‘Top Gear’ Recap: ‘Season 27, Episode 4’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

If there is one unfortunate truth when it comes to the technology we enjoy in this day and age, it would be that eventually, the incredible items we use become a relic in their own right and are eventually forgotten. Take for example the VCR, a device that revolutionized home theater, but now they exist as relics that few people pay any mind to, and this is an edict that applies to cars as well. For new vehicle tech eventually sidelines older cars and they too fade into oblivion. But, there is always someone that finds value in any classic device and Top Gear decided to explore the possibility, as to whether or not a classic ride that has faded from oblivion can still be a serviceable and affordable ride when all is said and done.
​
Which means that it was up to Paddy and Fred to answer this all important question and they headed off to Borneo with their new/used rides in order to see how the classics would hold up in the jungles of this island and well, while Fred chose the practical Austin Allegro Estate, Paddy’s choice made it clear that this was going to be one interesting ride. For the Marta Bagheera S was a sports car, the kind that wasn’t designed for this type of terrain in the slightest, and that made the first leg of the journey a treacherous one as Paddy watched his car stall, disintegrate and stick in the mud on the road time and time again, leaving one to wonder if it would even finish the journey to the capital, especially when one considers that the next leg of their trip was going to take them through the thick undergrowth of the jungle.

But, with a little assist from some members of the country’s special forces, Fred and Paddy both found themselves on the move once again, and thanks to Paddy’s quick thinking, he was able to avoid more peril on the ground by getting the Bagheera to travel by river for a bit before returning to the road and that’s where things truly got interesting. For in essence, both men were back on track at about the same time, and that allowed for them to find regular roads once again and straight up race to their final destination; the Sultan’s palace. And while Paddy didn’t win this particular challenge, the ailing Bagheera made it to her final destination, as did a slightly injured Allegro. Meaning that this second leg of the journey proved without a doubt that yes, the obsolete still have some life left in them. It might not be much mind you, but on a budget, one can get a classic ride that can perform.

Yet while that was fascinating to watch in its own right, you’ll note that there’s no mention of Chris in that particular part of the recap. Well that’s because he was back home, taking an in depth look at Rolls Royce’s latest creation, the Cullinan. Which we quickly came to learn is the only SUV on the market that isn’t regarded as an SUV by its manufacturer, but here we are, and while this car can indeed do a fine job off road, and is smooth as they come ride wise, Chris had a few issues with the vehicle. First and foremost, he had concerns about Rolls Royce even designing a vehicle like this, since those that will own it, will likely never take it off road, making it a true symbol of excess and an ugly symbol at that. For Chris was also quick to point out that this car turns heads for all the wrong reasons, visually, and honestly, I applaud the show and Chris for offering up an honest review and challenging Rolls Royce to do better in the future.

Plus, if all those elements weren’t fascinating enough, our celebrity segment this week was also quite special in its own right. For we came to learn that Comedian Bob Mortimer’s relationship with cars started later in life since he didn’t receive his license until he was in his thirties, but that certainly didn’t stop him from having a great time at the track since he completed it and left us in stitches in the process and well, in the end, this was quite the cool episode. Because I never thought I’d ever see a sports car survive a trip through the jungle, but here we are. Plus, the show did handle their odd situation with the government of Borneo with class by way of a lovely tribute to the LGBTQ community and it is great to see a series about cars, express the need for people to treat one another equally. Either way, this was just another wonderful episode from an incredible season and I’m quite curious to see what budgetary adventure await us, next week. Until then. 

---