Top Gear thread

[Byteme]

Pretty good article on the controversy.  It just gets messier.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2995106/Astonishing-remarks-Gear-affair-senior-BBC-boss-claims-Clarkson-like-Savile.html

[Eye of the Tiger]

This drama is not entertaining
I just want to watch cars on TV

[Northlands]

Wow.

As indefensible as much of Clarkson's actions are, BBC is in a real bind with this. I absolutely believe that May and Hammond will not renew their contracts with the BBC without Jeremy, and especially after what Cohen said in this article likening him to Jimmy Savile ( which was meant in referencing Savile's sex abuse claims. ) Now that the current Stig ( and Cohen likens him to an abuse victim ) has been outed, the show as it currently sits can't go on.

I'm not sure how they can kiss and make up after this. BBC stands to lose 10's of millions per year with this show not being broadcast with its current cast. However, I can see many other interested parties willing to take these three on and making another show. There's simply too huge an audience out there that will watch.

[Payman]

Pretty good article on the controversy.  It just gets messier.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2995106/Astonishing-remarks-Gear-affair-senior-BBC-boss-claims-Clarkson-like-Savile.html

There's a lot to this. Seems like upper management in the BBC has it out for Clarkson, and has for awhile.

[SVT666]

There's a lot to this. Seems like upper management in the BBC has it out for Clarkson, and has for awhile.

I don't think this is true. I think Clarkson is his own worst enemy. The BBC has stood by him through a lot. Obviously the BBC big wig wasn't comparing Clarkson to a sex criminal, he was comparing the blind support Clarkson is getting to the blind support Saville received. It was an ill advised comparison, but it's being blown out of proportion.

[Payman]

I don't think this is true. I think Clarkson is his own worst enemy. The BBC has stood by him through a lot. Obviously the BBC big wig wasn't comparing Clarkson to a sex criminal, he was comparing the blind support Clarkson is getting to the blind support Saville received. It was an ill advised comparison, but it's being blown out of proportion.

Dunno man, lots to consider. I think the BBC has been under pressure from groups to sack Clarkson for a long time, but TG is too valuable to mess with. This incident gave management the justification they needed, and they're smearing Jezza to bolster their position.

[hotrodalex]

At this point there's simply too much speculation and false info. Just gonna have to sit and watch it play out.

[Northlands]

I don't think this is true. I think Clarkson is his own worst enemy. The BBC has stood by him through a lot. Obviously the BBC big wig wasn't comparing Clarkson to a sex criminal, he was comparing the blind support Clarkson is getting to the blind support Saville received. It was an ill advised comparison, but it's being blown out of proportion.

A guy heading the BBC should be adept enough to know that sideways conclusions could easily drawn by other media and supporters about the Jimmy Savile comparison. I think he knowingly made the conclusion anyway. If he wants to draw the conclusion that Clarkson's fans support are blind, one could say that Clarkson has cult status amongst fans and leave it at that. This comparison was just a smear. Cohen is inviting trouble upon himself now. He's going to lose the show, a pile of money, and now face scrutiny within the BBC, or worse.

[CALL_911]

Alex on Autos is good, but both kinds of shows have their place. Not everyone's always in the mood to find out how an infotainment system works or how child seats fit in the back seat.

That's right. In no way is a show with the point of AoA a substitute for Top Gear. Come on, no one watched Top Gear for it's infallible objectivity.

[GoCougs]

If he truly slugged that guy while on the clock for the show, it's indefensible, and he must be fired. One can surely bet he is a whiny entitled arrogant bitch of a man in private life.

[Morris Minor]

I think the BBC should fold the show. It's nothing without the chemistry of those three guys & the "bloke schtick" they've built up. Go out while at the top - don't make it die a slow humiliating multi-season death.

I really like the show - the high production values - use of music & landscapes, humor - just great entertainment.

[SVT666]

I think the BBC should fold the show. It's nothing without the chemistry of those three guys & the "bloke schtick" they've built up. Go out while at the top - don't make it die a slow humiliating multi-season death.

I really like the show - the high production values - use of music & landscapes, humor - just great entertainment.

+ 1 billion

[SVT666]

Despite the ongoing investigation of Top Gear front man Jeremy Clarkson, the final three episodes of the motoring program will be aired at some point, a new report claims.

Following the BBC's suspension of Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson last week for a "fracas" with a producer, it was thought that the broadcasting company would completely scrap the last three episodes of the show's 22nd season. However, a BBC insider has revealed that the last few episodes will in fact hit the airwaves.

According to the BBC source, Senior Producers are currently editing pre-filmed segments of the last three episodes. Moreover, the BBC plans to eventually air the episodes, regardless of the outcome of the investigation involving Clarkson.

"These aren't going to be the Nixon tapes," an insider told the UK's The Sunday Times, referring the final three episodes of the season.

One of the episodes in limbo includes a feature on budget classics convertibles. In that episode, Clarkson reportedly chooses a Fiat 124 Spider, while his co-presenters, James May and Richard Hammond, opt for a Peugeot 304 and an MGB, respectively.

Top Gear is also continuing its work toward a showdown between the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder and the Ferrari LaFerrari. However, if that three-way test ultimately happens, it will likely air as a bonus episode rather than part of the regular Top Gear season.

Although the immediate future of Top Gear looks a little brighter, the long-term prospects of the show are a little less clear. It's possible that Clarkson could be fired following the investigation, which could ultimately lead to the show's cancellation.

[r0tor]

^ that's what happens when your ratings drop 4 million viewers and your market falls from 20% to under 5%

[Madman]

Let me start off by saying I find Clarkson's actions deplorable and agree he should be held responsible for any injury he has caused.

But, the fact remains, there is no Top Gear without Clarkson.  The nightmare scenario for the BBC is Clarkson and Company decamp to a rival network and set up shop with a new show (let's call it High Gear, for lack of a better title) and the legions of fans follow in droves.  Meanwhile, the BBC are sure to recruit three nobodys to fill the enormous shoes of their departed stars and the end result will look like a pale imitation of its former self.  Top Gear withers and dies an ignominious death after two lacklustre seasons and High Gear goes from strength to strength.

Lest we forget, many cite Clarkson's departure from old Top Gear in 2000 as the primary reason for its demise the following year.  The BBC really has no choice but to negotiate a settlement between Clarkson and his unfortunate victim who is sure to receive a colossal financial windfall for his trouble (and deservedly so, I might add).  Naturally, Clarkson will have to issue a a very public mea culpa by way of doing the rounds of the UK chat shows, hat in hand, begging all and sundry for forgiveness.  Like it or not, the BBC are backed into a corner and have no other choice.

[68_427]

I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Sky with an automotive show if Top Gear folds.

[r0tor]

New report says Hamster and May refused to do the final shows without Clarkson... Good show mates 

[Byteme]

New report says Hamster and May refused to do the final shows without Clarkson... Good show mates 

Yup, just read that.  I think the BBC exec above Wilman to keep Clarkson in line is the BBC's and Clarkson's way to put this behind them and get on with business.  BBC saves face by installing checks and balances, Clarkson - who has apologized to the BBC according to an earlier article, is effectively chastised and life goes on.


'Top Gear' Co-presenters Refuse to Continue Show Without Jeremy Clarkson

Leo Barraclough

‎March‎ ‎19‎, ‎2015

'Top Gear' Co-presenters Refuse to Continue Show Without Jeremy Clarkson

LONDON — "Top Gear" presenters James May and Richard Hammond refused to shoot the show while their co-host Jeremy Clarkson was suspended.

The BBC wanted to press ahead with the final three episodes in the present season without Clarkson, while an investigation is carried out into allegations that he punched the show's producer Oisin Tymon, according to a BBC executive.

The episodes would have used several recorded segments with Clarkson, and another with May and Hammond in the studio, but negotiations stalled, the unnamed source told the Daily Mirror.

"They didn't want to do it without Jeremy so the talks didn't get off the ground. There is a feeling that it is all of them or none of them," the exec said.

The investigation into the altercation, which is believed to have been sparked by the failure of the producer to organize a steak dinner at the end of a day's filming, is being carried out by Ken MacQuarrie, head of BBC Scotland.

MacQuarrie will deliver his report next week to BBC director general Tony Hall, who will decide Clarkson's fate. Clarkson is already on a final warning after he used racist language while shooting the show.

The BBC's focus is also on the role of the show's exec producer Andy Wilman, who has been a close friend of Clarkson's since they went to the same private school together. According to one report, a BBC executive is going to be put above Wilman in order to keep Clarkson in check.

"I think that people do see a way to resolve this, and that is by putting someone strong in to manage the show and manage Clarkson. He is a brilliant broadcaster, everyone can see that," a senior BBC figure said

[Morris Minor]

Let me start off by saying I find Clarkson's actions deplorable and agree he should be held responsible for any injury he has caused.

But, the fact remains, there is no Top Gear without Clarkson.  The nightmare scenario for the BBC is Clarkson and Company decamp to a rival network and set up shop with a new show (let's call it High Gear, for lack of a better title) and the legions of fans follow in droves.  Meanwhile, the BBC are sure to recruit three nobodys to fill the enormous shoes of their departed stars and the end result will look like a pale imitation of its former self.  Top Gear withers and dies an ignominious death after two lacklustre seasons and High Gear goes from strength to strength.

Lest we forget, many cite Clarkson's departure from old Top Gear in 2000 as the primary reason for its demise the following year.  The BBC really has no choice but to negotiate a settlement between Clarkson and his unfortunate victim who is sure to receive a colossal financial windfall for his trouble (and deservedly so, I might add).  Naturally, Clarkson will have to issue a a very public mea culpa by way of doing the rounds of the UK chat shows, hat in hand, begging all and sundry for forgiveness.  Like it or not, the BBC are backed into a corner and have no other choice.

If it were America, he'd check into a celebrity rehab clinic.  Then he'd seek mentoring from a prominent religious leader (in exchange for a monetary "donation.")
After that he'd do a round of public contrition on talk shows.
"Why did you do it Jeremy?"
"Well, first of all I'd like to say this is not so much about me as it is a commentary about our society and the pressures we are all under. I was tired after a long day of shooting the show and mistakes may have been made. But, let me be clear, I in no way meant to cause any offence to any groups or nationalities, some of my best friends are Irish c***s."

[Madman]

But, let me be clear, I in no way meant to cause any offence to any groups or nationalities, some of my best friends are Irish c***s."

[Madman]

I've finally found a practical use for 3-D printing.

Hungry Hungry Clarksons!



http://jalopnik.com/now-you-can-play-hungry-hungry-clarksons-1692483871

[Payman]

This morning they delivered the 1,000,000 signature petition to the BBC office... IN A TANK. 

http://jalopnik.com/jeremy-clarkson-supporters-just-drove-a-freaking-tank-t-1692575093

[r0tor]

Lol... Just saw Jeremy raised 100,000 pounds in a charity event to do one last trip around the Top Gear track after repeatedly calling BBC execs "fucking bastards".

Your move BBC fucking bastards 

[veeman]

Despite the indefensible act, a male celebrity punching another adult male without seriously physically injuring him isn't going to draw much of an emotional ruckus.  Particularly if the aggressor is an old out of shape guy. The entire situation is laughable.  No one feels sorry for the guy who got punched either because he just got job security for a good long while even if he wasn't good at his job.  He might even get promoted because of it and end up with more cash. 

If Clarkson had hit/slapped/pushed a woman, their would be pitchforks after him (deservedly).   

[hotrodalex]

Dude that got punched just wanted to get back to work, apparently. Don't blame him, it's gotta be an awesome job the other 99.9% of the time when you're not being punched in the face.

[Northlands]

Of course he wants to get back to work. I bet he's just as worried as the fans are about the future of the show.

[SVT666]

Who could replace Clarkson?

by Stuart Heritage
The Guardian

It doesn't matter how the BBC responds to the Jeremy Clarkson investigation this week, because almost every possible outcome now represents a different kind of loss. If it doesn't sack him, it loses – not only will the corporation face accusations of turning a blind eye to workplace violence, but it will also concede defeat to that twonk in the knitted helmet who protested Clarkson's suspension by riding his tank around London last week. It would be unthinkable. But if it does sack him, and does away with Top Gear altogether, the BBC loses one of its biggest cash cows. In addition: the wave of weird-looking middle-aged men historically contained within the safe confines of its studio audience would be set loose on the public, which would be similarly unthinkable.

So perhaps the best option is to simply replace Clarkson but continue the show. It'd certainly be a risky move – Clarkson's personality runs through Top Gear's veins like low-density lipoproteins run through his own veins – but at this stage it represents the corporation's most damage-limiting form of damage limitation. So who should replace Clarkson?

First, and most importantly, it absolutely shouldn't be anyone who's ever had anything to do with the original incarnation of Top Gear. That version of the show died a horrible death 14 years ago because it was extremely tedious. It was smug, it was slow. It was Gardener's World on wheels. Imagine someone like Quentin Wilson emerging as Clarkson's replacement. Imagine him interminably kicking the wheels of a second-hand Mondeo while he explains the finer details of statutory consumer rights in an intonation that sounds like the wind changed when he was struggling to master sarcasm as a child. You'd kick your television over rather than watch that, surely.

Similarly, nobody from the revamped Top Gear should be promoted from within – even if they would agree to it. If anyone wants to recast the show as a Richard-Hammond-James-May double-act, they should leave immediately. It'd be like the time Charlie Murphy and Donnell Rawlings hamfistedly attempted to host Chappelle's Show after Dave Chappelle went awol. It wouldn't be good.

So who's left? Chris Evans has been repeatedly touted as the next Top Gear host – and he wouldn't necessarily be a terrible fit – except he has denied all interest in the job. Piers Morgan has also been mentioned; although, unless his appointment came with an announcement that the show would mainly be about Piers Morgan falling down things and banging his head on stuff, it wouldn't really be worth watching.

People have mentioned Rowan Atkinson, Stephen Fry and Alan Partridge as potential hosts, perhaps forgetting that they're respectively too nerdy, too wordy and too fictional to connect with Top Gear's established audience. Other people have mentioned Katie Hopkins, but possibly just because they hate life.

Bookies have been naming Jodie Kidd as a possible replacement. This makes some degree of sense. Not only is Kidd a car nut, having presented a Channel 5 car show and completed a staggeringly fast lap around the Top Gear track, but she's also tall enough to fit into whatever godawful pairs of bootcut stonewash Wranglers Clarkson left in his dressing room.

Kidd wouldn't be a bad replacement for Clarkson – but realistically the BBC has only one choice that would tick all the boxes. That choice is German racing driver Sabine Schmitz.

Schmitz knows a lot about cars, and possibly even rivals The Stig in terms of ability. She has appeared from time to time on Top Gear in the past, and shown herself to possess exactly the right mix of knowledge and boisterousness for the job every time. Plus, she is both German and a woman, a combination of traits so alien to the majority of Top Gear viewers that the whole show would probably self-destruct within an hour of her taking the job. And surely, at this point, that would, as they say, be the best outcome for everyone involved.

[SVT666]

None of those are good choices.

[CALL_911]

Nobody really is

[SVT666]

To say Sabine would be the perfect replacement is ridiculous.  Though her English may be good for a German, she likely wouldn't get the slang or the humour.  Her biggest downside is she is a woman and this show is a guy's show.  It's a show about men acting like boys.  Bring a woman into the mix and the entire dynamic will be upset and it will have no chance of being anything remotely like the Top Gear we know and love.  You at least have a shot at that if you bring another guy into the mix.