This is the first time in ages I've been really looking forward to downloading TG. The last time was the Vietnam Special.
Clearly, when the TG boys make an epic film, it is superb. Jezza, Hamster and May seem to let their real emotions show a little more, and the bods behind the camera put an amazing amount of craftsmanship into these films. TG's regular show is obviously taking a lot out of the team and it comes across as tired, but their fatigue seems to be set aside when it comes to making a special such as South America, Vietnam or Botswana.
One obvious thread that has emerged from the criticism of Series 14 is that a lot of people (myself included) reckon that TG needs a break. I'll change my opinion slightly: what TG needs is to take a break from its regular format for about 18 months, but perhaps make 2-3 uber specials in the vein of Botswana, Vietnam, South America etc. Hell, I'd happily forgo regular TG for 2 years if it means getting 2 or 3 utterly brilliant specials over the same time period.
Australia is an obvious candidate as a venue for such a program, as are Canada, India and North Africa. Other less obvious places to make such a film could be Eastern Russia, the least dangerous of the 'Stans' (e.g. Kazakhstan), China, Eastern Europe, the Middle East etc. Possibly even something in the safer bits of countries with a bit of a dangerous rep, such as Iran or Pakistan.
If TG really want to move away from being a car program to an entertainment program with cars as props, this format works best when it involves exotic locations, rubbish cars and genuine camaraderie with the boys.
Just my $0.02.