Top Gear Axed : Rumour or truth ?
08 August 2001, 12:15 AM
#1
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Top gear used to be great - JC and Tiff made it really entertaining but they still managed to look at boring cars - just with an element of fun !!!
Best thing they can now do is axe it, and leave it to Channel 4 to risk offending people if they feel they no longer can risk it.
Best thing they can now do is axe it, and leave it to Channel 4 to risk offending people if they feel they no longer can risk it.
08 August 2001, 12:16 AM
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Joey
I'm with you on this one, although I could add a few more to the list:
-Clarkson upsetting the big manufacturers.
-Maybe a bit on bikes each week (they used to)
-VBH showing us her **** and crumpet now and again.
I'm with you on this one, although I could add a few more to the list:
-Clarkson upsetting the big manufacturers.
-Maybe a bit on bikes each week (they used to)
-VBH showing us her **** and crumpet now and again.
08 August 2001, 12:40 AM
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I think we should petition EVO magazine to bring out an EVO TV show. That should hit the nail on the head.
And they could still close the show with nude V B-H trampolining ...
And they could still close the show with nude V B-H trampolining ...
08 August 2001, 09:02 AM
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Posted on British-cars.co.uk a few moments ago:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Ian Whitfield, Bath,Somerset, mail@thermoform.co.uk:
Just heard Tiff interviewed on five live that the prog will be axed and he has not been offered a job on the replacement motoring prog which will be a different format and title. He was not sounding too chuffed and was puzzled as it is the most watched programme on bbc2 at the moment!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Ian Whitfield, Bath,Somerset, mail@thermoform.co.uk:
Just heard Tiff interviewed on five live that the prog will be axed and he has not been offered a job on the replacement motoring prog which will be a different format and title. He was not sounding too chuffed and was puzzled as it is the most watched programme on bbc2 at the moment!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Trending Topics
08 August 2001, 09:18 AM
#9
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:<HR>Maybe it will be replace by the Vicki B-H nude trampolining show...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Now there's a thought to conjure with
Now there's a thought to conjure with
08 August 2001, 10:09 AM
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I would agree top gear is crap, but it has been dumbed down lately and the fact it has been axed means car enthusiasts have even less representation on TV. And worse we can't watch Tiff caning the latest M car or rally special 
Jon
Jon
08 August 2001, 10:29 AM
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Top Gear has got incredibly crap recently, it's even beaten in the ratings by Driven now!
Instead of getting rid of it the best thing they could have done is to pay Jeremy Clarkson as much money as he wanted to bring him back.
The main problem with the program is that they are under the delusion that people want to see a review of the latest Korean diesel people carrier. They then have an excellent subject such as the goodwood festival of speed and feature that for about 30 seconds before moving onto another boring car to review. As for the bits about people who collect roadsigns and petrol cans what the hell was that all about. They are also so obsessed about not upsetting the manufacturers that even the most coma inducing car will get an OK review.
The formula for top gear is very, very simple :
1) Review of some sexy new high performance car.
2) Visit to a racing team with VBH driving the car for a bit
3) Some boring people carrier (preferably diesel), supermini or rep car being totally slated.
4) Something about how the motorist is getting shafted by the police/government.
5) Tiff thrashing something somewhere.
[This message has been edited by JoeyDeacon (edited 08 August 2001).]
Instead of getting rid of it the best thing they could have done is to pay Jeremy Clarkson as much money as he wanted to bring him back.
The main problem with the program is that they are under the delusion that people want to see a review of the latest Korean diesel people carrier. They then have an excellent subject such as the goodwood festival of speed and feature that for about 30 seconds before moving onto another boring car to review. As for the bits about people who collect roadsigns and petrol cans what the hell was that all about. They are also so obsessed about not upsetting the manufacturers that even the most coma inducing car will get an OK review.
The formula for top gear is very, very simple :
1) Review of some sexy new high performance car.
2) Visit to a racing team with VBH driving the car for a bit
3) Some boring people carrier (preferably diesel), supermini or rep car being totally slated.
4) Something about how the motorist is getting shafted by the police/government.
5) Tiff thrashing something somewhere.
[This message has been edited by JoeyDeacon (edited 08 August 2001).]
08 August 2001, 10:49 AM
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Joey,
I have been thinking about the exact same thing for the last few weeks I totally agree with you on this you hit the nail on the head there!
The only downfall is that Top Gear have the ratings and it is aimed at that type of audience see Top Gear is all about what's new trying to maintain a balance in the cars it reviews so it would probably be defeating the whole purpose of the program. but we want a new program NOW! BBC with all Joeys novel ideas
I have been thinking about the exact same thing for the last few weeks I totally agree with you on this you hit the nail on the head there!
The only downfall is that Top Gear have the ratings and it is aimed at that type of audience see Top Gear is all about what's new trying to maintain a balance in the cars it reviews so it would probably be defeating the whole purpose of the program. but we want a new program NOW! BBC with all Joeys novel ideas
08 August 2001, 11:57 AM
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Ratings have nothing to do with programme cancellations, otherwise we'd still have Doctor Who on the telly. *sigh*
The Propaganda Arm of the Labour Party (BBC to you & me) has to toe the party line which is that cars are horribly smelly things that destroy the environment and kill small children, therefore any programme that glamourises cars has to be cut.
JoeyD, I disagree about the "Korean diesel" thing. That is precisely why people watch Top Gear. If the general public only wanted to know about racing cars they would watch a specialist programme. Top Gear is supposed to be about all cars and most cars are not racing cars. There should be more articles on real cars, not less.
The thing I'd like to get rid of is the incessant "adverts" in the programme. One "In tonight's programme..." is enough, I don't need to be continually reminded of "what's coming up" every damn minute!!
Perhaps the biggest style problem with Top Gear now is that after watching an article on a car, I don't feel as if I have received any information on it whatsoever. Half the time, you don't even get to see what the cars look like!! I think Driven is a much better programme, which ironically enough is much closer to the old BBC mantra of "educate and inform". Driven manages to tell you about the cars *and* entertain at the same time.
Still, what do you expect from a channel that buys The Simpsons, thinks "Cartoon = Childrens TV" and promptly schedules it for 5:20pm on a Saturday...
*sigh*The Propaganda Arm of the Labour Party (BBC to you & me) has to toe the party line which is that cars are horribly smelly things that destroy the environment and kill small children, therefore any programme that glamourises cars has to be cut.
JoeyD, I disagree about the "Korean diesel" thing. That is precisely why people watch Top Gear. If the general public only wanted to know about racing cars they would watch a specialist programme. Top Gear is supposed to be about all cars and most cars are not racing cars. There should be more articles on real cars, not less.
The thing I'd like to get rid of is the incessant "adverts" in the programme. One "In tonight's programme..." is enough, I don't need to be continually reminded of "what's coming up" every damn minute!!
Perhaps the biggest style problem with Top Gear now is that after watching an article on a car, I don't feel as if I have received any information on it whatsoever. Half the time, you don't even get to see what the cars look like!! I think Driven is a much better programme, which ironically enough is much closer to the old BBC mantra of "educate and inform". Driven manages to tell you about the cars *and* entertain at the same time.
Still, what do you expect from a channel that buys The Simpsons, thinks "Cartoon = Childrens TV" and promptly schedules it for 5:20pm on a Saturday...
08 August 2001, 01:14 PM
#15
When I spoke to Tiff earlier this year at Knockhill, he was worried about being axed then. He said the producers tell him what to do and what they are going to shoot so his ideas are secondary. He did feel sorry for Chris Goffey and co (who are now on other cable car shows) but was relieved that he still had a job.
Did anyone else notice that MK was a favorite location for testing the cars?
It was a Thursday ritual for me. We'll miss 'em, sniff.
F
Did anyone else notice that MK was a favorite location for testing the cars?
It was a Thursday ritual for me. We'll miss 'em, sniff.
F
08 August 2001, 01:55 PM
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Agree TG crap and Driven much better. They even nicked a Driven presenter to help, but sadly he's been sucked into the TG mould: " let's all talk in (not very) witty analagies and tell you nothing at all about the car."
I don't mind hearing about "lesser" cars and how they fare, what does grate me is when they moan about the switchgear on some bargain basement minicar that costs seven grand or sommat - what do you expect!!! Or they directly compare a WRX and an EVO without emphasizing that there's a huge price difference.
Another annoyance is the Carfile or whatever these shiity ones are on Men & Motors. Saw one last night testing a beetle in Germany and saying it would be a year or so before, we got RHD in the UK. HOW OLD WAS THAT!!!
TG was crap but I will miss VBH, she was a larf.
I don't mind hearing about "lesser" cars and how they fare, what does grate me is when they moan about the switchgear on some bargain basement minicar that costs seven grand or sommat - what do you expect!!! Or they directly compare a WRX and an EVO without emphasizing that there's a huge price difference.
Another annoyance is the Carfile or whatever these shiity ones are on Men & Motors. Saw one last night testing a beetle in Germany and saying it would be a year or so before, we got RHD in the UK. HOW OLD WAS THAT!!!
TG was crap but I will miss VBH, she was a larf.
08 August 2001, 02:08 PM
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The perfect lineup for Top Gear as far as I am concerned would be (In order of importance):
Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needel, VBH, Quentin Wilson, Steve Berry.
I really can't believe the BBC thinks that by Dumping Tiff Needell it can create a better program!! For gods sake Tiff was the best thing on the program. If they want to get rid of anybody they should get rid of Jason "I am so smooth and trendy" Barlow as his reviewing style is that of a 5th rate Jeremy Clarkson and every time I see him I want to smash his face in. Did anybody see when he was attempting to drive the MGF Trophy round a racetrack?? Even my mum could do a better effort than that, when me and my brother watched his arms flailing about all over the place we absolute p!ssed ourselves with laughter. Bet Driven were well pleased to have got rid of him and got the excellent Jason Plato in his place!
Jeremy Clarkson, Tiff Needel, VBH, Quentin Wilson, Steve Berry.
I really can't believe the BBC thinks that by Dumping Tiff Needell it can create a better program!! For gods sake Tiff was the best thing on the program. If they want to get rid of anybody they should get rid of Jason "I am so smooth and trendy" Barlow as his reviewing style is that of a 5th rate Jeremy Clarkson and every time I see him I want to smash his face in. Did anybody see when he was attempting to drive the MGF Trophy round a racetrack?? Even my mum could do a better effort than that, when me and my brother watched his arms flailing about all over the place we absolute p!ssed ourselves with laughter. Bet Driven were well pleased to have got rid of him and got the excellent Jason Plato in his place!
08 August 2001, 02:14 PM
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Its a shame but the program was going downhill, uniteresting reviews of even more uninteresting cars and the continual padding between items left you feeling short changed. I hope they've plans to replace it with something car-related and yet containing all the vital elements, namely Tiff and VBH.
Ideally there would be two programs, The Family Car Show at 8pm and the late night hoon special, presented by Tiff and with special guests Russ Swift and Matt Neale. EVO vs WRX, TVR Shootout, Tyre tests, the joys of stiffening up your handling with bigger AR bars etc. etc.
Ideally there would be two programs, The Family Car Show at 8pm and the late night hoon special, presented by Tiff and with special guests Russ Swift and Matt Neale. EVO vs WRX, TVR Shootout, Tyre tests, the joys of stiffening up your handling with bigger AR bars etc. etc.
08 August 2001, 02:27 PM
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But then again, it could be worse it could be like Carnage!
Has anybody ever watched this program on Bravo?? Talk about Muppet TV. Apart from the incredibly gorgeous dark haired female presenter (isn't the other one a Top Gear reject who was sacked because he got caught for drunk driving) there is absolutely NO reason for watching this program. Watching the part of the program called "The Dogs Mods" is particularly cringe making!
Has anybody ever watched this program on Bravo?? Talk about Muppet TV. Apart from the incredibly gorgeous dark haired female presenter (isn't the other one a Top Gear reject who was sacked because he got caught for drunk driving) there is absolutely NO reason for watching this program. Watching the part of the program called "The Dogs Mods" is particularly cringe making!
08 August 2001, 03:57 PM
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Quick thought ... aren't we focussing too much on the presenters, and not enough on the writers/producers ?
I'm sure you can make a hell of a car program with Tiff & VBH ... after all is said and done, Tiff is a real enthousiast and a top presenter. And VBH looked real cool at Goodwood in het "Not powered by HONDA" soapbox
OK, Clarkson is maybe yet another level, but he too would have to live with what the writers/producers say.
Like we said in chat last night: time for SDB to start presenting TG "OK, this car thingy with the motor thingy (does it have a turbo ?) handles like utter cr*p"
I'm sure you can make a hell of a car program with Tiff & VBH ... after all is said and done, Tiff is a real enthousiast and a top presenter. And VBH looked real cool at Goodwood in het "Not powered by HONDA" soapbox
OK, Clarkson is maybe yet another level, but he too would have to live with what the writers/producers say.
Like we said in chat last night: time for SDB to start presenting TG
"OK, this car thingy with the motor thingy (does it have a turbo ?) handles like utter cr*p"
08 August 2001, 04:10 PM
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Anyone been watching "Deals on Wheels"... I like this a lot, it's good entertainment.
Agree totally that Top Gear needs a refresh... I watch it when I've got nothing else to do, whereas I'll tape Driven if I'm likely to miss it.
BBC, if you're reading... sort it!
Simon.
Agree totally that Top Gear needs a refresh... I watch it when I've got nothing else to do, whereas I'll tape Driven if I'm likely to miss it.
BBC, if you're reading... sort it!
Simon.
08 August 2001, 04:20 PM
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Deals on wheels is quite amusing (but now on a friday night, so I haven't seen it lately!). I do think there has been pressure on the BBC to stop 'glamourising speed' in Topgear, which has lead to a dull show, which is now to be cancelled, and no doubt replaced with a consumer type car show, probably like What car TV or something!
I think another example of this pressure is shown here -
I think another example of this pressure is shown here -
08 August 2001, 04:32 PM
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It really f*cks me off that driving fast is so socially unacceptable.
Driving fast never caused any accidents.
Bad judgement and general sh*t driving causes accidents.
What will be the next to suffer? Motor Sports? Are they gonna ban them from TV cos they put EVIL thoughts into peoples heads?
I miss Mr Clarkson. He was funny.
Driving fast never caused any accidents.
Bad judgement and general sh*t driving causes accidents.
What will be the next to suffer? Motor Sports? Are they gonna ban them from TV cos they put EVIL thoughts into peoples heads?
I miss Mr Clarkson. He was funny.
08 August 2001, 04:38 PM
#25
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TG's format may have been c4ap and moulded by stuffy producers but I loved watching Tiff getting it sideways and VBH flooring the odd Diablo with a from ear to ear.
For me, it was ritual Thurs night viewing. Some people slate it but if you want to see how bad motoring programs can get, check out 'On Two Wheels' on Granada 'Men and Motors'.
Rubbish reviews, C4ap camera shots, cardboard presenters, hardly any bike riding (above 10mph), re-enforcement of biker stereotypes. Now that deserved the axe!
Whatever replaces TG had better be superb!
sideways and VBH flooring the odd Diablo with a from ear to ear.For me, it was ritual Thurs night viewing. Some people slate it but if you want to see how bad motoring programs can get, check out 'On Two Wheels' on Granada 'Men and Motors'.
Rubbish reviews, C4ap camera shots, cardboard presenters, hardly any bike riding (above 10mph), re-enforcement of biker stereotypes. Now that deserved the axe!
Whatever replaces TG had better be superb!
08 August 2001, 05:32 PM
#26
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I agree that it's been pooh since JC left, and that Driven has improved, although not much.
However, TG has nosedived since it nicked the guy from Driven, yet Driven has improved since he left. Coincidence?
Personally, I don't think so.
Josh
However, TG has nosedived since it nicked the guy from Driven, yet Driven has improved since he left. Coincidence?
Personally, I don't think so.
Josh
08 August 2001, 05:53 PM
#27
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I will miss Vicky Butler-Hooligan's shreiks of delight when she managed to get hold of a decent car
JC & Tifany Dell where a comedy double act at times
We could do with a bit of a clubmans/enthusiast show on Ch4 & a boring 1.4 Corola show on BBC2
Oh, and late nite VBH nude trampolining
JC & Tifany Dell where a comedy double act at times
We could do with a bit of a clubmans/enthusiast show on Ch4 & a boring 1.4 Corola show on BBC2
Oh, and late nite VBH nude trampolining
08 August 2001, 06:47 PM
#28
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JC, Tiff, and Quentin Wilson - has there ever been a motoring program in the history of the world that has EVER come close to this trio? In their prime, they made Top Gear the best motoring show of all time. Now they've either been ditched or neutered.
JoeyDeacon you are a genius sir, and 100% correct. To everyone else who likes Drivel - if a giant falls from grace, does that mean we have to start worshipping an overgrown ferret? Today, Drivel and Top Gear are both sh*te. The difference is that Top Gear could become great again. All we need to do is shoot those c*nts at the BBC who are obsessed with pandering to Tony whatever the cost, and goddamn the public.
How can a TV firm, FUNDED BY THE PUBLIC, remove something that gets amongst the highest ratings on its channel?
BAN THE BBC - TIME'S UP FOR THE BULLSH*T BROADCASTING ******CKERS.
Right?
JoeyDeacon you are a genius sir, and 100% correct. To everyone else who likes Drivel - if a giant falls from grace, does that mean we have to start worshipping an overgrown ferret? Today, Drivel and Top Gear are both sh*te. The difference is that Top Gear could become great again. All we need to do is shoot those c*nts at the BBC who are obsessed with pandering to Tony whatever the cost, and goddamn the public.
How can a TV firm, FUNDED BY THE PUBLIC, remove something that gets amongst the highest ratings on its channel?
BAN THE BBC - TIME'S UP FOR THE BULLSH*T BROADCASTING ******CKERS.
Right?
08 August 2001, 07:35 PM
#29
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..so we have lost Jezza and his humour, Spliff and his hooliganism, VBH and her knee trembling squeals and gained Carnage on Bravo and the soon to start "max power TV" .... yes thats right everyones fave mag on telly
(walks off shaking head to hang himself)
(walks off shaking head to hang himself)
08 August 2001, 11:52 PM
#30
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I used to really enjoy TG and cringe at Driven. TG seem to have adopted the same Driven format.
Bring back Jeremy Clarkson, his talk show was Sh*** but he was the best presenter on TG IMHO.
Judging my the vast array of car magazines on sale there must be demand for a longer show that caters for all.
Just another blow for us car drivers I guess
Bring back Jeremy Clarkson, his talk show was Sh*** but he was the best presenter on TG IMHO.
Judging my the vast array of car magazines on sale there must be demand for a longer show that caters for all.
Just another blow for us car drivers I guess