Starting off with the Fiat. This review lacked a little something. Only a little bit - but it reminds me of why Top gear don't do small/affordable car reviews anymore because (are you listening you idiots who whine about there not being enough factual reviews in the show, because I'm only going to say this once...) they aren't very good at them anymore. The LP560-4 is all well and good, because its what Top Gear do, but the 500 just felt a little too small for this big time show (if you get what I mean). An OK review it was, but it did feel a bit too much like Fifth Gear for some reason.
The American Muscle cars however were much better. Introducing what TG is all about - mucking about while trying to look intelligent. I must say it felt much more factual than normal - and I don't mean that in a bad way... They really did portray the 3 cars as proper, brash, fun supercars.
For the first time in my life, I actually want a Corvette, a Challenger, or a Cadillac (I've always been a Viper and Charger boy). And to add insult to my injury - I actually want to go to America! (Well, only the large expanse of desert bit. I like my being alone).
It was however, entertaining. Brilliantly entertaining. I'm afraid they will have to be chased and killed by Bruce Willis. There usually is a certain let down feeling after one of these huge films that takes up almost the whole show (the specials are fine, because they are supposed to be specially long) - During the show its all brilliant, then when it ends, you feel as if you went to London's new year celebrations, then they set off five of the biggest fireworks in the world, then told you that was it and to go home... However this did not feel like this. It felt much more complete and fun. I was left with no urge for more afterwards.
And on the salt flats - there was a moment of rawness - a moment of the sense that this bit wasn't entirely set up filming wise (when they all recieved their winning speeds). I liked it a lot. As did I Jeremys awesome drifting around the mountain roads. And also wonderful to see James happy! He now shall be called James 'Captain 'Not anymore' Slow' May!
I was wondering - who thinks that Richard actually DID buy that Challenger, and if so, what happened to it. The lack of any other reference to it lead me to believe that they just pretended that Chrysler didn't lend them one.
The news was OK. A bit short, and just a news section really. Not all the usual randomness that tends to turn up, and no surprises of any kind. Left me feeling (I hate using this word) empty.
About turn when the SIARPC comes on. I wasn't really looking forward to Will Young. Hes always been in the Pop Idol/XFactor/some other shitty TV show limelight. But somehow they managed an enjoable interview that didn't end in me wanting to kill them all (what usually happens when I see Will Young). And I would just like to say that there are actually 2 people who watch all the reruns on Dave - I do too!!!
Overall, it was let down at the start a bit, but picked up from then on. It didn't leave me hanging at the end, surprised me throughout, and gave me a chance to perhaps change my ways. Although if you put the two in front of me, I'd still have the Viper over the Corvette. 8/10.