Top Gear Refreshed

I can't put my finger on it,as there is little obvious change, and I am sure I am heading for some rude remarks from certain areas of the cyber world. But I am convinced the years break has brought a fresh feel to Top Gear. Whether it be the presenters are refreshed, or the editing has become slicker, I don't know or really care.

What I are about is the fact that my Sunday evening is filled with a mixture of petrol heads, comedy and some time heart stopping moments. When asked why, it is simple, it is the one programme every one in my house does and always has liked. Whether it be the programme in the 70s I used to watch with my grandfather and mother. Or the program I used to share a laugh and info with my male flat mates and bar colleagues, even now it unites parent, husband and I. How many other programs can do that ? in my house none!

I won't claim it is a serious car show, or even takes itself too seriously, but that's why people tune in. Little do they know that in some roundabout way they are actually taking some facts in. Whether it be the difference between over and under steer or the true fuel economy of some of the super and hyper cars. I remember the permanent image of a cat verses a terrier as to the difference to the over and under steer. Crazy I know but it works and it won't be just me it is subconsciously sinking in with.

But I do ask the question, why is there only one show left that does this. We are all subjected to numerous channels spurting out endless junk and repeats, but what has happened to quality programming. Where have the quality chat shows like Aspel and Parkinson gone, or programs like Tomorrows World disappeared to. These were unoffensive to all and you could always guarantee to either learn something or at least have a probing interview rather than a non stop plug. If in the entire world of television you are telling me all that is left of this era is those working in Top Gear then we better start worrying.

That is no criticism to Top Gear, but I am always aware there will be the day when Clarkson, May and Hammond will no longer be able to physically present the show. I some how don't feel it would work if they were presenting the shows from their zimmer frames. I personally still sigh with relief every time the news comes out that they have signed a new 3 year contract, as I am now at the stage were after 10 years they could all it quits.

However after this years break off our screens they have come back with what I would say is one of their strongest seasons, with (and I hope I don't speak to soon) the least amount of controversy for a long time. This week has been a very petrol head based episode that may not have ticked every ones boxes, but still had plenty of laughs, and at the end of the day there does has to be a car or two in there every so often. All I know is if the rest of  the season and year is as strong as it has been so far, we can look forward to Top Gear being on a screens for a while longer as it still hold that appeal sorely missed from so many programs.