‘Top Gear’ Recap: ‘Season 32, Episode 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 3202 of ‘Top Gear’. To revisit the season thirty-two premiere, click here.

One thing that we can all agree upon, is that classic cop shows really are an absolute and iconic treat. Because every single last cop on those vintage shows were simply larger than life, and they carried with them a screen presence and gravitas that made their adventures must-see viewing. But what’s wild about those shows, is that those big-time detectives were often given big-time iconic cars to go with their personality and smarts. Allowing for each of them to drive a vehicle that was just as epic as they were and what’s wild… is that once that golden age of the police serial came to a close… larger than life officers and their amazing rides, simply vanished from the airwaves.

Instead, they were replaced by more realistic police serials. The kind that featured the types of cars that local governments actually purchase for law enforcement to use, and while that has given rise to some gritty and engaging tales, one cannot help but wonder what television would look like with modern big-time detectives driving around in cars that fit their persona and the times a little better. In fact, this concept is so engaging and so fascinating that the hosts of Top Gear have pondered upon it as well. To the point where they realized they could use their powers to envision that very idea. That is why our intrepid hosts created their own modern television police personas during last night’s episode. So, they could create a new iconic cop for a new era of television, one that drove a car that fit that character to a tee, allowing for them to determine who created the best character and chose the most iconic car for them to drive.

Which in turn, led to one wild and hilarious and fun episode. Since we were able watch Freddie Flintoff transform into The Preston Ranger, a tough as nails ranger that drove a mean Ford F-150 Raptor that could off road and teach criminals a lesson. Whereas Paddy McGuinness transformed into the Dirty Cobra, a slick cop that dressed as cool as his name and slithered about the city in a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, and he was balanced out nicely by Dave Tall, a failed race-car driver turned cop. One that drove an Audi RS 3 Hot Hatch and was played by Chris Harris and well… after we were treated to their characters intros, it was time to determine who created the most iconic police officer of the future and who chose the best car for fighting crime in this modern TV environment, and despite a strong showing from the Ranger, it was Dave Tall and the Hot Hatch that won the day and put the bad guys behind bars.

But while it was indeed a treat to see the lads play around and bring the iconic/hardboiled police officer back to life, and revisit some of the iconic cars of that era of television, there was quite the important moment present within this episode as well. In that, Freddie and Chris decided to pay tribute to Sir Clive Sinclair. A man that was ahead of his time since he invented a vehicle called the Sinclair C5, that was designed to revolutionize the industry and be green long before Tesla or Rivian, or any other electric or hybrid hit the market. But alas, his creation wasn’t exactly street practical since so little work went into finishing the ride. So, Freddie decided, the time had come to find the right purpose for it and pay tribute to the man that brought it to life, by finding a way to help the C5 reach its potential, and with a little help from some bobsled experts, Freddie made that happen.

Which was… quite the beautiful moment to share in, one that closed out, an incredible episode when all is said and done. Because when these guys dig in and pay homage to someone from the industry, they really do it in in style and with passion, and that always leads to a beautiful and honest tribute. Not to mention, they had so much fun in this tale and that means we in turn, had all kinds of fun as well. And it was just awesome to see the guys let loose like this and really celebrate the wonder of cars on television and see them get to step into some iconic rides. Because it’s always wonderful to venture down memory lane and there’s something sweeter about it when the memory is tied to the wonder of the automobile and well, now that we’ve reach the end of this magnificent episode, the time has come to impatiently wait for next week’s adventure and all the wonder it will send our way. Until next time.

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