Are we being weaned off Captain Slow?

[MWF]

I am paraphrasing my post for the 11 x 02 but here goes.

I am concerned at how little James seems to be involved so far this series. He barely featured in the Cheap Cop Car Challenge compared to the other two, and aside from the news and introducing TGSM has been vastly underused. I know Wilman (and also our Lord and Master Viper) have vehemently denied that he is leaving the show, but so far the signs seem to be that he is being faded out gently to prepare the audience for his imminent departure. Crazy idea I know, but then the football fans among us (there must b one or two here surely?) know that major clubs always deny a star player is leaving just before he signs for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

I hope I'm wrong on this, but if I am why isn't there more of him?

They have made quite a bit over the years about him being a bit nerdy and obsessive compulsive, but I for one think that is part of his charm and they should use that. Are they running out of ideas for him, or is he running out of ideas and/or enthusiasm?

There has already been comment from 11 x 01 that the show was too much Clarkson and not enough of the other two. My only other thought is that due to the reported merchandising deal JC has with BBC Worldwide he is bigging up his part as the face of TG to maximise his exposure at the expense of Hammond (still has to feature because of his appeal to the female audience) and May.

I'd be interested to hear other thoughts on this issue, but please bear in mind I am not stating facts or opinions but am simply asking a question based on recent available evidence. And if you are from Finland and have ZERO REP POINTS then please don't think that calling someone "Sir" just before you call them "stupid" makes you big and clever or adds weight to your opinions.

[BlaRo]

I hope not, he's my favorite.

You hear that, Wilman?! JC can go stuff himself, it's all about the May!

[the Interceptor]

Dude, I think you're worrying too much about things, just like that Clarkson Benz thing. Ease up a little.

[teeb]

It does feel a bit like they don't know what to do with James May, which is a shame. However, Clarkson's always been the Big Name and since Hammond had his crash, he's become pretty famous too. May is always the "third man".

This season, especially, he appears to be there just to (spoiler, roll over to see) introduce Stunt Man's segments and be the third man in the three-man challenges. The last actual car review I remember May doing is either the Fiat 500 vs bikers or the Honda Civic. edit - oh, the Jag XF

And this really annoys me, because I know he can do decent reviews. He's my favourite of the three. Many moons ago I begged TPTB to let May do a supercar review. Just one, as an experiment. Not necessarily on the track, but still...It would be different to Clarkson and Hammond and still be a supercar review.


Basically, I do feel he's underused, but mainly as they don't know what to do with him and because the other two are 'bigger names'.

[Deeds]

Nothing is impossible, especially when it comes to showbizz(London or LA, same old).

I however doubt that this possibility is to be seriously considered, seeing how they form a perfect balance. Jezza is extreme, Hammond is more of the mum type, trying to be rational but has his wild sides and May.. is the sort of crowd that use to hang out arround the arts department wondering why such is that way.

I would find that very hard to see May leaving the show(unless there is an internal conflict) and have some new odd job trying to fill in his shoes.

My 2 cents. May, although you are odd, your cool man!

-Deeds

[MWF]

Dude, I think you're worrying too much about things, just like that Clarkson Benz thing. Ease up a little.

I'm not "worrying" about anything. I learned many years ago that there are many things of concern in life, but the secret to a happy existence is to accept what you can't change, and concentrate one's energies on those you can.

I expressed an opinion about Jeremy's recent blatant bias towards Mercs because I was beginning to find it a bit predictable and boring. Tonight's CLK Black review turned those feelings upside down as it was a classic Clarkson review that was mature and reasoned albeit with genuine passion - I've never been a particular fan of the marque but by the end of it found myself wanting one and that says a lot, believe me.

As for this thread, as I said originally I'm not seeking to poke a wasps' nest or open a can of worms. My only "personal" attachment is a little frustration that James' involvement so far this series has been minimal - I seek merely to provoke a dialogue and sound out other members views on the subject, with the added bonus of gleaning any little nuggets of information about his/their future plans.

[Karoug]

So it's time for another "save may" thread?

[Cobol74]

Is May on his way out - I hope not, the three together are much greater than the sum of the parts - three dudes in great cars looking for a road was Mays tour de force IMHO.

EDIT Had to put in a bit at the top so it was not a completely inane post - OK chaps.

[dino_martini]

I hope May isnt on his way out. He is my favorite person of the Top Gear 3.

[the Interceptor]

I expressed an opinion about Jeremy's recent blatant bias towards Mercs because I was beginning to find it a bit predictable and boring. Tonight's CLK Black review turned those feelings upside down as it was a classic Clarkson review that was mature and reasoned albeit with genuine passion - I've never been a particular fan of the marque but by the end of it found myself wanting one and that says a lot, believe me.

But doesn't that negate your earlier concerns about Clarkson and Benzes?

As for this thread, as I said originally I'm not seeking to poke a wasps' nest or open a can of worms. My only "personal" attachment is a little frustration that James' involvement so far this series has been minimal - I seek merely to provoke a dialogue and sound out other members views on the subject, with the added bonus of gleaning any little nuggets of information about his/their future plans.

I must confess I haven't seen 11x02 yet, but I don't see where he was "left behind" on 11x01, especially in the police car challenge.

[epp_b]

Here we go again...

[Polly]

You do make a lot of very mediocre threads.

[Cobol74]

Do not forget that sometimes he is doing other things too - so when they are filming TG he may be driving around Britain with Oz having some good arguments, and some decent beer, which is getting harder to find BTW.

/EDIT V Snap!

[Momo63]

He has been filming a new series - James May's 21st Century and involved in the powerboat race thing so maybe that's why he's not had his own films (except the stunt man ) in the new series so far...

Just a theory

[MWF]

But doesn't that negate your earlier concerns about Clarkson and Benzes?
I must confess I haven't seen 11x02 yet, but I don't see where he was "left behind" on 11x01, especially in the police car challenge.

A) I believe it does. Tonight's review was more journalism and less childish enthusiasm - Classic Clarkson at his best as I am sure you will agree when you see it. My previous post about MB was that is was becoming a bit obvious that given a choice he would, predictably, pick the Merc over whatever else was on offer. I am open to reasoned argument I assure you - I am an ex-Impreza owner, but were I in a similar market today would opt for an Evo without hesitation. Opinions are fluid as new factors enter the mix.

B) Wait until you have seen tonight's show. Aside from a few token lines in the news, a brief discussion with Hammond after a film and the TGSM piece James might as well not have been there. Also bear in mind that the challenges are filmed some time in advance, some of them possibly even last year and as they say; a week is a long time in politics, I mean Top Gear, gelle?

Aless klar?

Bis bald, mein freund.

[teeb]

Is May on his way out

May's been over for about a month...

[bartboy9891]

I really liked the reviews May did of old cars, this includes his Bentley T2, the updated Jag XJS, and the Maserati Bora. Him and Clarkson did that segment on the pre WWII cars and there is an upcoming segment on his Rolls and Clarkson's Benz. So he at least seems to be to good at talking about old cars, why not just let him review something old and interesting every once in a while.

[the Interceptor]

A) I believe it does.

... which brings me to my actual point: as soon as there's concrete proof May will leave the show, there's reason for a discussion. Just because he only has few segments in a couple of episodes, it doesn't mean he's going away. The reason could be anything, but in the end it's all just speculation. Additionally, you're not only making friends with this kind of talk.

Liebe Grüße
der Interceptor

[MWF]

... which brings me to my actual point: as soon as there's concrete proof May will leave the show, there's reason for a discussion. Just because he only has few segments in a couple of episodes, it doesn't mean he's going away. The reason could be anything, but in the end it's all just speculation. Additionally, you're not only making friends with this kind of talk.

Liebe Grüße
der Interceptor

There's no concrete proof that Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at Manchester United or leaving to sign for Real Madrid, but does that mean the press in the UK and Spain or elsewhere shouldn't write about it until there is? As you say it is all just speculation, but surely that is one of the reasons that web forums such as this exist in the first place, so that people can share ideas and opinions and indulge in what might be described as "idle" speculation?

Also I think you meant to say I'm not making ANY friends with this kind of talk, and if so I thank you genuinely for your concern. I have no desire to upset anyone here - I believe very much in "live and let live" and that people are entitled to their own views as long as they don't resort to cheap shots or crude insults - but by the same token would wish my views, questions and concerns be given the same credence as I would give to anyone else on this site.

If belief in one's own ideas is a sin, mortal or otherwise, then let God or Viper be my judge, otherwise please do not decry me for expressing those ideas. A great man once said "I may disagree with your opinion, but I will fight to the death for your right to express it", and what more free platform than the internet has ever existed for that very purpose?

[aaurora]

involved in the powerboat race thing

He unfortunately couldn't take part in the race due to the insurance being too high

But, I will echo everyone elses sentiments. James remains up there neck and neck with Hammond, on some occassions, even taking the lead. I adore James.

We all know Top Gear would not be the same if we lost any of the presenters. James has said time and time again he is not leaving...so...let's take his word for it.