An American presenter on TG - discuss

Chairman Kaga · March 24th, 2007, 06:10 PM

My favorite automotive journalist at the moment is Ezra Dyer with Automobile Magazine. I spend more time with Autoblog or Jalopnik or Autoextremist, but Dyer's writing is still the reason I stick with the magazine. His pieces tend to remind me of old Top Gear films, in that they include some sort of "adventure" (a la the Ford GT at the high school reunion or the recent Lamborghini hoon school) along with a comprehensive review of the car in question. It's laugh out loud funny, it exhibits a TRUE love of cars and a unique perspective on what it is to be a car nut. And it got me to thinking how the presence of an American petrolhead, even if it's just in a "foreign correspondent" or occasional contributor type role, might affect the dynamic of the show. Sometimes I'd like to see nothing more than a full-fledged debate between Clarkson and some old-school hoon like Brock Yates, or Hammond and someone like Dyer going on a hooligan's rampage in York in a couple of Jensen Interceptors.

I dunno. On the one hand, I think the dynamic among C,M and H is essentially perfect, but other times I just wish for another perspective and think the results of those of a (well-spoken and entertaining, non-Lovejoy-esque) American would be pretty dang entertaining.

PS - I was actually hoping Clarkson was serious when he said Sabina would be a new presenter after the Transit van on the 'Ring film. *sigh* Sabina...

Blind_Io · March 24th, 2007, 06:18 PM

If you throw an American into Top Gear you might as well hang a big "KICK ME" sign on his back. Clarkson hates Americans, May dislikes us but in a more passive way. Hammond seems to be the only one who even remotely gets us, and they mock him for being a northerner.

I think it would be a bad idea. The only way to do it would be to have an American who is a very fast thinker to retort to Jeremy but also humble enough to admit America's short comings.

otispunkmeyer · March 24th, 2007, 06:34 PM

the show would be rubbish

the chemistry of the 3 of them would be spoilt, theres a strong bond there that i dont think would extend to any fourth member american or othewise.

they could add tiff, jason dawe, plato, tom ford etc etc an i guarantee you it'll be like on that meercat manor thing, the new member will be like the awkward new addition that isnt really shunned but doesnt seem to mesh with the family

thedguy · March 24th, 2007, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blind_Io

I think it would be a bad idea. The only way to do it would be to have an American who is a very fast thinker to retort to Jeremy but also humble enough to admit America's short comings.

Hmmm thats a tall order. Christopher Titus might do the job, otherwise we are kind of stuck with sending Leno for the job, and I don't think either one would really fit in to the show with the other guys.

I say if you want an American on top gear, help push for an American version with American's on it. Though I'd like to see an "international" version with 4 or 5 guys from a few countries, get a few guys from all the native English speaking countries that get a long well, and it could make for one hell of a show.

whoster · March 24th, 2007, 06:59 PM

i'd hate it.

and i LIKE Ezra Dyer.

nomix · March 24th, 2007, 07:14 PM

Why not. Could get very, very fun.

I'd like to see a Norwegian presenter. We are like the sane swedes, with insanity.

whoster · March 24th, 2007, 07:28 PM

i think the best possibility of having an American on the show would be like a challenge...have Ezra Dyer and Clarkson together on a challenge.

THAT could be funny.

and Ezra Dyer is waaaay too young.

Brother Michael · March 24th, 2007, 07:30 PM

Rubbish idea. Now I don't always get the Americabashing on Top Gear, but I still think that one of the reasons the show is as good as it is, is exactly the fundamental britishness of it.

And as mentioned a million times in different threads afourth person would just ruin the current trio, it just wouldn't be the same. It would mess up everything. Don't care what the native country would be, but a new presenter would be just bollocks. Even if it were Sabine Schimdt, and I like her. A lot.

jdm · March 24th, 2007, 07:49 PM

no, just no. this would never happen and theres many good reasons for it.

Blythy · March 24th, 2007, 08:20 PM

"I'm not watching that top gear untill they get an american on there or else it's just plain wrong! Everything must be americanised!"

jdm · March 24th, 2007, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blythy

"I'm not watching that top gear untill they get an american on there or else it's just plain wrong! Everything must be americanised!"

think how bad it would be if they did an 'american version' of Top Gear like they seem to do with every other programme invented here. like they did with The Office for example. images/smilies/mellow.gif

swek · March 24th, 2007, 08:28 PM

Just one question. Why?

nomix · March 24th, 2007, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdm

think how bad it would be if they did an 'american version' of Top Gear like they seem to do with every other programme invented here. like they did with The Office for example. images/smilies/mellow.gif

"Tonight, we're gonna talk'bout the Ford Crowwn Vicc. Now, here's a Ford spokesperson."

ascheeseman · March 24th, 2007, 08:46 PM

Uh... no that would be very bad juju.

jayhawk · March 24th, 2007, 09:08 PM

You know, Tim Lovejoy (aka Hatesad) is currently looking for employment...

nomix · March 24th, 2007, 09:24 PM

They sacked him? Neat. Make him the dude that shines the cars. He must be able to make it in that job. Maybe Clarkson could have hired him back in the days when he had the Ford GT to follow him in a pickup truck with Gerry Cans on the flat bed. Would be useful on the way to work.

BlaRo · March 24th, 2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blythy

"I'm not watching that top gear untill they get an american on there or else it's just plain wrong! Everything must be americanised!"

"An American? On TOP GEAR? He wouldn't dare take his Bud Lite drinkin' Firebird pimpin' wife-beater sportin' cheese-eatin' sister molesterin' hemorrhoid-stuffed fat folds over our proud British institution! The show will be CRAP, I'll never watch again!"

And Erza Dyer is an awesome writer especially how he definitely reminds me of Hunter S. Thompson, one of my heroes.

superchevy · March 25th, 2007, 02:01 AM

i have to go with the line our british members have been touting recently, "top gear is a british show for british viewers". as much as i would like an american on there to balance clarkson's bias and ignorance, it wouldn't make sense at all.

HondaF1 · March 25th, 2007, 02:04 AM

NO AMERICAN PRESENTER ON TOP GEAR!! I dont want Top Gear going downhill!!

Edit: For superchevy: Top Gear is British. Made for a British audience. We just happen to be lucky enough to be able to see the greatest show on TV in other countries. It doesnt need to be made international. And besides, Americans are taking over too many things these days!!

superchevy · March 25th, 2007, 02:11 AM

why do you assume an american presenter would make top gear worse?

March 24th, 2007, 06:10 PM	#1
Chairman Kaga Joined: Oct 25th, 2004 Last Online: June 7th, 2007 Posts: 10 Rep Power: 0	An American presenter on TG - discuss My favorite automotive journalist at the moment is Ezra Dyer with Automobile Magazine. I spend more time with Autoblog or Jalopnik or Autoextremist, but Dyer's writing is still the reason I stick with the magazine. His pieces tend to remind me of old Top Gear films, in that they include some sort of "adventure" (a la the Ford GT at the high school reunion or the recent Lamborghini hoon school) along with a comprehensive review of the car in question. It's laugh out loud funny, it exhibits a TRUE love of cars and a unique perspective on what it is to be a car nut. And it got me to thinking how the presence of an American petrolhead, even if it's just in a "foreign correspondent" or occasional contributor type role, might affect the dynamic of the show. Sometimes I'd like to see nothing more than a full-fledged debate between Clarkson and some old-school hoon like Brock Yates, or Hammond and someone like Dyer going on a hooligan's rampage in York in a couple of Jensen Interceptors. I dunno. On the one hand, I think the dynamic among C,M and H is essentially perfect, but other times I just wish for another perspective and think the results of those of a (well-spoken and entertaining, non-Lovejoy-esque) American would be pretty dang entertaining. PS - I was actually hoping Clarkson was serious when he said Sabina would be a new presenter after the Transit van on the 'Ring film. sigh Sabina...

March 24th, 2007, 06:18 PM	#2
Blind_Io Dispenses buckshot medication for all undead patients. Joined: Apr 5th, 2006 Last Online: 08:30 PM Location: Richmond, California, USA Age: 27 Posts: 8,851 Car: 2004 Honda Civic Coupe 2000 VFR800 Interceptor Rep Power: 112	If you throw an American into Top Gear you might as well hang a big "KICK ME" sign on his back. Clarkson hates Americans, May dislikes us but in a more passive way. Hammond seems to be the only one who even remotely gets us, and they mock him for being a northerner. I think it would be a bad idea. The only way to do it would be to have an American who is a very fast thinker to retort to Jeremy but also humble enough to admit America's short comings. __________________ Life is like riding, you have to keep your balance to keep moving. Deacon of Dirt, Head of North American Anti-Environmental Inquisition (Left Coast Division). founder of The Church of Gear's Two Wheeled Sect. Zombie Slayer, Extraordinaire. Reasonable rates, inquire within.

March 24th, 2007, 06:34 PM	#3
otispunkmeyer Joined: May 15th, 2006 Last Online: 07:49 PM Age: 22 Posts: 2,695 Car: Carrera Subway... its a bicycle Rep Power: 23	the show would be rubbish the chemistry of the 3 of them would be spoilt, theres a strong bond there that i dont think would extend to any fourth member american or othewise. they could add tiff, jason dawe, plato, tom ford etc etc an i guarantee you it'll be like on that meercat manor thing, the new member will be like the awkward new addition that isnt really shunned but doesnt seem to mesh with the family Last edited by otispunkmeyer; March 24th, 2007 at 06:39 PM..

March 24th, 2007, 06:59 PM	#5
whoster Joined: Jun 7th, 2005 Last Online: October 28th, 2008 Location: toyota city, CA Posts: 785 Car: Lexus GS400 Rep Power: 16	i'd hate it. and i LIKE Ezra Dyer. __________________ Lexus GS400 Nikon D70s Flickr blog.

March 24th, 2007, 07:14 PM	#6
nomix True Viking Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 05:17 AM Location: Norway Posts: 2,835 Rep Power: 19	Why not. Could get very, very fun. I'd like to see a Norwegian presenter. We are like the sane swedes, with insanity. __________________ "If you're not getting the picture you want, you're not close enough" - Robert Capa "Your first 14000 pictures are your worst" - HCB - David Bailey! Who's he?!

March 24th, 2007, 07:28 PM	#7
whoster Joined: Jun 7th, 2005 Last Online: October 28th, 2008 Location: toyota city, CA Posts: 785 Car: Lexus GS400 Rep Power: 16	i think the best possibility of having an American on the show would be like a challenge...have Ezra Dyer and Clarkson together on a challenge. THAT could be funny. and Ezra Dyer is waaaay too young. __________________ Lexus GS400 Nikon D70s Flickr blog.

March 24th, 2007, 07:30 PM	#8
Brother Michael Joined: Jan 29th, 2007 Last Online: 07:00 AM Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 479 Car: Coming soon Rep Power: 21	Rubbish idea. Now I don't always get the Americabashing on Top Gear, but I still think that one of the reasons the show is as good as it is, is exactly the fundamental britishness of it. And as mentioned a million times in different threads afourth person would just ruin the current trio, it just wouldn't be the same. It would mess up everything. Don't care what the native country would be, but a new presenter would be just bollocks. Even if it were Sabine Schimdt, and I like her. A lot. __________________ -Every man dies, not every man really lives- Braveheart

March 24th, 2007, 07:49 PM	#9
jdm Banned Joined: Feb 8th, 2007 Last Online: August 16th, 2008 Location: England Posts: 67 Rep Power: 0	no, just no. this would never happen and theres many good reasons for it. Last edited by jdm; March 24th, 2007 at 07:53 PM..

March 24th, 2007, 08:20 PM	#10
Blythy Joined: Sep 27th, 2005 Last Online: November 20th, 2008 Posts: 975 Car: Vauxhall Corsa SXi 1.2 Oh fuck yeah! Rep Power: 14	"I'm not watching that top gear untill they get an american on there or else it's just plain wrong! Everything must be americanised!" __________________

March 24th, 2007, 08:28 PM	#12
swek Global Moderator Joined: May 19th, 2004 Last Online: 03:04 PM Location: Hamburg, Germany Age: 26 Posts: 4,331 Car: Does a bicycle count? Rep Power: 45	Just one question. Why?

March 24th, 2007, 08:46 PM	#14
ascheeseman Joined: Mar 16th, 2007 Last Online: May 31st, 2008 Location: Mesa, AZ USA Age: 18 Posts: 9 Car: Infiniti G20 Rep Power: 0	Uh... no that would be very bad juju.

March 24th, 2007, 09:08 PM	#15
jayhawk Cigar Smoking Man Joined: Dec 11th, 2005 Last Online: 02:43 AM Location: A-Town, Illinois. Age: 33 Posts: 4,953 Car: MY07 G11 WRX-TR WRB. Rep Power: 85	You know, Tim Lovejoy (aka Hatesad) is currently looking for employment... __________________ It is nice to have friends like you on this forum. ...A fox among the chickens... Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery None but ourselves can free our minds…

March 24th, 2007, 09:24 PM	#16
nomix True Viking Joined: May 26th, 2005 Last Online: 05:17 AM Location: Norway Posts: 2,835 Rep Power: 19	They sacked him? Neat. Make him the dude that shines the cars. He must be able to make it in that job. Maybe Clarkson could have hired him back in the days when he had the Ford GT to follow him in a pickup truck with Gerry Cans on the flat bed. Would be useful on the way to work. __________________ "If you're not getting the picture you want, you're not close enough" - Robert Capa "Your first 14000 pictures are your worst" - HCB - David Bailey! Who's he?!

March 25th, 2007, 02:01 AM	#18
superchevy Joined: Jan 6th, 2005 Last Online: October 17th, 2008 Location: raleigh & fayetteville, north carolina Age: 25 Posts: 604 Car: '97 jeep grand cherokee limited - up country Rep Power: 22	i have to go with the line our british members have been touting recently, "top gear is a british show for british viewers". as much as i would like an american on there to balance clarkson's bias and ignorance, it wouldn't make sense at all.

March 25th, 2007, 02:04 AM	#19
HondaF1 Aussie Bastard Joined: Dec 8th, 2006 Last Online: May 12th, 2008 Location: SCOTLAND Age: 26 Posts: 4,205 Car: First Aberdeen Bus Network Rep Power: 17	NO AMERICAN PRESENTER ON TOP GEAR!! I dont want Top Gear going downhill!! Edit: For superchevy: Top Gear is British. Made for a British audience. We just happen to be lucky enough to be able to see the greatest show on TV in other countries. It doesnt need to be made international. And besides, Americans are taking over too many things these days!! __________________ I am the Honda F1 team's number one fan.... and number 2, and number 3, and 4.... Last edited by HondaF1; March 25th, 2007 at 11:26 AM..

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March 25th, 2007, 02:11 AM	#20
superchevy Joined: Jan 6th, 2005 Last Online: October 17th, 2008 Location: raleigh & fayetteville, north carolina Age: 25 Posts: 604 Car: '97 jeep grand cherokee limited - up country Rep Power: 22	why do you assume an american presenter would make top gear worse?

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