I think that if this episode is an indicator of all future TG episodes, they definitely need to step it up a notch. I realize that they are all becoming old men, but there really needs to be less car porn for just car porns sake. The supercar economy segment was sort of okay, as was most everything else in the show, excluding SIARPC, which was awful, and the police video, which was pretty good. Overall though, the hour lacked the tire squealing, earth killing, booze swilling, drug using, sex, violence, murder, and mayhem that we all associate with Top Gear.
The stuntman setup, while it obviously took a long time to construct, came off as being much too synthetic and severely lacking in carnage. It was even less entertaining than the bus jump, or the limo jump that we saw in series past. While I really enjoyed seeing all the supercars together for the fuel economy bit, with petrol costing what it does now, it seemed a bit out of place. The F 430 Scuderia was a tepid review that could have been served up with a lot more spice, the kind we all know Jeremy is capable of.
Clarkson is supposed to be one of the toughest interviewers in the business, he really should be pitted against celebrities who are known for having a tough attitude, being demanding, and dishing it out. The really big name stars have been very interesting to see, and it really adds something to the show, despite the notion on this board that SIARPC should be axed. SIARPC has had some very good and interesting interviews, and is a dynamic component of the show.
D+ for effort, but judging from past episodes, I think it can come a long way.