World News – GB – Top Gear can still deliver the goods, even in the midst of a pandemic

The long-running series made some changes in the COVID era, but it’s still just as watchable, says Patrick Cremona

By Patrick Cremona

Throughout its journey, Top Gear has always had a reputation for posing extremely difficult challenges to its presenters, who regularly put themselves in incredibly risky situations in the name of entertainment. But for its upcoming 29th series, perhaps the biggest challenge of all has been taken up not by the show’s presenters, but by its producers: How would they manage to make the automotive juggernaut work in the midst of a global pandemic?

Production had already started when the coronavirus started to spread, but after filming was stopped several shots had to be scrapped.All other overseas trips were not considered, while segments of live studio audiences should also be significantly redesigned The good news is that after watching the first episode, audiences don’t have to worry about a drop in quality due to the forced changes – that’s all Top Gear fans know and love. p>

Perhaps the most innovative change is the introduction of a new ‘drive-in’ format, with an impressive audience watching sections of the studio from their own car It’s a bold move that would have could go either way, but I have to say it works great – the fans seem to be having a good time and the whole setup is really impressive on screen The on-stage jokes from the presenters admittedly feel a bit forced – never as organic as the pre-filmed sections – but it’s easy to see why Paddy McGuinness has hinted that this format might be here to stay even after COVID

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Most of the first episode was filmed before the pandemic hit, but the challenge faced by Paddy, Freddie and Chris seems oddly appropriate COVID: the trio are forced to spend 24 hours in one of the best new cars without leaving for any purpose – even going to the bathroom The task takes place in Bolton, Paddy’s famous hometown, which leads to an entertaining tour of some of his favorite places, including a heartwarming reunion with an old friend outside his childhood home

Since they started hosting the show in June 2019, the host trio have enjoyed huge success. Not only did they see the show go from BBC Two to BBC One for the first time, but they also added over two million viewers to the audience, with particular increases among young people and women

It’s not hard to see why they’ve been so appealing to viewers The easy rapport and playful banter on the three sides is often a joy to see and they strike a good balance between charm and expertise. first episode include Flintoff repeatedly teasing McGuinness about Bolton being in Greater Manchester and not Lancashire, the trio trying to distract themselves while racing their company cars around a track, and maybe better off all a karaoke section inside one of the cars – who quickly brings together an amused crowd for an impromptu chant to Sweet Caroline Yes, the humor between the three can be immature at times, but everything is very good-natured and it’s hard not to smile at some of their more childish antics

If the Bolton challenge dominates the first episode, for car enthusiasts there is also the return of the regular segment which sees Chris Harris testing a new car, on this occasion trying out the Ferrari SF90 Although as a non-oil, I have to admit I found myself turning off during this part of the show, the appeal to car fans is evident – and Harris is more confident than ever of delivering his verdict Meanwhile, some longtime fans will be disappointed to see the popular Star segment in a reasonably priced car dropped from the show, but even the most successful long-running series needs to be revitalized every now and then, and it seems. be a good opportunity to move forward with new ideas rather than sticking to such a proven formula

With exciting episodes to follow later in the season, including one in which the presenters face a «  wall of death  » and one that sees Freddie attempting to travel at 200 MPH in a classic car, he is safe to say this is a show very well in its groove Hilarious, bizarre and so very observable – Top Gear has proven to be more than capable of overcoming the problems posed by the pandemic

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Top Gear, Paddy McGuinness, Andrew Flintoff, Chris Harris