Wil you watch American Top Gear?

[FoolKiller]

Rutledge Wood needs to go away. He has NO car experience whatsoever apart from driving to work and liking cars.

And working for Speed for years and working on old cars since he was a kid helping his dad.

And everything he says just makes him seem ignorant.

This, yes.

If they need a comedian, there are about a billion others who know a thing or two about cars and won't sound stupid every time they open their mouths....like Christopher Titus.

Adam is the comedian. Rutledge is the only one with actual TV personality experience.

Seriously. "Let's put them to the test...the American way." then he does EXACTLY what they would don the British version of Top Gear.

Yeah, that was bad.

And WHY oh WHY is HE doing the interviews? Let Tanner to the interviews. Are they trying to ruin the show or just make everyone HATE Rutledge Wood.

It was far better than Adam's interview last week. I'm hoping Tanner does the interview next week so we can compare them all, but truth be told, I doubt Tanner can handle it either. He might be even worse because even when he is working off of a script he can start stammering over himself. I haven't seen a moment that at least seemed ad-libbed that didn't feel awkward or uncomfortably delivered.


But I agree that Rutledge just feels like that excitable, loud guy that no one really wants to hang around, but he shows up to all the stuff you didn't invite him to anyway. There's even a bonus video on History's Web site where he tries to pull a prank on Tanner and basically blows it himself because he can't stay cool.

 

[SuperShouden]

Yeah, I had a moment about who was the comedian. But at least Adam can at least pretend to know stuff about cars. Seriously, I think if they had Christopher Titus, it would be a pretty could show. And they could have Christopher do all the interviews. Tanner shouldn't be too horrible with interviews since he's done a bunch of car review shows for speed, already...he'd at least be better than "I'm a 12-year-old-boy who's parents just bought him the best present ever" Rutledge. Seriously, I think Titus would make the show work. He knows a lot about cars, owns his own garage and drag racing team, and has probably a bit more television experience than Rutledge.

 

[Minty]

Rutledge Wood needs to go away. He has NO car experience whatsoever apart from driving to work and liking cars. And everything he says just makes him seem ignorant. If they need a comedian, there are about a billion others who know a thing or two about cars and won't sound stupid every time they open their mouths....like Christopher Titus.

Seriously. "Let's put them to the test...the American way." then he does EXACTLY what they would don the British version of Top Gear.

And WHY oh WHY is HE doing the interviews? Let Tanner to the interviews. Are they trying to ruin the show or just make everyone HATE Rutledge Wood.

I completely agree.
The first episode wasn't bad, but that's probably because he didn't talk much. The second episode was painful every time he opened his mouth.
The blind guy drifting did kind of make up for it though.

 

[FoolKiller]

Well, it looks like the US Top Gear has achieved one thing that the original does well: Offend someone with a joke.

I was just checking the History,com message boards to see the general consensus of Top Gear (they hate it) and found this thread. And it starts with:

I sent this directly to A&E as a complaint, but they may not respond or talk around it, but it needs to be known. I have been watching the new show "Top Gear". It is definitely a good show with potential, however as a Military Veteran I was appalled at something Tanner Faust said during an episode covering the Mitsubishi Evolution. (This refers to the Mitsubishi-built Japanese Zero fighter-bomber used throughout WW II); quote; "The Zero is one of the Best Business Models on Planet...Build it...Jump in and Crash it into a Ship!" That same aircraft killed thousands of Americans during at Pearl Harbor and during World War II. He owes All Americans that have or are currently serving in our Armed Forces an apology.

Imagine if he heard half the stuff Clarkson says.

 

[Joey D]

Ya I thought that joke wasn't in best of taste but it in no way offended me. Some people.

 

[FoolKiller]

Ya I thought that joke wasn't in best of taste but it in no way offended me. Some people.

Same here, but then none of the stuff Clarkson does that upsets people bothers me either.

 

[Northstar]

Isn't that joke making fun of Japan more than the US?

As for the show itself, I'm still not sure if I like it or not, they still seem a little tense.

 

[GT_Prologue5]

I didn't watch it, but I didn't care. I might watch it this Sunday. I really don't care for it, it just seems like a mashed-up thing. Where's the real effort here boys?

 

[FoolKiller]

Isn't that joke making fun of Japan more than the US?

The guy's issue is that it was joke at all that references the deaths of US soldiers.

 

[Sage]

This show hasn't been as bad as I was expecting, but the commentary is truly terrible at times. It's scary to think that this is what's left after they've edited out all the really bad commentary.

 

[FoolKiller]

For those with PS3s in the US, the first episode is free on the PSN video store this week and next week (two weeks after Nov. 24th). If you want it.

It is the first show of their contract with BBC America. Here's hoping this leads to original TG content and some of the other quality programs.

 

[Danoff]

I didn't realize this until recently, but apparently there was a pilot for the show on NBC that the network refused to take up. Adam Carolla (UK Top Gear Fan) was to be the front-man/comedian/ car enthusiast.

The history channel apparently decided to pick up the idea that the networks dropped. Adam Ferrara is who they got for Carolla's part. I'd have already been watching every episode of this thing if it had been with Carolla.

 

[nick09]

I think the show is decent for a rip-off so far after watching the second episode. I would not go as far as watching the show at the time it comes on but I would set my DVR to record it.

Second episode did not get me to laugh at the jokes but the blind man doing the drift and the evo part was good to watch.

 

[Joey D]

Holy hell, it isn't god awful this week and dare I say...mildly entertaining!

 

[Delphic Reason]

Trivia: What V12 engine gave its block for the Top Gear America coffee table, and in what car did it originate?

Discuss...

Holy hell, it isn't god awful this week and dare I say...mildly entertaining!

Agreed. I actually found myself.... "gasp"... laughing, at moments.

I particularly enjoyed the camping scene, and of course the Bananilac.

 

[Ole-Tripp]

There is an American version of Top Gear? Where does it come on T.V. at? Also, when did it start, I love watching Top Gear Re-Runs on BBC, so if there is an American version, I'd like to at least see if it's anywhere as good as the British original.

 

[SuperShouden]

In the case of Rutledge - The British Top Gear did have a random, fat "expert car reviewer" in the first season. He wasn't NEARLY as horrid as Rutledge, he was actually the exact opposite: too little emotion. Hopefully, they'll do the same with Rutledge Wood and get rid of him and replace him with someone else if they do another season.

I mean, the show really does have potential, but the first thing they need to do to greatly improve it is replace Rutledge Wood. And hire a new script writer. I had to facepalm as Tanner's "All Mustangs look the same" comment which is the American version of Clarkson's "All Porsches look the same." It just doesn't really work.

Rutledge is simply TOO American. He's a redneck. If you love a truck enough that you'd actually make love to it, you might be a redneck. And...if you bring a Honda DelSol into war...well...you're just an idiot.

 

[fitftw]

I owned 2 Honda del Sol's in my lifetime, so I really got a kick out of that segment.

The whole show last night was excellent. People are way too jaded and don't know how to enjoy anything anymore. How sad.

 

[FoolKiller]

There is an American version of Top Gear? Where does it come on T.V. at? Also, when did it start, I love watching Top Gear Re-Runs on BBC, so if there is an American version, I'd like to at least see if it's anywhere as good as the British original.

History Channel, 10:00 PM on Sundays. Past episodes can be seen on their Web site.

 

[Boost Lee]

The American version is a terrible carbon copy of the original.

I've seen zombies with more personality than Tanner Foust. Adam Ferrara is and always has been an unfunny comedian (watch him bomb on the Comedy Central Roast(s) when they actually let some of his material on the air.) And Rutledge Wood is that friend who always asks you to go to the bar with him because everyone else said no.

I watch out of pure boredom. My love for fast vehicles apparently outweighs the hatred I have for corny jokes, bad directing, and lame music.

 

[NISM0_SKYLINE]

I still like it and think it's good. Just give it time and it'll get better, just like every other TV show.

The Raptor was fun to watch around the track though. The tires screeching were so different then all the usually supercars they drive.

 

[SuperShouden]

The Raptor was pretty cool. The new SVT F150...It's slower than the Lightning, but the Raptor's purpose is to be quick on and off the road. The did, however, cheat with the lap times and used a 600hp version of it. And the only major issue with it, is...it's tuned by Hennessey. Hennessey makes some insane cars, but Mr. Hennessey has a reputation of being an ass and for keeping the working vehicles for himself. Several buyers of the Venom reported it falling apart shortly after buying it.

So, while it's cool, I wish Ford would have used Shelby for their tuning. Then again, Chrysler hasn't used Hennessey in a while since they were first bought by Diamler and now FIAT. Still, Hennessey isn't the best tuner.

 

[realp912]

Am I the only one that actually tolerate Rutledge? In my opinion, he represents those that want to get into the whole car scene but trying to play catch up. The guy I can't stand though is Adam, he's unfunny and comes off arrogant. Overall, the show is good in its own way but I prefer the UK version.👍

 

[ROAD_DOGG33J]

The biggest problem for me is that I have watched the UK version. Every time they copy the UK version I cringe. The way they renamed stuff deserves a facepalm. Big Star, Small Car? Silent Racing Driver?

 

[FoolKiller]

The biggest problem for me is that I have watched the UK version. Every time they copy the UK version I cringe. The way they renamed stuff deserves a facepalm. Big Star, Small Car? Silent Racing Driver?

I agree. If you are going to use copy and paste when writing the show don't suddenly make poor edits. I'll admit "reasonably priced car" isn't a very American saying, but I know of expensive small cars. And I already know I wouldn't rate some of the guests as "big" stars. Before she met me my wife couldn't tell you who Buzz Aldrin was and I can't remember the name of the guy from Modern Family. Kid Rock and Dominic M. are probably the only universally recognizable names so far, even if it is a negative recognition.

 

[GT_Prologue5]

^ I didn't enjoy Kid Rock that much either. He was really annoying when he wouldn't shut up about the Suzuki sucked, WE UNDERSTOOD IT THE FIRST TIME!! is what I would've said to him. And the del sol vs. El Camino, I wish Tanner would've been there. And it felt overly short and cheesy. I like the show, but they have a lot of work to do.

 

[Joey D]

I'm already liking this week's episode, mainly because it was shot right in my backyard (figuratively). I found it sort of funny they are going to Marshall though, that must have been the world's most boring drive. I-94 isn't the world's most exciting road.

**My Xenu, Tony Hawk should just shut up and skate. Yo, like, dude!

 

[Sam48]

Anyone feel like they've seen this weeks episode before?

 

[FoolKiller]

Anyone feel like they've seen this weeks episode before?

Switch GM for British Leyland.

TADA!

They probably shouldn't have copied so many episodes of the British version that can be found on Netflix streaming. Even those without BBC America or questionable Internet practices are getting Deja Vu.



That said, it was fun watching them do it with American cars. News needs actual comedy. Oh, and not having been pre-recorded months ago.

 

[Joey D]

Michelle Rodriguez is awful at everything, including communicating. And she honks when she laughs, which is continuously. I think Top Gear America really need to get their guests in order.