|
Ok everyone needs to settle down. Top Gear was on for more than two decades before it got good. It's not going to be just like the UK show, but it almost can't be worse than the best American auto show (I guess that would be Motorweek by default). It takes time for the cast to develop a chemistry that allows the little jabs and fun side comments to start. Just give it a break and continue to watch the UK show too.
The real issue, as Leno correctly points out, is that it's almost impossible for commercialism to not creep in. Perhaps if it gets popular enough it may be slightly insulated from that. Then again, that could have the opposite effect too.
In my eyes, Leno would have been a horrific choice. The reason why the UK guys are so funny is because they're witty and clever. I'm sorry, but that is not Leno at all. And Adam Corolla isn't either. I've seen his short lived talk show and it's not good. He's a good second man, though, as evidenced by "Love Line" and "The Man Show" so perhaps he'll fit right in. What you need is someone like Jerry Seinfeld. If you've ever seen him around Larry David, just talking as friends, it's the funniest most random stuff you'll hear. It's not all "what's the deal with", but just subtle, clever, wit. Being a "car guy" is almost completely irrelevant. If you're a dude and like the way cars make you feel when you drive them that's about all you need. To make it entertaining you need oh so much more.
I guess we'll all see.
|