Another quick break from my fiction because I really wanted to talk about something that is close to my heart. And what’s the best way to digest things than to write about it?!
“Tonight, my husband sits on a chair.
Nezuko yells at some lights.
And I cry over three old dudes.”
(Read that in Jeremy’s voice, didn’t ya?)
With Grand Tour wrapping up with its last episode, “One for the Road,” this is the last we’ll see Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May together. Did I cry? You bet my cat I did. Is it a car show? Yes, I cried over a car show.
Before I drone on, for those who aren’t familiar with Jeremy, James and Richard. They all started on BBC’s Top Gear. In 2015, Jeremy went and punched a producer and got his arse fired. James and Richard left the show when that happened. Talk about good friends who would stick by you!
Amazon then picked them up, and alas, The Grand Tour was born. I hear the show will continue on without them, but I reeeaallyyyy don’t think they should. This was created for them, with them in mind. In my opinion, just rebrand the show with new presenters, but that’s a topic for another time.
Anyway, sure, the three of them all have their own shows and projects, but for those of us who have been fans of them since the old Top Gear days, we know how much chemistry they have together. They’ve brought us years of joy and laughter for 22 years.
So, yeah, I’m sad because it’s over, but I’m also so happy that it happened. But let’s take a look at why this show had such an impact on me.
More Than Just a Car Show
I’ve learned more about cars than I ever did watching any miserable oaf on YouTube. I also learned to appreciate cars way more through these three than I ever did in my life. Look, I love cars, always have. But most car reviewers are boring, if we’re being honest, and these guys make it so much more interesting.
Sure, we all want to know about the “SPEEEEDDD AND POWAAAAHHH!” of a car, but how about seeing a 1967 Opel named Oliver make it across the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana?! Because if we’re being honest, most of us will discard an old car like it’s nothing. Seeing stuff like this makes one appreciate cars on a new level.
Got Me Through Hard Times
I can have the roughest day where I’ll cry in the shower for a good hour and plagued with PTSD. But the moment I hear any of their voices, it instantly brings a smile to my face. Especially when you have James droning on about the technicalities of things that no one cares about or Hammond yelling for Oliver. The amount of times I’ve rewatched the specials and my favourite episodes is staggering. Let’s just say I will quote them when I can.
Some of my favourite specials were:
Bolivia
Vietnam
Japan
Africa
“Their Genius is Almost Frightening”
I loved the challenges they were put through. It pushed the cars to their limits and also showcased the creativity you could do with them. Like the hover van!!! And seriously, who in their right mind would sit there and turn a Citroen into a caravan? It’s brilliant and absolutely hilarious.
Would I do any of this in real life? Most likely not. For one, I’m not skilled enough. But it’s really cool to see the different and unconventional things you could do to a car.
Could Listen to Them Bicker All-Day
‘Nuff said, give these three a podcast, and I can have it on all day. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their bantering is just so good. If it’s one thing I’ll give credit to, is that the Brits have that ability to properly banter. They also sound quite soothing, don’t they?
Fingers crossed that May and Hammond make a guest appearance on Clarkson’s Farm show.
The Perfect Ending (Spoilers ahead)
The final episode was no other than perfect. From doing another Africa tour, going all the way back to Botswana, to finding their old cars from the first special they did together in Top Gear, to racing on the Salt Pans, and to ending it at their tree during their search of the source of the River Nile, I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. The moment Jeremy unhooked his mic, tears were streaming down my face. Watching the three of them shake hands while avoiding looking at the camera just absolutely broke me. Well done, boys.
“And on That Bombshell…”
I remember crying when Jeremy got fired from Top Gear and that last episode had such a solemn vibe. Then Amazon picked them up, and that was worth celebrating. I would have watch parties with a couple of friends and order some food to catch each episode. Now here I am again, crying. And this time, it’s done done.
So, there ya have it boys, the end of an era. It’s funny, the three of them have been together for 22 years that you forget people age and have to move on. They definitely can’t be doing the same reckless stuff they did when they were younger.
But the smiles they brought were priceless. That will forever stay with me, and I’m happy I got to experience it all. And on that bombshell, good night.
The show will go on without them? How did that turn out for Top Gear and Top Gear America I wonder.
People watch for their chemistry, not the cars
Love their show. A very nice ode to some true reality TV. Can't wait to see their final episode....[[|:-)