First up, thanks to the guys that subtitled this! For those of us non-Ruskies out there that wanted to have a look at TGR, this is much appreciated.
I have to say, I find the novelty value of this the most interesting part. Seeing the TGR set, hearing the music etc ... the novelty value isn't quite as high as it was when TGA debuted, but it's still quite novel. Introducing the presenters by the cars they drive was quite a nice touch.
TGR's producers do a much better job of filming the test track than TGA. Perhaps SBS/Freehand could start using a couple of cameras on cranes similar to what TGR use? But TGR still didn't SHOW us what the track looks like! This was an annoyance with TGA, I think we'll have to wait for someone here to make up a map of TGR, although given the 'top secret' location of the track, it could be awkward.
The production values are similar, although it does seem like TGR looks a little more austere than TGUK/TGA. Maybe Wilman needs to give them a couple more lessons in production values? That's the thing that really sticks out with TGR vs TGUK vs TGA. TGA has the best production values of any Australian produced TV show. TGUK has the best production values of any TV show, full stop. I suspect that TGR is at the pointy end of Russian TV production values, but it still has a little way to go before the superficial qualities of the show (i.e. camera angles, lighting effects etc) are commensurate with the TG brand.
Now, the presenters ... I'm not sure if it was the subtitles, or the crazy Russian voices or what, but the chemistry seemed a little contrived in places. No doubt it will become more natural once they've done a few more episodes. The hatred towards the Mazda MX5 seemed put on as well.
Oh, and it must be said that Comrade Clarkson > Charlie Cox. Although Russian scriptwriters aren't much better than Aussie ones.
It will never be TGUK. That said, neither will TGA. What will be interesting is how far off TGA and TGR evolve from the TGUK base. I'm not going to compare TGR to TGA yet as it's too soon. TGA did evolve quite quickly, and it got better as Series 1 progressed. Will be interesting to see how TGR evolves.
A decent effort for what it is. 6/10. Will probably keep watching it. I might even pick up some Russian on the way. :lol: