7-11

(from http://advertising.bbcworldwide.com/home/mediakit/reachaudience/topgear )
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 11 March, 2015, 03:22:12 pm
Ok, but Top Gear in the form of its presenters and producers can leave the BBC and start up with a new name elsewhere, like some did to Fifth Gear years ago.  But of course they don't want to.  ITV, for instance, may pay its stars more at first, but they don't seem to support things so well in the long run these days, let alone spend as much on content.  Clarkson wouldn't have planned for that.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 03:28:56 pm
Also Fifth Gear was crap.  It could hardly be anything else with serial whingepig Jason Plato as one of the presenters.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 11 March, 2015, 03:30:39 pm
Not to mention Jonny Yokel.

Sky doesn't currently have a motoring show, does it, hmmm?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 11 March, 2015, 03:34:38 pm
It didn't help Fifth Gear that it was on Channel Five.  Actually, I quite like Tiff Needell.

...and it is much bigger than Clarkson

But Top Gear will dwindle without Clarkson and Clarkson will dwindle without Top Gear.  So I don't think he planned to leave, unless he was considering retirement - which he comfortably could do, except without owning as many cars as Jay Leno.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 11 March, 2015, 03:36:43 pm
Ok, but Top Gear in the form of its presenters and producers can leave the BBC and start up with a new name elsewhere, like some did to Fifth Gear years ago.

Did they jump or were they pushed? Top Gear was on the verge of being axed before Clarkson and Wilman came up with the new format. Does anyone miss Quentin Willson?

And rumours have been doing the rounds about the possible axing of the current line-up for at least a couple of years...

The international versions of Top Gear seem to do quite well without Clarkson's interference.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 03:43:17 pm
Count Quentula is currently co-presenting "The Classic Car Show" on some awful below-stairs commercial channel.  With Jodie Kidd.  Srsly.

It is this: dreadful.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 March, 2015, 03:44:48 pm
The international versions of Top Gear seem to do quite well without Clarkson's interference.
??? Do you mean they have different, Clarkson-free, content? If not, in what way are they without Clarkson's interference? And if yes, what do they have in common with the TG we see other than the name?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 11 March, 2015, 03:50:55 pm
The international versions have the format without Clarkson, with their own presenters.  But *British* Top Gear without Clarkson will not be very popular, surely.

ps.  I suspect May and Hammond are nearly as popular, but wouldn't be with no Clarkson to bounce off.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 11 March, 2015, 03:52:03 pm
My Leftpondian friends seem to be well aware of Clarkson.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 11 March, 2015, 03:54:15 pm

...and it is much bigger than Clarkson:


I don't think it is.

As much as I don't like the show I'm inclined to think that it is the Jeremy Clarkson show.

If the BBC sack him then SKY will hire him and recreate the format.

I think this would be a superb result (since I don't  get SKY)

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 11 March, 2015, 03:59:56 pm
Must admit, I wasn't thinking about Sky.  Yes they'd have the money for Clarkson and a Top Gearalike show, but wouldn't be as loyal in the long run, I bet.

My Leftpondian friends seem to be well aware of Clarkson.

Available on BBC America and torrent.  So they have (at least) two versions of Top Gear.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: tiermat on 11 March, 2015, 04:04:27 pm
Sorry burst a bubble, but Fifth Gear, the last time I looked, is still alive (sort of) and shite, but on Discovery.

The problem any other broadcaster would have is that Aunty Beeb own the rights to the FORMAT.  Anything else, with or without Clarkson, would just be a pale imitation.

Unless, of course, Aunty shoots herself in the foot and sells the rights to the format at the same time.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 11 March, 2015, 04:44:38 pm
*British* Top Gear without Clarkson will not be very popular, surely.

Who knows? Getting rid of the current crop of idiots would be a good excuse to overhaul the format and freshen it up - which is long overdue in the opinion of a lot of people, including many who like the show.

It might die horribly without Clarkson to prop it up, or it might go on to be more popular than ever. All remains to be seen.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Riggers on 11 March, 2015, 04:51:49 pm
They could have the other two chaps, drop Clarkson, and introduce a 'visiting' presenter as a replacement each week … very much like Have I got News for You.

That would work wouldn't it?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 11 March, 2015, 05:02:06 pm
They could have the other two chaps, drop Clarkson, and introduce a 'visiting' presenter as a replacement each week … very much like Have I got News for You.

That would work wouldn't it?
Yes it would work.
James May makes excellent TV solo. Hammond is likable enough, and seems very popular.

there are  LOADS of presenter-types out there who are funnier and more skilled than JC.(and currently earning rather less)

But it will take a long time for any new setup to "gel"; expect initial big auidience drop and criticism.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ham on 11 March, 2015, 05:09:43 pm
The crafty thing to do would be drop in a female presenter. That would shake it up, has the potential to retain the existing audience and build new.

I nominate Zoe Williams ;)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 05:12:30 pm
Sabine Schmitz ftw

She speaks better English than Clarkson too.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Riggers on 11 March, 2015, 05:23:52 pm
And she could say "Koch!" too, with a wry grin and a wink.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 11 March, 2015, 05:39:19 pm
Lawyer on R4 just now:

Apparently BBC owning "The Format" isn't a great deal of use to them (unless someone copies it in very close detail). There have been too many progs of similar format,  here and abroad.

But he did say that "The Stig" was a concept that they could probably defend ownership of!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 March, 2015, 05:42:25 pm
The fact that the odious "Guido Fawkes" is behind the petition is enough reason to start a counter-petition.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 March, 2015, 05:45:00 pm
Sabine Schmitz ftw

She speaks better English than Clarkson too.

I've always fancied a lap of the Nurburgring in her taxi.   I think that she would be excellent.   Quick, tell Auntie...  ;)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 11 March, 2015, 05:45:53 pm
I dare say that the helicopter crash in Argentina on that French show will have put the wind up a lot of programme makers. Clarkson has been exhibiting self-destructive behaviour for a while, but with a whole franchise resting on his shoulders, he's a bit stuck.
He should get out while he's still ahead.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 11 March, 2015, 06:00:36 pm
All three presenters are out of contract at the end of the month, presumably the one signed at the time the rights were sold to the bbc.  I  can see them all defecting to the other side with a slightly modified format.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jakob on 11 March, 2015, 06:01:49 pm
Sorry, but Clarkson is the main person on Top Gear. They could probably replace Hammond or May without too much fuss, but they'll struggle to maintain the same dynamic without Clarkson.

TG is one of my favourite TV shows. I don't think it'll work on any other channels, unless they transplant the whole production crew.
I also don't think that Clarkson should keep his job, if he tried to punch his producer.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Hot Flatus on 11 March, 2015, 06:02:29 pm
Clarkson appeals to bigots.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Polar Bear on 11 March, 2015, 06:07:51 pm
And there are an awful lot of bigots in Britain.   Just look at most of our politicians...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 06:14:06 pm
I'm also minded to wonder how much of the script is down to Clarkson.  I doubt Richard Porter could do it all himself.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 11 March, 2015, 06:15:56 pm
Sorry, but Clarkson is the main person on Top Gear. They could probably replace Hammond or May without too much fuss, but they'll struggle to maintain the same dynamic without Clarkson.
We said pretty much the same thing about Diane in Cheers!

(actually, bringing in Woody probably supports  my point better. But I reeeally liked Diane ... )
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 11 March, 2015, 06:18:31 pm
And the petition is up to half a million.  People power may well win this one.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 March, 2015, 06:24:53 pm
Well, right wing rabble-rousing.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Coffee Snob on 11 March, 2015, 06:45:58 pm
Give clarkson the boot and bring in rachel riley sounds like a winner to me
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rogerzilla on 11 March, 2015, 06:47:16 pm
Guy Martin FTW.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ferret on 11 March, 2015, 06:58:29 pm
don't like her much but Suzi Perry is available and knows her stuff,
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 11 March, 2015, 07:13:25 pm
OK,  for Just A Bit Of Fun:

Who would you hire to play EXACTLY the same role as JC??
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 11 March, 2015, 07:14:55 pm
Probably Steve Coogan.
http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/jeremy-clarkson-suspended-steve-coogan-favourite-replace-top-gear-presenter-1491490

I've never been happy with The BBC giving free advertising to luxury car brands, it just seems wrong.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 07:23:04 pm
OK,  for Just A Bit Of Fun:

Who would you hire to play EXACTLY the same role as JC??

Me.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hubner on 11 March, 2015, 07:25:25 pm
Nigel Farange, 100% interchangeable.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 07:33:23 pm
Who he ^^^^?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 11 March, 2015, 07:40:32 pm
Now I *really* hope they sack Clarkson, just to make Old Shiny Face's kids cry.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 11 March, 2015, 07:49:14 pm
Nigel Farange, 100% interchangeable.

Yeah, but he's already tied into a lengthy contract with the BBC...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jurek on 11 March, 2015, 07:53:20 pm
OK,  for Just A Bit Of Fun:

Who would you hire to play EXACTLY the same role as JC??

Me.

... Is the right answer!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 11 March, 2015, 08:53:40 pm
M. le Maire et l'ours.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ham on 11 March, 2015, 10:04:17 pm
http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/mar/11/jeremy-clarkson-top-gear-nigel-farage

Quote
the only way he could be more inside is if he gave himself a proctology exam
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 11:17:19 pm
Quote from: Hadley Freeman
[...]he was given so much cash he probably could have built a car out of £100 notes. And, you know, it would have driven better than a Japanese car – amirite, Jezza?!

Why, no, Hadley!  No, you are not!  Only a couple of weeks ago Mr Clarkson was lavish in his praise of the Lexus LFA and is on record as saying that the most enjoyable drive of his life was in a 1-litre Toyota Starlet.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: canny colin on 11 March, 2015, 11:24:54 pm
Rogerzilla Nailed it , Guy Martin for el presidency
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 11 March, 2015, 11:32:54 pm
Not sure how keen Guy Martin is on cars though.  In the dim and distant past Top Gear had Steve Berry as the token biker but he was axed in fairly short order.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wobbly John on 11 March, 2015, 11:44:01 pm
Last of the Summer Wine was never the same, no matter who they brought in to replace Bill Owen...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 12 March, 2015, 12:32:44 am
Haven't watched for years. Too contrived and juvenile. If it goes I won't miss it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: red marley on 12 March, 2015, 06:35:22 am
I'd watch if Stewart Lee fronted it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 12 March, 2015, 07:43:01 am
Haven't watched for years. Too contrived and juvenile. If it goes I won't miss it.

It's 'lads and dads' television. It's as archaic as 'Call the Midwife'.
Not being a father of young boys, I can indulge myself with continuous dull BBC4 documentaries.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 12 March, 2015, 08:02:20 am
And the petition is up to half a million.  People power may well win this one.

Given that many petitioners are likely to be overseas viewers, should they tell the British Broadcasting Corporation what to do?   

I guess they will, since it is overseas sales that bring in the bucks.  Whilst other BBC progs have foreign derivatives, maybe Top Gear is unusual in being exported cast and all and not franchised. 

Perhaps it is really a freak show with an irreplaceable freak.   
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 12 March, 2015, 10:09:40 am
Can't remember where I heard/read it, but I'm pretty sure there ARE foreign adaptations.

(Presumably they sell "our" version into anglophone territories, and some others make their own.)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rafletcher on 12 March, 2015, 10:18:04 am
Can't remember where I heard/read it, but I'm pretty sure there ARE foreign adaptations.

(Presumably they sell "our" version into anglophone territories, and some others make their own.)

I think it might be the other way round - last Sundays programme had the US presenter on it. I read somewhere that the UK version is sold to 170 countries, with other territories paying for the format and producing their own version.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 March, 2015, 10:22:59 am
Certainly the USAnians and the inhabitants of Captain Cook's Mistake have their own versions - the chap attempting to teach Captain Slow how to drive a full-on rallycross car is one of the presenters of the US version.  France is apparently to get a local version round about now too.  Russia had a local one but it got canned in favour of the BRITISH one after about half a series.

Similar shows exist elsewhere outwith the Top Gear brand name in for e.g. Germany.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: tiermat on 12 March, 2015, 10:30:04 am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Gear_(2002_TV_series)#International_productions

Refers
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wombat on 12 March, 2015, 02:06:42 pm
Leaving the BBC will not be a good move for Top Gear.

Top Gear won't leave the BBC - they own the brand (100% since Wilman and Clarkson sold their stake in 2012) and make an awful lot of money out of it.

...and it is much bigger than Clarkson:
Quote
Key stats

Guinness Book of Records holder for most watched factual programme in the world
Sold to 214 territories worldwide
Over three million YouTube subscribers
Over 19 million Facebook fans
Over one million Twitter followers
Top Gear Magazine global circulation: 1.67 million
Over 4 million unique users on topgear.com every month
Half a billion page views in the last year
Over 8.9 million downloads of Top Gear game apps
Over 1.5 million visitors to Top Gear Live
Audience

Top Gear’s unique entertaining nature appeals to a broad audience – 40% of the audience are female!
Core audience: males 18-35 passionate about cars and driving
Dads and lads who like cars: males 35-54 and their kids 7-11

(from http://advertising.bbcworldwide.com/home/mediakit/reachaudience/topgear )

Pardon?  most watched FACTUAL programme?  WTF are they on, its not remotely a factual programme, at best its a poor situation comedy, which has utterly lost its point.  It could have a future, and still be fun, but without that prize knob-end Clarkson.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rafletcher on 12 March, 2015, 03:22:01 pm
Bring back Chris Goffey eh?  ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Vince on 12 March, 2015, 03:26:15 pm
and string backed driving gloves?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wobbly John on 12 March, 2015, 03:31:45 pm
I hope they don't bring that tw*t Quentin Wilson back.  >:(
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: pcolbeck on 12 March, 2015, 03:37:28 pm
They could bring back Vicki Butler Henderson or maybe get Jodie Kid. Both of them have racing licenses and a good sense of humour (from what you see on telly).
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 12 March, 2015, 04:05:15 pm
A former Stig, speaking on BBC news, agrees with me that British Top Gear needs Clarkson.  The viewing figures will go down to channel Five like levels without him and his influence on the other presenters.

Can't remember where I heard/read it, but I'm pretty sure there ARE foreign adaptations.

(Presumably they sell "our" version into anglophone territories, and some others make their own.)

The US, for example, gets BOTH our version and their own.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ham on 12 March, 2015, 04:22:04 pm
Some useful ideas here http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2011/03/02/jeremy-clarkson-may-have-to-be-dismantled-at-sea/
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: andyoxon on 12 March, 2015, 05:01:21 pm
I see, as reported in t'news, James May spoke quite plainly about his co-presenter...   ;)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 12 March, 2015, 05:33:28 pm

Hammond is likable enough, and seems very popular.


No he's not, he's fucking loathsome.

He dresses like some sort of 1980's Cowboy and he's a fucking coat-tail-hanging , arse-licking c***.

Don't believe me then read this:

(click to show/hide)

See, told you.

The final Top Gear show should be the three presenters in a battle to the death using blind-folds and rusty claw hammers.

The winner could then be shot by Bear Grylls in suicide pact.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Hot Flatus on 12 March, 2015, 05:46:25 pm
I'd like to see them locked in a Reliant Robin and set on fire by asylum seekers.

I'm sure Clarkson would see the humour in that.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 12 March, 2015, 06:01:26 pm
Pardon?  most watched FACTUAL programme?  WTF are they on, its not remotely a factual programme, at best its a poor situation comedy, which has utterly lost its point.  It could have a future, and still be fun, but without that prize knob-end Clarkson.

Yeahbut it used to be a car programme, and whoever compiles viewer stats didn't get the memo.  Clarkson himself has commented about the irony of this.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 12 March, 2015, 06:40:38 pm

Hammond is likable enough, and seems very popular.


No he's not, he's fucking loathsome.

He dresses like some sort of 1980's Cowboy and he's a fucking coat-tail-hanging , arse-licking c***.

Don't believe me then read this:

(click to show/hide)

See, told you.

Can I turn off the Comments section in my YACF?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 March, 2015, 06:43:47 pm
They could bring back Vicki Butler Henderson or maybe get Jodie Kid. Both of them have racing licenses and a good sense of humour (from what you see on telly).

Jodie Kidd can certainly drive a bit but she's not terribly good as a presenter, i.e. she makes Quentin Willson look positively sparkling.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 12 March, 2015, 09:28:56 pm

Hammond is likable enough, and seems very popular.


No he's not, he's fucking loathsome.

He dresses like some sort of 1980's Cowboy and he's a fucking coat-tail-hanging , arse-licking c***.

Don't believe me then read this:

(click to show/hide)

See, told you.

The final Top Gear show should be the three presenters in a battle to the death using blind-folds and rusty claw hammers.

The winner could then be shot by Bear Grylls in suicide pact.
POTD, I humbly submit.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 12 March, 2015, 11:27:03 pm
Having given this some thought I think the ideal replacement for Clarkson would be Kimi Raikkonen.  Given the likely pace of the 2015 Ferrari he'd probably be better off with the Reasonably Priced Car.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spindrift on 13 March, 2015, 10:11:46 am
If you're Clarkson's producer, every day is Red Nose Day.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 13 March, 2015, 12:03:39 pm
Seems Clarkson grassed himself up to The Mgt (http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/12/jeremy-clarkson-bbc-bosses-fracas-top-gear-suspension) ???
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: contango on 13 March, 2015, 02:07:55 pm
A former Stig, speaking on BBC news, agrees with me that British Top Gear needs Clarkson.  The viewing figures will go down to channel Five like levels without him and his influence on the other presenters.

Can't remember where I heard/read it, but I'm pretty sure there ARE foreign adaptations.

(Presumably they sell "our" version into anglophone territories, and some others make their own.)

The US, for example, gets BOTH our version and their own.

The US version is tragic. My American friends took one episode of our version to change and never go back. Having seen the US version I can see why.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 March, 2015, 10:21:50 am
A natural successor to the genius that is Clarkson has emerged:

Alan Partridge. 

Blindingly obvious when you think about it..

Quote
Alan has a strong track record for broadcast presenting, from his relaxed professionalism with guests on BBC chat show ‘Knowing Me Knowing You’ to his effortless banter on his talk shows at Radio Norwich. He has good experience with motoring TV, after his brilliant work on ‘Crash! Bang! Wallop! (What a video)’. His work as sports presenter on news programme ‘The Day Today’ also shows off his ability to talk about and inform on a range of topics.

..but just in case the BBC should pass over this candidate, you can sign the petition here. (https://www.change.org/p/bbc-hire-alan-partridge-for-top-gear)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 18 March, 2015, 10:46:22 am
A natural successor to the genius that is Clarkson has emerged:

Alan Partridge. 

So much of what Steve Coogan wrote as TV parody in Alan Partridge is now impossible to distinguish from reality.

New Top Gear (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QEWpWRG0no)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Bledlow on 18 March, 2015, 10:54:44 am
Seems Clarkson grassed himself up to The Mgt (http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/12/jeremy-clarkson-bbc-bosses-fracas-top-gear-suspension) ???
Because if he didn't, others were going to.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 18 March, 2015, 11:45:17 am
Seems Clarkson grassed himself up to The Mgt (http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/12/jeremy-clarkson-bbc-bosses-fracas-top-gear-suspension) ???
Because if he didn't, others were going to.

From what I read, it seems it wasn't so much a case of grassing himself up as trying to get the other chap sacked. It's possible he didn't foresee what the outcome would be for himself.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 March, 2015, 12:22:34 pm
Apparently he called the producer a 'lazy Irish fucker' or something like that. In which case, his image might even be true to himself.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 18 March, 2015, 06:52:26 pm
Will he be joining UKIP?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 18 March, 2015, 07:41:30 pm
Apparently he called the producer a 'lazy Irish fucker' or something like that. In which case, his image might even be true to himself.

Ooops. Casual racism. Was on final warning.

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 18 March, 2015, 08:12:47 pm
Seems Clarkson grassed himself up to The Mgt (http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/mar/12/jeremy-clarkson-bbc-bosses-fracas-top-gear-suspension) ???
Because if he didn't, others were going to.

More a carefully orchestrated exit strategy.  The Saville thing my be about him buying back the TG rights at a knockdown price.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: TheLurker on 19 March, 2015, 08:17:32 pm
Normally it matters not a jot to me whether or not The Three Stooges^w^w^wTop Gear is on or not.  After all it'll turn up on Dave sooner or later.  However this week I was a more than a little miffed because they were going to do a piece which featured, amongst other vehicles,  the Peugeot 304.  Now I have yet another reason to hold Clarkson in low esteem. Chiz, chiz, chiz.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wowbagger on 19 March, 2015, 09:50:55 pm
The interesting thing about racists, and Clarkson is the perfect example, is that they are generally such appallingly bad physical and intellectual specimens of their own race that you would have thought that they might just shut the fuck up.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 22 March, 2015, 09:38:39 am
Normally it matters not a jot to me whether or not The Three Stooges^w^w^wTop Gear is on or not.  After all it'll turn up on Dave sooner or later.  However this week I was a more than a little miffed because they were going to do a piece which featured, amongst other vehicles,  the Peugeot 304.  Now I have yet another reason to hold Clarkson in low esteem. Chiz, chiz, chiz.

Must say I do prefer the earlier 403.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/df/Peugeot_403_blue.JPG)

Was driving behind one a few days ago. It was peforming very well for such an old banger.  Which is more than you can say for Jezza..
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 March, 2015, 11:51:13 am
I went on holibobs in one of those circa 1969; belonged to the family of my bestest friend Martin.  I also like the 404 and have actually driven one, albeit for ten yards.  Column gearchange :-\
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: T42 on 23 March, 2015, 01:53:50 pm
The interesting thing about racists, and Clarkson is the perfect example, is that they are generally such appallingly bad physical and intellectual specimens of their own race that you would have thought that they might just shut the fuck up.

I'm not sure he is a racist. I think he's just trying it on - cultivating his image as an establishment-defying boor.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 23 March, 2015, 02:59:09 pm
At least The Stig has found other work in the Ebola area.

(http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/270/media/images/81846000/jpg/_81846196_liberian_624afp.jpg)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 23 March, 2015, 03:19:01 pm
The interesting thing about racists, and Clarkson is the perfect example, is that they are generally such appallingly bad physical and intellectual specimens of their own race that you would have thought that they might just shut the fuck up.

I'm not sure he is a racist. I think he's just trying it on - cultivating his image as an establishment-defying boor.

The last time he was called on this (or the time before, it's difficult to keep track) James May said something along the lines of "Clarkson's not a racist, just a bellend".
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: geraldc on 23 March, 2015, 04:44:53 pm
According to Piers Morgan, he and Clarkson went to the pub, got hammered and settled their differences. They are now on good terms, this surely is a omen of the end times.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 24 March, 2015, 10:50:40 am
The interesting thing about racists, and Clarkson is the perfect example, is that they are generally such appallingly bad physical and intellectual specimens of their own race that you would have thought that they might just shut the fuck up.

They're all the same those racists. It must be a genetic thing. We should root them out and send them packing, in case they infect us.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 March, 2015, 11:05:32 am
According to Piers Morgan, he and Clarkson went to the pub, got hammered and settled their differences. They are now on good terms, this surely is a omen of the end times.

I'm sure I could hammer out my differences with Piers "Morgan" Moron too, given a big enough hammer.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 24 March, 2015, 07:32:13 pm
The interesting thing about racists, and Clarkson is the perfect example, is that they are generally such appallingly bad physical and intellectual specimens of their own race that you would have thought that they might just shut the fuck up.

They're all the same those racists. It must be a genetic thing. We should root them out and send them packing, in case they infect us.

Clarkson's jeans certainly give him a nasty hangover.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 March, 2015, 07:54:09 pm
 :D ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spindrift on 24 March, 2015, 10:55:11 pm
sacked:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/11493270/Jeremy-Clarkson-to-be-sacked-by-the-BBC.html
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hatler on 24 March, 2015, 11:15:35 pm
Cool. Deserved.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 March, 2015, 11:52:03 pm
Chris Evans?

Bye-bye ratings...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jakob on 25 March, 2015, 12:49:57 am
Sad because I actually really enjoyed Top Gear, but man, did he deserve that...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hillbilly on 25 March, 2015, 06:46:59 am
Jim Davidson has a free diary.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Chris S on 25 March, 2015, 07:51:16 am
JC hasn't aged well, has he? I'm a year older than him and he looks much older than me!  :smug:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: woollypigs on 25 March, 2015, 07:57:36 am
Well, he will be back soon enough, just like Mr J Ross on radio 2. Naughty, fired and hired seems to be the way to deal with numpties.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: sg37409 on 25 March, 2015, 08:22:24 am
Good. Hes an utter twat who would have left anyway, he's about money and turdoch will pay more. Good decision from the BBC. Good riddance.  They can fuck right off. All of them with their chile badges. To a place I dont pay them.
 
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: red marley on 25 March, 2015, 09:51:03 am
This is well worth a read, making the link between Clarkson's 'jovial banter' and real world bullying in hotel rooms and on the street.

http://invisiblevisibleman.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/barging-in-tribeca-top-gear-boor-and.html
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 25 March, 2015, 10:08:24 am
Good. Behaviour like that in the workplace whether on a third and final warning or not is totally unacceptable.

Even when from an arrogant tosser who thinks he is bigger than God.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 25 March, 2015, 11:19:56 am
Nothing is official yet!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: TimC on 25 March, 2015, 11:45:02 am
Chris Evans?

Bye-bye ratings...

Evans expressly ruled it out on his programme this morning.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 25 March, 2015, 11:50:06 am
Nothing is official yet!

What, even that he is an arrogant tosser who thinks he is bigger than God?  ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Woofage on 25 March, 2015, 02:01:39 pm
Official announcement: JC's contract will not be renewed at the end of this month.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 25 March, 2015, 02:13:14 pm
Sacked in all but name.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rafletcher on 25 March, 2015, 02:13:38 pm
Chris Evans?

Bye-bye ratings...

Evans expressly ruled it out on his programme this morning.

Well I for one hope he meant it - can't abide the ginger twit.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 25 March, 2015, 02:22:11 pm
From guardian quoting the bbc report:

On 4 March 2015 Oisin Tymon was subject to an unprovoked physical and verbal attack by Jeremy Clarkson. During the physical attack Oisin Tymon was struck, resulting in swelling and bleeding to his lip. The verbal abuse was sustained over a longer period, both at the time of the physical attack and subsequently.

Quite astonishing - it ran on for 40 minutes allegedly and the victim attended a&e.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 25 March, 2015, 02:24:31 pm
Jim Davidson has a free diary.

He failed the interview to replace Clarkson for "not being enough of a twat" apparently.

Bernard Manning is dead so there's no natural replacement (except perhaps Nigel Farage).

The BBC refer to it as a "factual" show. I missed that episode.  It's a scripted comedy show with almost nothing of any factual merit at all.

OK, it may be a fact that it's quicker to drive a Hovercraft along the Thames than to drive a million-pound Supercar through Knightbridge, but that's a fact that usually only concerns Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.

People still seem to think that the exciting races they have, from London to Norway for example, are real, despite the endless shots of them all driving past (where do these people think the roadside camera-shots come from?).

As for the producer who got bullied and struck....where there's blame there's a claim.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 25 March, 2015, 02:31:36 pm
He should have been sacked, not just not had his contract renewed.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: pumpkin on 25 March, 2015, 02:40:56 pm
Given his contract was due to expire any day now that was prob. the best solution to avoid unfair dismissal claims etc. Clarkson now moves on to Wonga-land which many suspect he was going to anyway.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: red marley on 25 March, 2015, 02:48:50 pm
Unfair dismissal? Good luck with him claiming that. Several written warnings and then physical assault of a workplace junior. Cowardly of the BBC simply to let that one lie.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: pumpkin on 25 March, 2015, 02:52:38 pm
Some smart lawyer would have suggested it. So non-renewal is a nice quick clean option (accountants at BBC will be crying). Still, that £750k pw saved for the moment
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 25 March, 2015, 02:55:39 pm
So does that mean we will get to see the programming already made that we had been deprived off for the past three weeks? Even if they show the pre-recorded articles without the studio bits that's a start.

I'm a fan of the show and I think it's a shame. The whole Top Gear thing lately has been far more about what's Clarkson going to say or do next rather than what I believe to be decent entertaining television that beats anything else I pay a licence fee plus virgin subscription on a Sunday night.

I agree if I had verbally and physically abused a co-worker whilst on final warning then I should be sacked particularly as the BBC has more people to report to than my company management so in this case they have done the right thing.

I've watched Top Gear since I was a kid, it's part of my life and enthusiasm for cars. The presenter shouldn't matter and a re-vamp will do it some good.

I do however, hope they keep the basic idea. I like Top Gear for the silliness and supercars. If I want to know how good the latest Focus is I'll go and test drive one. Seeing a supercar at full tilt or turning a van into a hovercraft (because you can) is what the show should be all about. I don't think the races are real but they are entertainment and I also don't think it's a factual program but these days everything has to be put into a tick box and that was the closest some BBC exec could come up with.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: TimC on 25 March, 2015, 02:58:21 pm
Non-renewal is by far the easiest way to get rid of him with no risk of legal comeback. No doubt he's in breach of contract anyway, having brought the brand into disrepute. The BBC can move on and try and find someone else to front the show. Meanwhile, standby for a Top Gear-alike offering from one of the independent studios or channels - Dave, perhaps? Much as I detest the bloke, I suspect we've far from seen the last of him.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ferret on 25 March, 2015, 03:02:05 pm
at last auntie gets something right! good riddance to the arrogant prick.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: eeymsmo on 25 March, 2015, 03:04:35 pm
Non-renewal is by far the easiest way to get rid of him with no risk of legal comeback. No doubt he's in breach of contract anyway, having brought the brand into disrepute. The BBC can move on and try and find someone else to front the show. Meanwhile, standby for a Top Gear-alike offering from one of the independent studios or channels - Dave, perhaps? Much as I detest the bloke, I suspect we've far from seen the last of him.

That'd be Dave, the channel owned partly by the BBC?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_%28TV_channel%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UKTV

Can't see them taking him on to be honest  :demon:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rafletcher on 25 March, 2015, 03:10:52 pm
From guardian quoting the bbc report:

On 4 March 2015 Oisin Tymon was subject to an unprovoked physical and verbal attack by Jeremy Clarkson. During the physical attack Oisin Tymon was struck, resulting in swelling and bleeding to his lip. The verbal abuse was sustained over a longer period, both at the time of the physical attack and subsequently.

Quite astonishing - it ran on for 40 minutes allegedly and the victim attended a&e.

I bet they wet themselves with joy in the Graun newsroom.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spindrift on 25 March, 2015, 03:17:23 pm
You can't even punch a colleague and call him an Irish cxxx without being called racist now #hitlermayaswellhavewon
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 March, 2015, 03:17:50 pm
People still seem to think that the exciting races they have, from London to Norway for example, are real, despite the endless shots of them all driving past (where do these people think the roadside camera-shots come from?).

Someone - not necessarily the presenters - goes back to film pick-up shots afterwards.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spindrift on 25 March, 2015, 03:22:56 pm
Now can every one of the million people that signed that petition please be thrown into whirling blades to teach them the value of protected workers' rights?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 25 March, 2015, 03:53:17 pm
People still seem to think that the exciting races they have, from London to Norway for example, are real, despite the endless shots of them all driving past (where do these people think the roadside camera-shots come from?).

Someone - not necessarily the presenters - goes back to film pick-up shots afterwards.

And the factual burning of caravans and tents on camping trips?  or the dousing of innocent riverside diners by crazy hovercraft antics? or the humorous sight of a Ferrari being blocked by 2 learner drivers on a narrow street?

It's all a bit "Terry & June" dontcha think?.  Heavily scripted and staged.

Sorry about slagging the show off but I can't get over his casual "death to cyclists" type comments.  It's lazy (as most of his script it) and pernicious.

He's a classic case of not understanding that he's not in a traffic jam, he IS part of a traffic jam.  Someone is always in HIS way.

He'll move to SKY for big bucks even though Rupert Murdoch probably sees his views as a bit "lefty" and "gay".

That suits me fine.  I don't get SKY and I don't really want my license fee going towards making Top Gear, no matter how much it makes globally. 
Big Brother makes lots of money but I'm happy not to be paying for its existence either.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Otto on 25 March, 2015, 03:53:57 pm
Right thats it then........ Cock-all on the telly on a sunday night
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 March, 2015, 03:56:59 pm
There's Timothy West and Prunella Scales driving an assortment of canal boats into for e.g. other bridge abutments, canal boats, lock entrances, Oxfordshire etc.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: jsabine on 25 March, 2015, 04:09:34 pm
He should have been sacked, not just not had his contract renewed.
Unfair dismissal? Good luck with him claiming that. Several written warnings and then physical assault of a workplace junior. Cowardly of the BBC simply to let that one lie.

I'd have thought that the contract structure is probably complex enough that "sacking" and "unfair dismissal" don't actually come into it. I'd put money that Clarkson wasn't actually employed by the BBC: he might be directly on a contract for services, but it's much more likely that it's through a limited company of some sort (and probably through several extra layers). Far easier to not renew, rather than try to unravel a probably multi-layered contract a week or two before it ends - the legal crap would still be going on in 2018.

In other news, the Telegraph reports (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/11480416/Jeremy-Clarkson-to-be-sacked-by-BBC-live.html) that North Yorkshire dibble have asked to see the investigation file.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 25 March, 2015, 04:13:04 pm
People still seem to think that the exciting races they have, from London to Norway for example, are real, despite the endless shots of them all driving past (where do these people think the roadside camera-shots come from?).

Someone - not necessarily the presenters - goes back to film pick-up shots afterwards.

And the factual burning of caravans and tents on camping trips?  or the dousing of innocent riverside diners by crazy hovercraft antics? or the humorous sight of a Ferrari being blocked by 2 learner drivers on a narrow street?

It's all a bit "Terry & June" dontcha think?.  Heavily scripted and staged.

Sorry about slagging the show off but I can't get over his casual "death to cyclists" type comments.  It's lazy (as most of his script it) and pernicious.

He's a classic case of not understanding that he's not in a traffic jam, he IS part of a traffic jam.  Someone is always in HIS way.

He'll move to SKY for big bucks even though Rupert Murdoch probably sees his views as a bit "lefty" and "gay".

That suits me fine.  I don't get SKY and I don't really want my license fee going towards making Top Gear, no matter how much it makes globally. 
Big Brother makes lots of money but I'm happy not to be paying for its existence either.

Well the tents and caravans were on fire so that is factual :) Only joking. I know what you are saying but Eastenders is scripted and loads of people watch that for a reason I can't fathom so I understand others can't fathom my enjoyment of Top Gear.

I'm afraid I quite enjoyed the cycling related stuff they have done. It aimed at the lowest denominator but if you thought it through they made a serious point in the end along the lines of if there were less road users we'd all get along better which the lower denomination weren't going to get anyway because they were still going to have the same view of cyclists they had before.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: andyoxon on 25 March, 2015, 04:21:32 pm
After '20min of verbal abuse, & a 30sec physical attack on his colleague, including a punch in the mouth - that required A&E visit', Clarkson, was always going to be axed.  In the end it's simply him alone that's let down 'fans'* of the show Top Gear.  It'll be interesting to see if JM & RH get replaced.

*Not me, though I've been known to watch the odd episode/special.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 25 March, 2015, 05:06:22 pm
Top Gear encourages tailgating and driving with fog lights on when it is not foggy.

There, I said it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Chris S on 25 March, 2015, 05:22:33 pm
Not only has he not been fired, he's not been hauled up before the beak on an assault charge.

If a colleague did that to me, I'd SO call the police - I don't care who he/she is.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 25 March, 2015, 05:29:50 pm
North Yorkshire police have asked to see the BBC's evidence. It could end up with Clarkson on an assault charge. Maybe he could do community service litter picking on cycle paths.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Illegal Combat Ant on 25 March, 2015, 05:43:43 pm
No wonder Oisín Tymon didn't report it himself. (https://www.vpointnews.com/Article/5705/here-is-why-oisin-tymon-didnt-report-jeremy-clarkson#.VRLWKBrBAvI.twitter)
If Clarkson had an ounce of humanity he'd bring his 'supporters' to heel.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Chris S on 25 March, 2015, 05:45:44 pm
No wonder Oisín Tymon didn't report it himself. (https://www.vpointnews.com/Article/5705/here-is-why-oisin-tymon-didnt-report-jeremy-clarkson#.VRLWKBrBAvI.twitter)
If Clarkson had an ounce of humanity he'd bring his 'supporters' to heel.

 ::-)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 25 March, 2015, 06:49:23 pm
Nice people!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 25 March, 2015, 07:21:28 pm
A reporter asked Chris Evans about the Top Gear rumours:

"
Various sources at the BBC have hinted that Chris Evans is in the running for the coveted job on Top Gear.

I took the opportunity to speak to Chris as he left the BBC after recording his highly succesful Radio2 Breakfast Show. I asked him: "Chris, is it true that you've been offered Jeremy Clarkson's job on Top Gear".

Then he punched me.
"
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Andrij on 25 March, 2015, 08:36:56 pm
 ;D

Quote
First Jeremy Clarkson came for the French, and I said nothing, for it is 2015 and I probably wasn't watching Top Gear. The show about cars? Are you on crack?

Then he came for the Germans, and I said nothing, for, again, I think I watched it a few times back in the day, the races they did were good, I suppose? Like, do you not have Netflix or something? Is this a joke?

Then he came for the gays and lesbians, and I said nothing, for, wait a sec, did he say this shit on the actual show itself? Like, in between the car reviews? What, did he put gays beside caravans on the wrong end of the fucking cool wall?

Then he came for the gypsies, and I said nothing, for I honestly didn't realise he'd said anything about gypsies, holy shit, I've just read it now, what's wrong with him? This is definitely the show about cars, yeah? All that caravan stuff makes a bit more sense now, I guess.

Then he came for the Argentinians, the Chinese, the Italians, the Spaniards and the Russians and I didn't really hear about those either, for I am not the type of social fucking bedsore you'd find in a Castrol GTX jacket, loudly jeering nationalities as they're listed to me one-by-one by a double denim UKIP blowhard inside some sort of license-payer-funded, IKEA-scale twat-hangar. Honestly, I will lend you my password. The Fargo TV show is up now. It's great.

But then he came for the 'lazy Irish cunts' and there was no one left to speak for us except existing BBC rules against getting pissed - at work - then punching someone - at work - whom you've just racially abused.

At work.

But maybe if we get enough signatures from ludicrous human rubbish he can headline Glasto instead of Kanye?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rogerzilla on 25 March, 2015, 09:06:43 pm
Bring back William Woollard  ;D

A bit of Googling reveals that his viewing figures were 5 million, just the same as for Clarkson's last programme.

I think Robert Llewellyn might be quite good.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: geraldc on 25 March, 2015, 09:15:37 pm
William Woollard and Noel Edmonds reviewing British Leylands latest products. Surefire hit.

Just googled for episodes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M0H7xw6jSY

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jurek on 25 March, 2015, 09:18:47 pm
William Woollard and Noel Edmonds reviewing British Leylands latest products. Surefire hit.
Your last sentence is an anagram / typo, I think.
Just haven't quite figured it.....
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Fab Foodie on 25 March, 2015, 10:00:12 pm
William Woollard and Noel Edmonds reviewing British Leylands latest products. Surefire hit.
Your last sentence is an anagram / typo, I think.
Just haven't quite figured it.....
How do you get Wankers from that?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jurek on 25 March, 2015, 10:07:04 pm
Witchcraft :)
Combined with glossary flexing.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 25 March, 2015, 10:50:36 pm
;D

Quote
First Jeremy Clarkson came for the French, and I said nothing, for it is 2015 and I probably wasn't watching Top Gear. The show about cars? Are you on crack?

Then he came for the Germans, and I said nothing, for, again, I think I watched it a few times back in the day, the races they did were good, I suppose? Like, do you not have Netflix or something? Is this a joke?

Then he came for the gays and lesbians, and I said nothing, for, wait a sec, did he say this shit on the actual show itself? Like, in between the car reviews? What, did he put gays beside caravans on the wrong end of the fucking cool wall?

Then he came for the gypsies, and I said nothing, for I honestly didn't realise he'd said anything about gypsies, holy shit, I've just read it now, what's wrong with him? This is definitely the show about cars, yeah? All that caravan stuff makes a bit more sense now, I guess.

Then he came for the Argentinians, the Chinese, the Italians, the Spaniards and the Russians and I didn't really hear about those either, for I am not the type of social fucking bedsore you'd find in a Castrol GTX jacket, loudly jeering nationalities as they're listed to me one-by-one by a double denim UKIP blowhard inside some sort of license-payer-funded, IKEA-scale twat-hangar. Honestly, I will lend you my password. The Fargo TV show is up now. It's great.

But then he came for the 'lazy Irish cunts' and there was no one left to speak for us except existing BBC rules against getting pissed - at work - then punching someone - at work - whom you've just racially abused.

At work.

But maybe if we get enough signatures from ludicrous human rubbish he can headline Glasto instead of Kanye?

They came for Dani Behr; I said "She's over there, behind the wardrobe"?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 March, 2015, 06:02:59 am
(http://sniffpetrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Smallad1503251.jpg)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Redlight on 26 March, 2015, 09:02:48 am
I like to hope that Jerkson will now become the Ched Evans of the entertainment trade - unemployable by any channel with an ounce of credibility.

I doubt that will be the case though  :-\
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tigerrr on 26 March, 2015, 09:18:30 am
I suspect the bloke he hit hasn't got a career now though.  Crapson will go on to make millions  on cable while his victim will find himself a pariah.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 26 March, 2015, 09:23:49 am
With that number of technicians suddenly on the market, we're going to see some very elaborate wedding videos.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 March, 2015, 09:42:43 am
I suspect the bloke he hit hasn't got a career now though.  Crapson will go on to make millions  on cable while his victim will find himself a pariah.
I suspect the same.

The idiot supporters venting spleen at Tymon have managed to completely miss the fact that Tymon didn't make a complaint.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 March, 2015, 10:50:44 am
I'm sitting here at work, tasks piling up because I'm busy playing the smallest violin in the world, just for Clarkson...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: RPhilips on 26 March, 2015, 11:21:55 am
I enjoyed this story I saw via Facebook earlier...  Particular highlight are the suggestions of potential Clarkson replacements for Top Gear.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/03/25/man-loses-job-after-punching-colleague-in-face_n_6940474.html?utm_hp_ref=uk
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 26 March, 2015, 01:33:24 pm
I like to hope that Jerkson will now become the Ched Evans of the entertainment trade - unemployable by any channel with an ounce of credibility.

I doubt that will be the case though  :-\

Could you help me out by listing the channels with an ounce of credibility please?

I'd very much like to tune my TV to one of them but it just has a list of about 100 showing things such as:

- Repeats of Bullseye (from when I was a kid)
- People covered in growths, rashes and boils (like from when Henry VIII was a kid)
- Chavs trying to shag each other (like when I was a kid but it wasn't considered TV show material back then).

Let's try and take the positives from this, not only has Clarkson gone but he'll most likely take that annoying little hanger-on Hammond, and his Country & Western attire, with him.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 26 March, 2015, 02:15:21 pm
Could you help me out by listing the channels with an ounce of credibility please?

I'd very much like to tune my TV to one of them but it just has a list of about 100 showing things such as [...]

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 26 March, 2015, 02:35:47 pm
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 26 March, 2015, 04:19:58 pm
Russel Brand not announced as new presenter: https://youtu.be/MlT7Ku_UDoc
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: sg37409 on 26 March, 2015, 04:21:48 pm
Bring back William Woollard  ;D

A bit of Googling reveals that his viewing figures were 5 million, just the same as for Clarkson's last programme.

I think Robert Llewellyn might be quite good.

Robert Llewellyn and Lisa Rogers were my picks for the new Dr Who.   Thought they were ace on Scrapheap Challenge.
That was another thing I always wanted to see: A top gear vs Proper Jobs challenge on Scrapheap. I'd have been truly gutted it top gear had won.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Vince on 26 March, 2015, 04:24:26 pm
The problem with a program that needs to be obnoxious outrageous, is that it needs to be a little more outrageous each time and there comes a point where that has to stop. TG has probably now reached that point. Maybe its time to mothball it and then re-invent it in ten years or so.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 March, 2015, 04:30:21 pm
North Yorkshire police have asked to see the BBC's evidence. It could end up with Clarkson on an assault charge. Maybe he could do community service litter picking on cycle paths.
From the central reservation of a motorway would do him more good.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wascally Weasel on 26 March, 2015, 05:06:05 pm
Top Gear was just "That's Life" for motorists and Jeremy Clarkson was a nothing but a petrolhead Esther Rantzen.  Discuss   ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 26 March, 2015, 05:11:01 pm
"Sausages".
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Hot Flatus on 26 March, 2015, 05:38:58 pm
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/arts-entertainment/bbc-confident-it-can-find-a-new-prick-2015032696705
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: madcow on 26 March, 2015, 05:39:25 pm
Just for the record, the nearest A and E department would be in Northallerton, which is 20 miles away.
Not "nearby" as suggested by the official report, so for a cut lip that's some effort. A selfie would have done the job .

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Illegal Combat Ant on 26 March, 2015, 05:44:11 pm
Clarkson has, somewhat late in the day, sorta, kinda tried to call his attack dogs off Oisin Tymon. Yes, that Oisin Tymon who didn't report the incident.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32076395
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: bobb on 26 March, 2015, 05:49:04 pm
Clarkson has, somewhat late in the day, sorta, kinda tried to call his attack dogs off Oisin Tymon. Yes, that Oisin Tymon who didn't report the incident.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32076395

Hang on a minute! He's riding a bicycle!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 26 March, 2015, 06:09:45 pm
Late, but welcome.

And on a bike, I note.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 26 March, 2015, 10:57:56 pm
I'm not sure the person is as bad as the public persona.

His desert island disks session surprised me. Found myself thinking he would be an interesting person to have at a dinner party.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wowbagger on 26 March, 2015, 11:01:19 pm
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/03/25/man-loses-job-after-punching-colleague-in-face_n_6940474.html?utm_hp_ref=uk-news

Quote
In a completely reasonable move, a man was today fired after he was found to have punched a colleague in the face.

Precisely.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 27 March, 2015, 08:25:18 am
I'm not sure the person is as bad as the public persona.

His desert island disks session surprised me. Found myself thinking he would be an interesting person to have at a dinner party.
That was his R4 public persona.

I expect he has one for columns too.

theyre all self-aggrandising shit!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: madcow on 27 March, 2015, 08:34:36 am
Late, but welcome.

And on a bike, I note.

And not wearing a helmet- just goes to show how anti-establishment he really is.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 March, 2015, 02:20:00 pm
Late, but welcome.

And on a bike, I note.

And not wearing a helmet- just goes to show how anti-establishment he really is.

He is impregnable.

As was his mother, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 March, 2015, 03:04:55 pm
Late, but welcome.

And on a bike, I note.

And not wearing a helmet- just goes to show how anti-establishment he really is.

He is impregnable.

As was his mother, unfortunately.

Shome mishtake, shurely?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spindrift on 27 March, 2015, 03:08:31 pm
You meant "Sadly his mum wasn't". That would have been a great joke. You ruined it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 27 March, 2015, 04:57:11 pm
You meant "Sadly his mum wasn't". That would have been a great joke. You ruined it.

impregnable1
/ɪmˈprɛɡnəbəl/
adjective
1.
unable to be broken into or taken by force: an impregnable castle
2.
unable to be shaken or overcome: impregnable self-confidence
3.
incapable of being refuted: an impregnable argument

impregnable2
[im-preg-nuh-buh l]
Spell Syllables
adjective
1.
susceptible to impregnation, as an egg.

Strange but true. Don't blame me, I didn't invent the English language..
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spindrift on 27 March, 2015, 05:30:31 pm
Goddammit.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wowbagger on 27 March, 2015, 06:46:59 pm
You meant "Sadly his mum wasn't". That would have been a great joke. You ruined it.

impregnable1
/ɪmˈprɛɡnəbəl/
adjective
1.
unable to be broken into or taken by force: an impregnable castle
2.
unable to be shaken or overcome: impregnable self-confidence
3.
incapable of being refuted: an impregnable argument

impregnable2
[im-preg-nuh-buh l]
Spell Syllables
adjective
1.
susceptible to impregnation, as an egg.

Strange but true. Don't blame me, I didn't invent the English language..

Thanks, I didn't know that. Compare "inflammable", which has mostly been replaced by the non-word "flammable".
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Woofage on 28 March, 2015, 06:58:36 pm
Apologies if this has been posted already in this thread but it gave me the biggest larf for ages
http://youtu.be/DMuO-8S_0Wg
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Deano on 28 March, 2015, 09:41:04 pm
Have we had this one yet?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fpL9a-5LFpI
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wowbagger on 29 March, 2015, 09:41:29 am
It seems that the BBC DG is under police guard after credible threats against his life were received. This was as a result of the sacking of Clarkson, allegedly.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 March, 2015, 10:06:02 am
So who is going to take over from Clarkson?  Will they need police protection? :o.

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ian on 29 March, 2015, 12:26:41 pm
It seems that the BBC DG is under police guard after credible threats against his life were received. This was as a result of the sacking of Clarkson, allegedly.

It's always strikes me how quick the police are to leap to attention when provoked by a tweet. Run someone over in a couple of tonnes of car, on the other hand, and they're really, we'd love to but you know, we're kind of busy right now dealing with people calling other people a cunt on Twitter.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 29 March, 2015, 07:25:47 pm
Yes it's the ones who don't tell you before they shoot you that you have to worry about.  If that makes sense..
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 30 March, 2015, 07:36:42 pm
It seems that the BBC DG is under police guard after credible threats against his life were received. This was as a result of the sacking of Clarkson, allegedly.

It's always strikes me how quick the police are to leap to attention when provoked by a tweet. Run someone over in a couple of tonnes of car, on the other hand, and they're really, we'd love to but you know, we're kind of busy right now dealing with people calling other people a cunt on Twitter.

That's rather anecdotal I'd wager and not fact-based.

(Allegedly) they didn't call the DG a cunt, they threatened his life.

I know someone whose life was threatened via the internet, over a cycling vs motoring dispute.

I think you'd appreciate prompt Police action in similar circumstances.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: madcow on 30 March, 2015, 07:49:05 pm
According to certain newspapers the bodyguards are nothing to do with the plod, but are from a private security co.
If so,the £1000 /day fees will be coming from TV licence payers.
Remind me-how long was Salman Rushdie under close protection?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 30 March, 2015, 09:34:37 pm
I think (as a licence payer) I'd rather they stood up to bullying even if they do have to pay for security.

Anyway, how do we know the 'certain newspapers' didn't nip out, hire the guards and get them to pose for pictures?  No law agin it,unlike hacking..

As for comparing it to Salman Rushdie's fatwa ....    ;D 

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 April, 2015, 10:21:22 am
Clarkson has, somewhat late in the day, sorta, kinda tried to call his attack dogs off Oisin Tymon. Yes, that Oisin Tymon who didn't report the incident.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-32076395

Hang on a minute! He's riding a bicycle!
He's seen the light! (http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/apr/01/jeremy-clarkson-joins-guardian-drive-for-fossil-fuel-divestment)  ;) :D ;)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Séamas M. on 01 April, 2015, 09:46:15 pm
...He's seen the light![/url]  ;) :D ;)

And today of all days!  ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: ferret on 02 April, 2015, 05:23:55 pm
here we go for all you TG fans

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general-news/guy-martin-on-top-gear-never-say-never/26482.html

some one who actually can do what he talks about or at least gives it a damn good go!!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 02 April, 2015, 05:34:27 pm
 
Quote
Martin also owns a large collection of bicycles and motorcycles, including a Bimota which he stored in his kitchen.

Martin also successfully races mountain bikes* in cross country, downhill races and endurance races. He placed second at the Strathpuffer 24hr mountain bike race in both 2014 and 2015, and 10th at the Trans Hajar multi day race in Oman (Feb 2014).

 :o :thumbsup:

* ok mountain bikes, I know, but who is perfect?

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Biggsy on 02 April, 2015, 05:55:11 pm
I think Top Gear will want a slicker presenter than Guy Martin, sadly.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 02 April, 2015, 07:58:11 pm
I can understand him, but he speaks too fast for those outside Northern England.
http://www.u.tv/Sport/2015/03/30/Guy-Martin-talks-racing-and-Top-Gear-34544
The full interview is interesting.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jakob on 02 April, 2015, 08:25:45 pm
Top Gear brings in millions of overseas $ and they would love that if Guy Martin got the job as no one outside the UK would be able to understand him.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 April, 2015, 08:58:18 pm
Quote
Martin also owns a large collection of bicycles and motorcycles, including a Bimota which he stored in his kitchen.

Martin also successfully races mountain bikes* in cross country, downhill races and endurance races. He placed second at the Strathpuffer 24hr mountain bike race in both 2014 and 2015, and 10th at the Trans Hajar multi day race in Oman (Feb 2014).

 :o :thumbsup:

* ok mountain bikes, I know, but who is perfect?
And where else would one store a Bimota?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Andrij on 09 May, 2015, 09:00:43 pm
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11061315_10153207093612649_1690281740683784858_n.jpg?oh=2ba3da19d9aa1e7aa9c4ab081771d287&oe=55DE534C&__gda__=1439536009_42afa456eee7c533a8a7de8fe9533848)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ruthie on 12 June, 2015, 03:31:01 pm
Stick with this until about 3 minutes in.  It's worth it, I promise  ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WUUJ35zITQ
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 12 June, 2015, 03:42:13 pm
I saw a trailer for Top Gear on BBC2 a couple of days ago. What gives? Are they just airing the unseen episodes that got pulled? Or are they hoping it's all blown over now and no one will notice if they give Clarkson his job back?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: caerau on 12 June, 2015, 03:44:48 pm
I read somewhere that they have given it back to him.  Not sure where though.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: caerau on 12 June, 2015, 03:46:01 pm
Oh, yeah it was on a headline at a newspaper stand when I was controlling on an audax last weekend.  Hence no further details were sought and then I forgot about it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: woollypigs on 12 June, 2015, 03:59:11 pm
I saw a trailer for Top Gear on BBC2 a couple of days ago. What gives? Are they just airing the unseen episodes that got pulled? Or are they hoping it's all blown over now and no one will notice if they give Clarkson his job back?
Yup just like with Jonathan Ross, he got the kick and a few months later he is on Radio 2 regularly.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: tiermat on 12 June, 2015, 04:06:34 pm
Oh, yeah it was on a headline at a newspaper stand when I was controlling on an audax last weekend.  Hence no further details were sought and then I forgot about it.

A hashed together bits and pieces film, so it seems...

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/jeremy-clarkson-back-top-gear-5854157

Sorry for the Mirror link.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: canny colin on 16 June, 2015, 07:57:17 pm
Chris Evans is the new top gear presenter . I think I should have really  put this in the bad new thread . 
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: pcolbeck on 16 June, 2015, 08:27:56 pm
So who else ? The rumours are Guy Martin, Jodie Kidd and Philip Glenister.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Basil on 16 June, 2015, 08:34:57 pm
No.  Just Chris Evans. 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2015/chris-evans-to-lead-new-top-gear-line-up?ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbc_press_office&ns_source=twitter&ns_linkname=corporate
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 16 June, 2015, 08:41:13 pm
The Twat-Baton has been passed.

Presumably Piers Morgan is waiting for the handover in 5 years time.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: caerau on 16 June, 2015, 08:46:48 pm
This now moves irretrievably into the not-giving-a-flying-shit zone for me.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Basil on 16 June, 2015, 08:49:54 pm
What took you so long?   ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: caerau on 16 June, 2015, 08:58:59 pm
Well the punching people thing was actually of passing interest - but who presents a programme I don't watch anyway - no ;)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Basil on 16 June, 2015, 09:10:38 pm
Yup.  Sums it up well for me too, Caerau.

Actually, what am I doing here?
*leaves thread*
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jakob on 16 June, 2015, 09:17:27 pm
Eurgh. I have a hard time imaging a worse choice.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: andyoxon on 16 June, 2015, 09:26:10 pm
Glad Guy Martin didn't get it, he's too good at doing 'serious stuff' in a fun and engaging way - Top Gear is largely just pratting about AFAICS.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 16 June, 2015, 10:00:20 pm
There's a logic in choosing Evans, the TFI Friday revival illustrated how much the revived Top Gear owed to those music shows from The Tube onwards. Multiple presenters, a live audience and filmed inserts.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 16 June, 2015, 10:33:50 pm
Chris Evans is the perfect choice for Top Gear.

Draw your own conclusions from that.

What's that?  You want help drawing conclusions?

OK but it contains swearing...

(click to show/hide)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: pumpkin on 17 June, 2015, 10:41:29 am
Maybe but he's ideal for the BBC being an employee who is a fan of the show/has a comprehensive knowledge of the broadcast industry and how it works. For brand Evans it gives him a chance to widen his tv audience, get back into TV production. 3 years is enough to see what happens with a new format and also pays Evans v. well. If he fails, well that's ok he gave it a shot. Basically it's trying to keep the money rolling in for the BBC and Evans gets a new challenge.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 17 June, 2015, 10:46:40 am
I'm looking forward to it.

I like Evans, I listened to him on the school bus in the 90's and now I listen to him in the mornings (well unless I'm cycling in). I also like Top Gear in both it's previous formats. The Clarkson era was becoming tired and a new injection of ideas and input will do it some good.

Evans is an enthusiast and possibly the best choice to front it. His supporting cast choices will be interesting but as he's also stated he's producer as well as front man so he will have full input into who he has co-hosting and how many he has - does it have to be three of them?

They may not be well known to us, Hammond and May weren't until Clarkson picked them from relative obscurity.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: caerau on 17 June, 2015, 11:12:24 am
James May  was a presesnter  of pre-Clarkson (or at least the newest incarnation) of top Gear in his own right surely.


At least I recall seeing him presenting it when people like Quentin wotsisname were still in it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 17 June, 2015, 11:46:21 am
Clarkson joined TG in 1988; May in 1997.

The show was 'reinvented' in 2002.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Nuncio on 17 June, 2015, 12:13:21 pm
Not much interest to me but I was amused by this:

Quote
Chris Evans ‏@achrisevans  Sep 7
Hilarious story in today's paper re me replacing Clarkson on Top Gear. 100% not true. 100% never going to happen. 100% time for a fry up.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 17 June, 2015, 12:31:27 pm
He's explained that this morning, to ensure that whilst other decisions were being made by 'his friends' Clarkson, May and Hammond he attempted to remove all speculation by the press interfering with their future plans for the show.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33162662

Although surely some of this is thought through since getting a call on Thursday asking really if he was interested.

Hopefully it will be a car/entertainment show and not a press target based around 'what Jeremy did next' and we can get on with enjoying it again.

James May  was a presesnter  of pre-Clarkson (or at least the newest incarnation) of top Gear in his own right surely.


At least I recall seeing him presenting it when people like Quentin wotsisname were still in it.

I agree James May did appear in later versions of the old Top Gear but it was only watched by car nerds so wasn't exactly famous. Although it wasn't pre-Clarkson, it was whilst JC went and did other things (including a failed chat show IIRC) and Quentin watsisname took over the helm - and no one really watched it except me as a teenager.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 17 June, 2015, 12:57:50 pm
I am hoping that Chris Evans presenting Top Gear will give him enough outlet for his boring car obsession and cut the boring car chat down in the Breakfast Show by at least 85%.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: pumpkin on 17 June, 2015, 02:38:52 pm
It's that obsession that has secured him the job. Big schoolkid really but I'd rather he had a fleet of bikes to match altho' he'd want Ferrari Colnagos
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 17 June, 2015, 06:02:30 pm
I am hoping that Chris Evans presenting Top Gear will give him enough outlet for his boring car obsession and cut the boring car chat down in the Breakfast Show by at least 85%.
We can dream! R2 is now a dead-heat with R1 at brekkie time. I miss Wogan ... :(

I really did used to rate him as a presenter - creative, funny, likable.
Then he got rich, it went to his head, he spunked most of it away ... <snore>

He just lacks any creativity or wit these days (on R2 anyway). Still, more likeable than Clarkson!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 17 June, 2015, 08:46:49 pm
Never mind all this, I want to know what Clarkson, Hammond, May and Willman are plotting.  That will be far better!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Séamas M. on 17 June, 2015, 09:25:16 pm
I want to know what Clarkson, Hammond, May and Willman are plotting.  That will be far better!

With any luck something organised by George RR Martin and HBO.  :demon:  ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hillbilly on 18 June, 2015, 02:40:25 am
Why did Chris Evans accept this £5 million a year job?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 18 June, 2015, 06:08:08 am
Why did Chris Evans accept this £5 million a year job?
;D

An old joke, but oh-so applicable!

(Billie Piper might star in a version somewhere ...  )
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: pumpkin on 18 June, 2015, 09:44:01 am
I thinks it's £3 mill with the £2 mill from the Radio. He's a 'star' and prob has a great agent. We know the media all p in the same pot so the BBC 'invest' in him
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 18 June, 2015, 10:14:04 am

Still, more likeable than Clarkson!


High praise indeed. (Though the same can be said of Toe Nail fungus).


He may have spent a lot of his cash but some of his cars are worth more than my lifetime earnings.

He had a 1963 GTO last time I heard.  Anyone with a GTO in the garage is never truly broke.

I also remember him letting James May drive his (James Coburn) Spyder...in the wet!!!  He deals in cars that appreciate a lot quicker than your regular Post Office savings account.

Of course absolutely nothing depreciates more quickly than collectible cars if the global economy has a dip. 
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 June, 2015, 11:19:19 am
Yebbut his is is a GTO '64, which was heavier, draggier and slower than the original, and hence it only cost twelve million quid.  Also he had all his Ferraris painted white, even the F40, which proves he's a twat.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 18 June, 2015, 12:37:14 pm
Maybe he wanted to slow them down a bit.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 18 June, 2015, 03:28:33 pm
Yup.  Sums it up well for me too, Caerau.

Actually, what am I doing here?
*leaves thread*

Good point.
*follows Basil to the exit*
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 28 June, 2015, 09:50:34 pm
Final episode of the old Top Gear tonight.

I watched it and it was an excellent reminder of what a shit program it was.

The only way I could imagine making it any shitter is to have Chris Evans host it.

What's that you say..?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: geraldc on 28 June, 2015, 10:02:39 pm
I watched it and enjoyed it.  Maybe I just like watching caravans get smashed up
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 29 June, 2015, 12:05:22 am
Maybe I just like watching caravans get smashed up
In that case Top Gear is the perfect show for you (See also Buses and Motorhomes).
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 29 June, 2015, 12:59:28 am
Based on that it's not a big loss.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 29 June, 2015, 10:01:35 am
It wasn't brilliant and didn't need to be an extra 15 minutes longer. I think the point is that it was never supposed to be 'the last show'. It was two films which were to be included within a series somewhere.

It had it's moments and I found it quite amusing but it lacked the banter and chat within the studio, it lacked interaction with the audience and didn't have any real continuity. It was done for the fans of the show who missed out when it all went wrong.

To base that show as an opinion of what all the other episodes were is rather harsh criticism but I've read comments above on this thread and already know my views aren't going to persuade anyone. If you watched it for any reason other than an opportunity to say goodbye to a much enjoyed TV show then I'm afraid you have missed the point and should have been watching something else anyway.

I'm also leaving this conversation now.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 29 June, 2015, 12:24:15 pm
Just watched it on iplayer.  Superbly puerile and very enjoyable.  Such shame that the era is over but all good things must come to an end sometime.  I'm looking forward to whatever the trio do next.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 29 June, 2015, 01:39:01 pm
A German rider on the East and West Coasts 600 Audax knew about Blackpool from Top Gear. The world gets its views of the UK from a combination of Top Gear and Shaun the Sheep, leading to the impression that the area around Hawes is typical.

Casting Evans is a stroke of genius, as he will remind viewers of the farmer in Shaun the Sheep.

(http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03174/Farmer-Bitzer_3174957k.jpg)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/11365274/shaun-the-sheep-movie-aardman-behind-the-scenes.html

Quote
How one sheep took over the world
And how. Shaun is the star of live events and attractions aimed at families, especially young children. A second Shaun the Sheep stage show, 45 minutes long, is launching in Cairo, then Saudi Arabia, then Qatar; it is set to go on to Australia and half a dozen Asian countries. There is also a 20-minute Shaun stage show, tailored for huge malls eager for an all-the-family event that attracts visitors and shoppers. It worked successfully in Jakarta; currently it is in Beijing. In Japan, arguably the epicentre of Shaunmania, an exhibition about the little sheep’s world toured major cities – in Tokyo, it drew 30,000 people in five days.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rafletcher on 29 June, 2015, 03:07:14 pm
Blimey!

"The Guardian described the programme as "clever, stupid telly", going on to praise the presenters' camaraderie."

That's a turn-up for the Graun.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Polar Bear on 29 June, 2015, 06:42:29 pm
Meh! 

There is, I understand, a copious supply of sheer and utter bollox still available to suck away the lives of the viewers for decade upon decade available 24x7 on the gogglebox.   

Wonder why I don't watch it?   
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 June, 2015, 06:45:34 pm
Meh! 

There is, I understand, a copious supply of sheer and utter bollox still available to suck away the lives of the viewers for decade upon decade available 24x7 on the gogglebox.   

Wonder why I don't watch it?
You have YACF to fulfil the same role?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: tiermat on 02 July, 2015, 01:18:18 pm
I did think, watching Sunday's clipfest, that it was interesting that you didn't actually see JC after the bit where he gets his Frontera stuck in the river.  It was cleverly cut to make it appear that he was there, but my money is on that they shot the bit in the river the evening of the day the "incident" happened, thus preventing them being able to complete the filming with him.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 02 July, 2015, 05:30:01 pm
I did think, watching Sunday's clipfest, that it was interesting that you didn't actually see JC after the bit where he gets his Frontera stuck in the river.  It was cleverly cut to make it appear that he was there, but my money is on that they shot the bit in the river the evening of the day the "incident" happened, thus preventing them being able to complete the filming with him.

Stop it! You're making it sound scripted and contrived.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Wowbagger on 02 July, 2015, 09:23:14 pm
Top Gear is no more? Damn! I missed it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 02 July, 2015, 11:16:55 pm
I thought the incident occurred after a day of filming, following a helicopter trip from one location to a hotel presumably ready for the next day. Who knows?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: tiermat on 03 July, 2015, 11:46:00 am
I thought the incident occurred after a day of filming, following a helicopter trip from one location to a hotel presumably ready for the next day. Who knows?

Yes, what I am saying is that the film made it appear that it all happened on one day, but my money is on that they took several days over filming it and the final bit, where the Frontera is only half a Frontera and is driven, trailing sparks behind, up the hotel drive, doesn't actually show him.  Nor is there the usual meeting of the three of them where they mercilessly take the mickey out of whoever arrives last.  This usggests to me that they filmed the bit with him in the river, then broke for the day, intending to finish the filming the next day. Which never happened.

Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 30 July, 2015, 11:17:25 am
And they're to resurface on Amazon Prime. Which we don't have.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 30 July, 2015, 11:37:54 am
I've been half tempted to subscribe and this will probably  clinch it.  It may be a good idea to go TV only and stop paying the licence fee.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 30 July, 2015, 11:38:13 am
Another steaming service from Amazon...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 30 July, 2015, 10:42:55 pm
I suspect this deal will come to be seen as a tipping point in the demise of old TV world and a mass market move toward streamed on demand services like Amazon and Netflix.  The BBC must be shitting themselves and rueing their inability to sweep steakgate under the carpet. 
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2015, 11:48:40 am
Amazon: Tax dodgers.  Seems a good fit for shysters like Clarkson and his entourage of simpering morons.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ham on 31 July, 2015, 12:34:02 pm
I suspect this deal will come to be seen as a tipping point in the demise of old TV world and a mass market move toward streamed on demand services like Amazon and Netflix.  The BBC must be shitting themselves and rueing their inability to sweep steakgate under the carpet.

I suspect you are wrong, and that you are suffering from the common delusion on the Internet: that just because there are others that think the same way, it doesn't make you right. (that probably sounds much worse than I mean it, so sorry an' all that)

To expand.

It is hugely improbable (but admittedly not impossible) that the new programme will have the same production values as the old, which will make it a pale uninteresting shadow of its former self. Furthermore, there will be a limited number of programmes made each year. Let's be generous and say 16 - the more programs, the poorer the quality of each. These will be repeated endlessly, Dave style. do you really think that will be a deciding factor in people's minds? It does give them a leading brand in their advertising, but that's not everything. I can tell you one thing for certain £6/month is not going to may for much decent programming on top of everything else.

Instead I think you will probably find that the program was past the zenith of its popularity, with a format that was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, which is ultimately why the beeb decided to ditch it. I am guessing that any new program is likely to be partially owned by Clarkson & his producer, as TG was and will depend on Clarkson as a one-trick-pony. Will that trick be good enough? Personally I doubt it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: clarion on 31 July, 2015, 12:36:15 pm
To add: Clarkson and Wilman had sold their share in the show already; they knew it was on the way down.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Ham on 31 July, 2015, 06:42:32 pm
These will be repeated endlessly, Dave style.

To take issue with myself, of course schedules and repeats aren't appropriate for an on demand service. I'd guess they will aim for 12 progs a year? who knows.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 July, 2015, 06:51:41 pm
And they're to resurface on Amazon Prime. Which we don't have.  :thumbsup:

Never mind, lad, they'll be surfacing on Dave within a year ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rogerzilla on 31 July, 2015, 10:44:05 pm
Viewing figures in William Woollard's day were the same as in the Clarkson era, admittedly when viewing figures were generally higher because there were fewer channels and no porn* superhighway to draw people away.  It just went through a long wilderness period in between.

*other uses for the Internet may exist
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Séamas M. on 01 August, 2015, 12:46:46 am
*other uses for the Internet may exist

Don't think so. (http://youtu.be/LTJvdGcb7Fs)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Steph on 01 August, 2015, 10:48:23 pm
*other uses for the Internet may exist

Don't think so. (http://youtu.be/LTJvdGcb7Fs)

Cats. The internet is made of cats.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: sg37409 on 13 November, 2015, 12:52:04 pm
Top Gear producer to sue Clarkson (http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-34809758)

 ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: caerau on 17 November, 2015, 12:43:21 pm
You had me thinking the new Top Gear producer was going to be one Sue Clarkson
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: alexb on 18 November, 2015, 05:54:00 pm
I suspect this deal will come to be seen as a tipping point in the demise of old TV world and a mass market move toward streamed on demand services like Amazon and Netflix.  The BBC must be shitting themselves and rueing their inability to sweep steakgate under the carpet.

If I were the head of the BBC I'd take a good hard look at that deal and then sue Clarkson for loss of earnings.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 23 November, 2015, 09:46:47 am
Having read on Saturday that Top Gear China had filmed in the UK. http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/20/top-gear-china-attracts-200-million-viewers. I was interested to see, on Sunday, top-spec GT cars from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz parked at the last hairpin on Hartside, attended by several Chinese taking photos.

It's nice to know that the technicians from Top Gear are still getting work.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 November, 2015, 10:44:24 am
Having read on Saturday that Top Gear China had filmed in the UK. http://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/nov/20/top-gear-china-attracts-200-million-viewers. I was interested to see, on Sunday, top-spec GT cars from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz parked at the last hairpin on Hartside, attended by several Chinese taking photos.

It's nice to know that the technicians from Top Gear are still getting work.

Once the Chinese are au fait with the brand it will be Chinese technicians who are getting work.  Unlike with Downton Abbey. the cast don't need to be westerners. Quite the opposite, probably.  I'd love to see Clarkson suing China over copyright :demon:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 23 November, 2015, 04:04:17 pm
Clarkson sold his rights to Top Gear, so doesn't benefit from the success of the Chinese version.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/bbc/12008706/Jeremy-Clarkson-misses-out-on-Top-Gears-Chinese-pay-day.html
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 23 November, 2015, 04:56:18 pm
That'll do ;D
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: SteveC on 23 November, 2015, 08:41:11 pm
Just in case anyone wanted to forget the incident (http://www.theguardian.com/media/mediamonkeyblog/2015/nov/23/jeremy-clarkson-fracas-plaque-simonstone-hall-hotel-yorkshire)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 29 May, 2016, 08:16:40 pm
Bloody hell this is dire.  They just don't get it.  I'm looking forward to Grand Tour already.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 May, 2016, 08:20:43 pm
Oh goodie!  I shall watch it when I return to Larrington Towers on the morrow and shout "WANKAAAAAH!!" at Chris Evans.  A lot.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rogerzilla on 29 May, 2016, 10:09:53 pm
TBH, I thought the old one sucked but this was worse.  Matt LeBlanc is hopeless and Evans remains as punchable as ever/
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Valiant on 30 May, 2016, 05:07:00 am
Extra Gear however wasn't as dire. Still pretty bad though.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 30 May, 2016, 01:28:45 pm
Extra Gear however wasn't as dire. Still pretty bad though.

Why didn't they call it Overdrive?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: mattc on 30 May, 2016, 05:05:47 pm
Extra Gear however wasn't as dire. Still pretty bad though.

Why didn't they call it Overdrive?

that sounds a bit too Classic Raaarck.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 30 May, 2016, 06:23:49 pm
TBH, I thought the old one sucked but this was worse.  Matt LeBlanc is hopeless and Evans remains as punchable as ever/

Clarkson himself said the show needed a facelift, so what did the BBC do?....copy the old one, the one in need of a facelift.
What we have is a show immediately in need of a facelift.

Taking the piss out of Reliant Robins?  Sound familiar?

Trying to get laser-sight lock-on to your opponent?  Sound familiar?

Twat of a presenter?  Sound familiar?

I mean once you think it's OK to cover Dodge Vipers in machine guns and rockets then you're basically admitting you're an overgrown schoolboy twat who's run out of ideas.

It reminded me of this......

The best copy of Top Gear.......in the World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMuO-8S_0Wg)


Oh yes.....and Gordon "The Cu*t" Ramsay.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 May, 2016, 09:44:08 pm
I have just watched it.  And I want the people responsible for the dismal bucket of wank caught and fed into the business end of a combine harvester, carrying Evans with them in a sack full of angry wasps.  And I want it done yesterday.

Apparently Jenson Button is due on it next week, the poor sap.  I'm sure JB is too much of a gentleman to stroll onto the set, tell everyone that Evans sounds like a shit nightclub comic desperately trying to get a reaction out of an audience that thinks he's a talentless bogbrush and ask them all to go and do something worthwhile, like feeding Bernie Ecclestone to rabid stoats.  Which is a pity.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Bledlow on 30 May, 2016, 10:14:20 pm
Even the promise of appearances by Sabine Schmitz was not enough to overcome the repulsive effect of Evans, so I did not watch. By all accounts I was right not to. I was & am utterly baffled. I was dumbfounded when I heard that the revolting tosser had been chosen to front the programme, & I still am. What idiots thought that wasn't a worse decision than the Charge of the Light Brigade? Why did the Beeb not stamp on them, very hard indeed? And then run them over with a steamroller, before burying them in a very deep hole at dead of night with spells & incantations in case nice sharp stakes through them weren't enough to prevent them doing any more harm.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 May, 2016, 10:19:04 pm
This episode did at least have Ms Schmitz in it, being rude about the Corvette Z06.  This was the only thing it had going for it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 31 May, 2016, 12:43:46 pm
The problem with Chris Evans is that he totally polarises opinion.


Some people think he's a Tw*t and yet some people think he's a C*nt. 

There seems to be no middle ground.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: caerau on 31 May, 2016, 12:45:02 pm
I know one or two who actually like him  :jurek: :jurek: :jurek:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 31 May, 2016, 12:59:14 pm
I'm not really sure what everyone was expecting? Evans has said recently he only wanted to tinker with a known and popular format so he/they added a few tweaks but otherwise it was pretty much the same show it was when Clarkson et al departed and quite frankly it had run it's course anyway. It wasn't exactly classic television but was light heartened escapism on a Sunday night. That's all this was.

Evans is too loud and shouty and in a big aircraft hanger that then echoes. Matt LeBlanc is new to this and it's clear they are aiming for the American market (where ISTR historically Top Gear wasn't shown - I assume that has changed). The chemistry and whole format will evolve and develop once they know how they work together. Filming a scripted piece out on the road is different to reacting to what each other has to say in front of a studio audience.

The previous incarnation of TG evolved from Clarkson and Hammond talking about cars in a big hanger watched by a few (including me) car geeks into an entertainment show. it took ten years to get to that point and the first series before James May joined is simply never shown, even on Dave because no-one watched it.

Evans doesn't stand a chance, nothing he does will allow him to quietly build from nothing (or in the case of TG very little) under the eye of the media.

I'm a shallow car geek and like watching fast cars (and aeroplanes). It suited me.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 31 May, 2016, 01:15:46 pm
Fans complain that new TV show not like old TV show they used to complain about (http://sniffpetrol.com/2016/05/31/fans-complain-that-new-tv-show-not-like-old-tv-show-they-used-to-complain-about/).  Unfortunately the recording ended before the credits rolled so I couldn't check whether Richard Porter was involved.  As Clarkson credited him with coming up with the only jokes that actually worked, I suspect not.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Bledlow on 31 May, 2016, 02:11:17 pm
I know one or two who actually like him  :jurek: :jurek: :jurek:
Enough to make it worth hiring him for shows focused on him, where his fans can provide an audience big enough for success. But hiring him to front a show with an established formula & audience seems perverse. It runs the risk of putting off the very many people who loathe him, many of who might already be fans of the show.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 31 May, 2016, 02:51:46 pm
The problem with Chris Evans is that he totally polarises opinion.


Some people think he's a Tw*t and yet some people think he's a C*nt. 

There seems to be no middle ground.

You want middle ground?

I can't recall thinking about him at all.  A bespectacled, red-haired chap?

Will that do?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2016, 02:59:16 pm
I can't recall thinking about him at all.  A bespectacled, red-haired chap?

Will that do?

I think he used to be on that programme with the garish colours and people going "Woo!" that was on for fleeting seconds between waking up and working out how to turn off the television.

And later played co-host to a cardboard cutout of Jarvis Cocker on that Friday evening entertainment thing.  I reckon Jarvis would do well on Top Gear.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Torslanda on 01 June, 2016, 08:08:49 am
The sycophants can't or won't say 'No! Don't be a knob!'to Evans IMHO.

In his head he IS the saviour of Sunday night TV. Except he's not...

I live in hope that one day someone somewhere gives him the reality check he deserves. Had he not been paid £BILLIONS for his production company he would by now have run out of money. He ran out of talent years ago!

Maybe he's Frankie or Benji mouse...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: alexb on 08 June, 2016, 10:03:02 am
Actually what I thought was weird is that it's a car show that doesn't talk about the cars at all.
We have no information about the 4WD cars they drown in Africa, no quick tour of them or discussion of any of the good or bad points at all.

The Mclaren piece was the same, I'd have quite liked a look at the engine...also, what sort of test drive is it when first off it didn't get taken round the track and second it appeared to only be driven in a straight line.

The new Volvo they tested - what was that twin engine thing all about? Is that fuel consumption figure for real? Why didn't they put a gallon in an see how far they could get...?

Sabine's house is as mad as a very mad thing, but they got into her fancy race car and then duid what? Drove down a straight road as far as I could tell.

Is it just me, or does it seem like all the black and foreign presenters (apart from the white American) have been banished to the internet/red button?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 08 June, 2016, 10:13:58 am
Most people don't understand their own car so the impression would be that the general viewing public aren't interested in how the technology works.

As a TV entertainment show It's all about power figures and torque - which in the real world means nothing unless you equate it to the power to weight ratio or the type of differential and transmission system used to transfer that power to the road but that would make most people switch off. The impression left by Clarkson and co was it's all about making as much smoke as possible and laughing when the likes of Jenson Button makes a mistake.

If you look back at the old version on Dave, they became less and less interested in reviewing cars as the show became more popular. It became about stunts, smoke and explosions. It wasn't (and still isn't) really a car show.

I haven't seen this weeks extra gear episode, they are at least the clever ones. Is it because they are black or foreign or is it because that's the bit of the show that is aimed at those with a mechanical interest in cars?

I'm not sure yet.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Quisling on 08 June, 2016, 10:39:14 am
Of course, Clarkson's first efforts were pretty dire too.  Check out his Alan Partridge jacket and careful pronunciation. ;D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWz9sqVGFKI
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: andyoxon on 08 June, 2016, 09:16:26 pm
Well the second episode was a fairly big improvement on the first (IMO) - mainly because of the guests, and the SUVs on-location in the Drakensberg.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Bledlow on 08 June, 2016, 10:47:10 pm
I saw a trailer which featured someone who once accosted me in a toilet.

No, not like that. He was just drunk & chatty. Bearded bloke with glasses & an Irish accent.  ;)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 13 June, 2016, 09:21:16 pm
The interaction between Matt LeBlanc and the other presenters is electric ...... but in the same way that my Fridge is electric and a Corby Trouser Press is electric.

It genuinely feels like a humourless spoof.

It makes Fifth Gear seem good (which is the worst thing I can say about any motoring program).

Clarkson, despite his faults, is a funny writer.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: vorsprung on 13 June, 2016, 09:54:34 pm
The interaction between Matt LeBlanc and the other presenters is electric ...... but in the same way that my Fridge is electric and a Corby Trouser Press is electric.

It genuinely feels like a humourless spoof.

It makes Fifth Gear seem good (which is the worst thing I can say about any motoring program).

Clarkson, despite his faults, is a funny writer.

The old top gear was like a kind of pantomine with jokes from the Daily Mail

This one lacks even the puddle deep character interaction of the original.  They just say lines.

The only improvement is the complete lack of Clarkson
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 14 June, 2016, 11:56:59 am
The interaction between Matt LeBlanc and the other presenters is electric ...... but in the same way that my Fridge is electric and a Corby Trouser Press is electric.

It genuinely feels like a humourless spoof.

It makes Fifth Gear seem good (which is the worst thing I can say about any motoring program).

Clarkson, despite his faults, is a funny writer.

The old top gear was like a kind of pantomine with jokes from the Daily Mail

This one lacks even the puddle deep character interaction of the original.  They just say lines.

The only improvement is the complete lack of Clarkson

Top Gear WAS Clarkson.  Therein lies the problem for the BBC.

I challenge anyone to watch this Chris Goffey review of a Nissan Sunny without sobbing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY32793qoDE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY32793qoDE)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 04 July, 2016, 03:39:56 pm
Well that didn't last long

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36707266
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 04 July, 2016, 03:56:42 pm
Well that didn't last long

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36707266

No... but it was still too long.

I think I'll climb onto a box, just so I can step down as well.  It's the trendy thing to do at the moment.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spesh on 04 July, 2016, 04:41:36 pm
Well that didn't last long

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36707266

Nothing to do with yesterday's news, oh no siree, bob...  <HIGNFY> Allegedly. </HIGNFY>

Quote from: El Telegraph
3 JULY 2016 • 6:41PM

The BBC is to stand by Chris Evans, despite claims that he is to be questioned by police over historic sex assault allegations, with the presenter continuing to host his Radio 2 breakfast show this week.

The Sun on Sunday claimed that the Top Gear presenter will be quizzed by Metropolitan Police detectives “in the coming days” over claims that he had repeatedly exposed himself to a former work colleague, and grabbed her breasts (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/08/chris-evans-i-am-not-a-bully/).

Evans denies the claims, and said in May, when the allegations first surfaced, that they amounted to a “witch hunt”. He added: “All these bullying claims and other allegations are just ridiculous.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/03/bbc-stands-by-chris-evans-as-presenter-faces-police-questioning/
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 July, 2016, 06:11:44 pm
Remember ages ago, when he did the Virgin breakfast show with Johnny Revel and Holly and Dan and  Jamie Studentbloke, and one morning it was just him and the other ones had all left and never came back and nobody ever said why and they were never mentioned again?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: De Sisti on 04 July, 2016, 08:33:49 pm
Remember ages ago, when he did the Virgin breakfast show with Johnny Revel and Holly and Dan and  Jamie Studentbloke, and one morning it was just him and the other ones had all left and never came back and nobody ever said why and they were never mentioned again?
No. Please tell more. :P :demon:
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Eccentrica Gallumbits on 04 July, 2016, 08:55:07 pm
That's about it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spesh on 04 July, 2016, 09:04:15 pm
Remember ages ago, when he did the Virgin breakfast show with Johnny Revel and Holly and Dan and  Jamie Studentbloke, and one morning it was just him and the other ones had all left and never came back and nobody ever said why and they were never mentioned again?
No. Please tell more. :P :demon:
That's about it.
That's about it.

Ah... one of those dreaded Noodle Incident (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NoodleIncident)s.  ;)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 04 July, 2016, 09:40:26 pm
Remember ages ago, when he did the Virgin breakfast show with Johnny Revel and Holly and Dan and  Jamie Studentbloke, and one morning it was just him and the other ones had all left and never came back and nobody ever said why and they were never mentioned again?

Yes.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 04 July, 2016, 09:46:53 pm
Remember ages ago, when he did the Virgin breakfast show with Johnny Revel and Holly and Dan and  Jamie Studentbloke, and one morning it was just him and the other ones had all left and never came back and nobody ever said why and they were never mentioned again?

They probably went down the pub, had a skinful, concluded Evans was an S-T and decided to resign en masee.  The Mgt paid them to keep quiet about it because they didn't want the public to know that Evans was an S-T.
</Stan's_Advocaat>
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spesh on 04 July, 2016, 10:44:17 pm
Remember ages ago, when he did the Virgin breakfast show with Johnny Revel and Holly and Dan and  Jamie Studentbloke, and one morning it was just him and the other ones had all left and never came back and nobody ever said why and they were never mentioned again?

They probably went down the pub, had a skinful, concluded Evans was an S-T and decided to resign en masee.  The Mgt paid them to keep quiet about it because they didn't want the public to know that Evans was an S-T.
</Stan's_Advocaat>

<off topic> Yeah, Advocaat is verily the work of Stan.  :sick: </off-topic>
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 05 July, 2016, 10:30:39 am
Dissing advocaat will bring down the wrath of our resident Tidy-Haired Thought Leader on your miserable donkey, y'know.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spesh on 05 July, 2016, 10:58:53 am
 :P
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spesh on 05 July, 2016, 11:03:36 am
Some say that Jeremy Clarkson finds Chris Evans quitting Top Gear most amusing...

And that he finds rumours of the BBC showing Grand Tour after it has been broadcast on Amazon even more so.

All we know is...

He's pi55ing himself laughing.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 18 November, 2016, 09:31:16 pm
I've just watched the first episode of Grand Tour.

Let's just say there will be a few damp copies of The Guardian on BBC top corridor tonight...
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: geraldc on 18 November, 2016, 10:56:56 pm
I enjoyed the grand tour.
I expect Carol Vorderman is now being googled around the world.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: DrMekon on 19 November, 2016, 01:48:37 pm
Friend who writes for arstechnica wrote a glowing review noting the high production values, so I watched a bit. Jeeze, the camera doesn't love them - they look like they've been enjoying some boozy lunches. HD is not kind to them.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: andyoxon on 19 November, 2016, 02:28:04 pm
Now we know why this happened to his house... (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/09/jeremy-clarkson-blows-up-his-old-home-to-make-way-for-new-cotswo/)
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: nextSibling on 19 November, 2016, 02:55:42 pm
I watched the first episode last night and had a really hard time getting through the first 15 minutes of nothing but smug self-congratulation. I persevered to discover the formula was basically the same - here's a comparison of unattainable cars we're going to photographically masturbate over and praise equally, interspersed with some lazy stereotyping of something or someone or other. It was entertainingly presented the first few dozen times years ago, but I doubt I'll be watching a lot more.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: bobb on 19 November, 2016, 03:00:51 pm
Not sure what happened, but did three boorish bell ends get in some cars and drive them around a bit?
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: rogerzilla on 19 November, 2016, 08:00:19 pm
Please don't tell me the BBC are going to pay money to buy the show?  Not having Clarkson on TV (except for all those Amazon adverts) was rather pleasant.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 19 November, 2016, 08:11:52 pm
Please don't tell me the BBC are going to pay money to buy the show?  Not having Clarkson on TV (except for all those Amazon adverts) was rather pleasant.

Give it about eighteen months and it'll be on Dave.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 19 November, 2016, 09:26:32 pm
Please don't tell me the BBC are going to pay money to buy the show?  Not having Clarkson on TV (except for all those Amazon adverts) was rather pleasant.

Apparently so.

Incidentally the new Ebola circuit looked a lot like RAF Wroughton to me, so you might be able to pop across to watch the filming!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: spesh on 19 November, 2016, 09:55:24 pm
Please don't tell me the BBC are going to pay money to buy the show?  Not having Clarkson on TV (except for all those Amazon adverts) was rather pleasant.

Apparently so.

Incidentally the new Ebola circuit looked a lot like RAF Wroughton to me, so you might be able to pop across to watch the filming!

Confirmed:

http://jalopnik.com/this-is-where-the-grand-tours-brand-new-test-track-is-l-1789134294
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Tewdric on 19 November, 2016, 10:26:28 pm
Aha!  I knew I know it of old!
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jakob on 03 February, 2017, 01:31:56 am
I've slowly been catching up on Grand Tour. Watched the first episode a while back and decided it was a bit crap. I've then mostly been listening to the others whilst working and while some of it is very funny, it's still mostly a bit crap.
The format is outdated and they're trying too hard to be offensive. It worked much better under the BBC umbrella, where they had to be much more subtle about it.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 06 March, 2017, 09:27:00 am
Well I quite enjoyed new new top gear last night.

The new presenters are enthusiastic and will eventually gel into a working team but certainly know their stuff and Matt le blanc came across well as lead

Oh and that Ferrari is impressive
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 08 March, 2017, 04:08:54 pm
Just seen the new Top Gear.

Blimey!  What a tired (no pun untended) old format.

Someone driving a car, I can't afford, very quickly and three blokes driving bangers somewhere shitty..whilst reading a script*

*and proving that Clarkson was quite good at writing the scripts.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Mr Larrington on 08 March, 2017, 06:08:04 pm
Just seen the new Top Gear.

Blimey!  What a tired (no pun untended) old format.

Someone driving a car, I can't afford, very quickly and three blokes driving bangers somewhere shitty..whilst reading a script*

*and proving that Clarkson was quite good at writing the scripts.

Or Richard "Sniff Petrol" Porter, who went to the Mega-Global Big River Corporation of Seattle, USAnia with the three Stooges.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 10 March, 2017, 11:57:29 am

Someone driving a car, I can't afford,

Because the original top gear where they drove cars you could afford was so much more interesting......

If I want to know how good the latest Ford focus or whatever it is I can afford I'll go and test drive one myself. The chances of seeing that Ferrari driven to it's limits anywhere else are none.

And yes I can do a supercar track day but they severely restrict how much of the cars capability you are allowed to use to the point they are not worth the money.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Jaded on 10 March, 2017, 01:08:40 pm
I thought the new one was a bit dull. But then I thought the old one was a bit dull.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Hot Flatus on 10 March, 2017, 01:12:11 pm
Bring back William. Woolland

(from the dead, if appropriate )
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hatler on 10 March, 2017, 01:28:51 pm
Woollard.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: hatler on 10 March, 2017, 01:30:18 pm
And still alive according to Wiki.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 10 March, 2017, 01:43:56 pm
The chances of seeing that Ferrari driven to it's limits anywhere else are none.

Simply replay any old Top Gear footage of someone driving a Hypercar and you'll know exactly what it's like to see any any Hypercar driven to its limits on TV.

They go fast, the presenter says things along the lines of, "This is incredible", and then they wonder whether they dare turn off the traction control.

(click to show/hide)

I'm not saying it would be better if they tested more sedate cars just that the "New" Top Gear (Their words not mine) seemed old.  Clarkson himself said the format was tired, even before he was kicked out.

If they'd wanted a more exciting format they should have had the old presenters drive around a short circuit track whilst competition winners shot at them with Assault Rifles.

Alternatively they should have employed a legend of speed, with enormous Kahunas, cacking his pants in a Hypercar..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-8uAM4LWX0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-8uAM4LWX0)

"I'm shekkin' ..I'm bloody shekkin'"   If it makes Guy "shek" then that's all I need to know.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: trekker12 on 10 March, 2017, 03:51:43 pm
And Clarkson did so well coming up with new ideas for a show Amazon paid him a squillion pounds for which basically followed the same format.

Reality Tv, soap operas, period drama, popularity singing and dancing contests all follow a well copied format.

I like Top Gear, I've watched since I was a kid when they tested old boring ford escorts. The cars tell the story, the new Ferrari is developed beyond any ones dreams of the early 2000s when top gear switched to a studio format.

I'm a petrol head it gives me my weekly fix. If you don't like cars or their development  why are you watching it? I believe call the midwife might be on the other side
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 10 March, 2017, 03:54:59 pm
I thought the new one was a bit dull. But then I thought the old one was a bit dull.

I recommend to the panel Robert Llewellyn's Fully Charged as an antidote to Top Gear.

Here he is trying to do a serious manly car review of a BMW 330e: https://youtu.be/oL_LUAeYw9I?t=1m42s

(click to show/hide)


And here's his take on Top Gear and why he doesn't want to be on it:  https://youtu.be/kX1A-Ab8JiU
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 10 March, 2017, 04:24:18 pm

Reality Tv, soap operas, period drama, popularity singing and dancing contests all follow a well copied format.


I think they are shit as well.

But to your point..I won't be watching Top Gear.  I haven't for several series now. 

I was just intrigued by the "New" aspect but discovered they actually meant slightly more P.C. presenters.

Quote
I recommend to the panel Robert Llewellyn's Fully Charged as an antidote to Top Gear.

I like this show a lot.  It actually does deal with car development.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 24 March, 2017, 12:15:15 pm
HAhahahahahah..ahahaahahaahhah..

Old Top Gear is so much better than new Top Gear. 

Old Top Gear (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dGYI-rwjng&t=6s)

You can't even parody this it's so brilliantly awful.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 March, 2017, 02:37:12 pm
I thought the new one was a bit dull. But then I thought the old one was a bit dull.

I recommend to the panel Robert Llewellyn's Fully Charged as an antidote to Top Gear.

Here he is trying to do a serious manly car review of a BMW 330e: https://youtu.be/oL_LUAeYw9I?t=1m42s

(click to show/hide)
I like the way he manages to take the piss while at the same time admiring the engineering.

Quote
And here's his take on Top Gear and why he doesn't want to be on it:  https://youtu.be/kX1A-Ab8JiU
Taking the two of these together, I reckon he's far more of a car-head (obviously not a petrol-head) than he admits. An auto-geek.

HAhahahahahah..ahahaahahaahhah..

Old Top Gear is so much better than new Top Gear. 

Old Top Gear (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dGYI-rwjng&t=6s)

You can't even parody this it's so brilliantly awful.
Comparing him to these people shows the difference between geek and nerd.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 24 March, 2017, 07:08:56 pm
Something's gone a bit wrong with the latest episode of Fully Charged.  They drafted in an actual car journalist to do a car review.  Which is perfectly competent[1], but lacks the random impressions, gurning and sarcastic quips about the Daily Mail that we know and love.  It's like watching a car programme.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riyLR40nfyM
https://youtu.be/riyLR40nfyM


[1] Though perhaps doesn't stress how disappointing the lack of rapid-charge capability is.  Not that you want to habitually make motorway journeys in a Smart, but it's nice to have the option.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: Kim on 24 March, 2017, 07:12:54 pm
Quote
And here's his take on Top Gear and why he doesn't want to be on it:  https://youtu.be/kX1A-Ab8JiU
Taking the two of these together, I reckon he's far more of a car-head (obviously not a petrol-head) than he admits. An auto-geek.

He *did* present umpty series of Scrapheap Challenge, alongside the extremely competent Lisa Rogers.  He clearly enjoys a bit of engineering (as long as it's not too boring).
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: simonp on 24 March, 2017, 07:54:34 pm
Small claim to fame: my dad was on one episode as the domain expert. (Wind power).
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 25 April, 2017, 10:48:40 am
Dubious statistical analysis  -

"The latest series of Top Gear drew to a close on Sunday evening, with fans praising Matt LeBlanc for having "saved" the brand."

"An average of 1.9 million watched the final episode of the current season"

"However, it's worth noting the viewing figures for the Evans-fronted season had more than halved by the end, with 1.9 million tuning in to the finale."

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Ed Power said: "Top Gear finished its latest season in better fettle than anyone could have predicted in the wake of last year's disastrous Chris Evans-fronted reboot."


So the same number of people watched the "saved" Matt LeBlanc show as watched the "disastrous" Chris Evans show. 
My own quick analysis of the statistics tell me that the popularity of the show remained the same.

I'm not sure what "An average of 1.9 million watched the final episode" means.  Maybe 3.8 million people watched the first half then all turned off.
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: LEE on 27 February, 2018, 10:27:00 am
Having been bombarded with previews of the new series, and having the presenters turn up on every BBC show for the last 3 weeks, to show even more previews, I see that the BBC are pushing this in a big way.

The previews were enough to remind me that it's fundamentally still a show for 14 year old boys and Pub bores*

*It may actually be relevant, and of practical interest, if your first name is Sheikh
Title: Re: Clarkson suspended; no Top Gear this weekend
Post by: citoyen on 27 February, 2018, 10:35:49 am
The amount of publicity for the new series smacks of desperation to me.