Amazing episode, 9/10 for me.
Chris's review of the Chiron was incredible, his feelings were so well communicated. The race was beautiful, and the chemistry between Leblanc and Harris is evident.
I wasn't a fan of the PacMan game, but while silly, it was still well done.
But the studio segments really need work, that's where the show lose most it's points.
Agreed completely. There seems to be a great relationship between Matt and Chris, clearly shown at the end of the race - only need to get Rory a bit more in tune and involved and all will be dusted. We need the news section back to make better use of the conversational aspect of the guests' interviews, which I prefer to the one-on-one interviews of old. Even in those days, however, there were some pretty useless guests as well so we shouldn't slam current version just yet, as we wait for this iteration to gain experience and reputation. After last year, getting guests could be difficult so we're going through BBC staffers and what seems like Matt's friends at the moment.
It looks like their running gag is definitely going to be heavy equipment, showing an earth mover on Matt's Bentley screen in a "Where's Waldo" type moment. Given my comments on Ep3 I was pleased they changed the introduction for this gag, good variation each week keeping it fresh.
The PacMan segment was pretty useless, as was all the old IGO football games etc. but I was pleased they brought the Stig out to complete it. Over the first three episodes I was concerned his persona was being lost - he only came out, drove a car each episode and disappeared. It needed/needs something, like the old Cross London race to make "him/it" worthwhile again and this goes someway towards a re-introduction, especially as Chris is the one involved/filmed teaching guests their car and track.
If we can get a bit more news and the Stig's persona back then TG is back stronger than it was even a couple of years ago - Rory still needs a bit of time to get involved but it will surely come and evolve, given a chance. Watching last year, that's something I thought was far off but to the BBC's and, if we're honest, Chris Evans' credit, they worked it out and the new TG team are worthy of credit. Evans is okay, in small doses but to wind things up in a nice way it would actually be a good idea to get him back as a guest, if he's up for it.