‘Top Gear’ Recap: ‘Season 28, Episode 3’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 2803 of ‘Top Gear’.
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It’s quite fascinating how television shows will sometimes settle into a theme as their season progresses along. As though somewhere in the pre-production process, a great idea just resonated with everyone in the production office, to the point where multiple episodes of said idea had to be assembled, and it just so happens that Top Gear is a series that meets that particular qualification. Because season 28 of this magnificent show has offered up a lot of road trips. After all, the ‘Nepal Special’ took us on a spectacular one, as did ‘Episode 1’ when the lads went up to the Essex Coast in their affordable summer cars, and well… last night’s episode of the series took the time to offer up yet another road trip, one that allowed for us to bask in the wonder and the majesty of Peru. Because in this particular adventure, the lads were sent to this beautiful country to execute the great American road trip, the original one in fact.
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For they would follow in the footsteps of the ancient Incans and venture to one of the highest points in the Andes. But what made this particular jaunt into new heights so worth our while, is the sheer fact that the lads had to make this journey in cars made in the US of A. Which was in essence, a consolation prize. Since they originally wanted to travel to the United States to film the road trip that so many of us stateside, enjoy. But this little twist, prompted the lads to choose some interesting rides. For Chris Harris selected the classic Dodge Dart, a muscle car that he believed would handle any challenge thrown its way, and he was joined in that thought process by Paddy ‘The Bandit’ McGuniness. Who selected a very orange Pontiac Firebird that he hoped would leave ‘smokey’ trails up the mountain. As for Freddie, well he was the odd man out, since he selected the Volkswagen Campervan, making his ride the only non-American vehicle on this journey. 

But while it seemed as though this road trip was going to go far smoother than some of the other ones, we’ve seen this season, thanks to the carefully selected vehicles chosen here, that simply wasn’t the case. Because the Firebird was a mess, and it broke down on several occasions before its rear axle snapped off. But thankfully, the purchase of an Oldsmobile Cutlass got the trip back on track and for the most part, this was quite the smooth and fun ride through the majesty of Peru. One that even allowed for the lads to spend time with the locals and even take part in a unique version of Motorcross. But eventually, the good times had to come to an end. Simply because the climb up the mountain was too great, and eventually Chris Harris was once again forced to abandon his ride when the ascent put down the Dodge Dart. But what matters more, is that the lads eventually reached their destination; where they were treated to breathtaking views and the satisfaction of completing their long journey.

Plus, this voyage also gave Freddie a rare win. Because any way you slice it, the VW Campervan was the most robust vehicle on this ride. But while it was nice to enjoy one epic road trip, we do need to take a moment and discuss this week’s Supercar Spotlight. Because Chris Harris got to look at quite the gem; the Porsche Taycan. Which just so happens to be an all-electric supercar and this car really is something else. Because not only does it offer a smooth and green ride, it also offers some incredible power. For every time Chris put the pedal to the metal, this sucker just flew across the racetrack. To the point where Chris straight up felt his insides get shoved to the back of his body, since this car just oozed speed and to make it a more enticing supercar, it also handles like a dream. Which makes this one of the coolest supercars to ever appear on the show and clearly, Chris is a fan, since he was hooting and hollering just about every single second that he was sitting behind the wheel. 

If anything, this was another incredible episode. Simply because it once again sent our spirits soaring, since we are all still at home and chilling on our couches, and this kind of journey just makes for a wonderful escape. For it allows for us to live vicariously through the lads, and what matters most, is that this particular road trip brought about a lot of hilarious moments as well. Because seeing Paddy’s Firebird fall to pieces when he slammed on the gas was simply the stuff of comedic legend. Plus, it was equally as quirky and funny to see Freddie chow down on a guinea pig and see Paddy’s second car turn into Herbie the Love Cutlass as it started to struggle on the mountain and hopefully, the series has more road-trip themed episodes in store for us. Because these have been a blast to watch and there is nothing wrong with seeing our favorite car guides hit the road and make us smile as they take part in one incredible journey. Until next time.

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