‘Top Gear’ Recap: ‘Season 32, Episode 5’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season thirty-two finale of ‘Top Gear’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It’s strange when you take a moment to think about the fact, that the automobile is only about a century old. Because they’re so engrained in modern society and our everyday lives, that they feel as though they’ve been around for as long as we have. But it really has only been about a hundred years since they arrived… and well, that’s something that is worth celebrating. Because that is a hundred years of ingenuity and invention, and it is a device that has indeed made life easier, and that is precisely why Top Gear celebrated the automobile in fine style for its thirty-second season finale.

For last night’s tale saw the lads basically explore the history of the automobile as best they could. Which believe it or not… allowed for them to get a taste of what it was like to drive the first cars that came off the assembly line a century ago. For they came to discover that there are groups of folks out there, that actually still drive those very, very, very vintage classics. In fact, they compete in them and see who can win races and challenges in such a ride and of course, our hero hosts took part in all of that, and enjoyed every second of it, even though they didn’t win a thing, simply because being able to drive a slice of history, was a unique and outright fun experience.

Once the trio finished with that, Paddy took a little time to look at the modern era of BMW. Specifically, the M Division and all of the incredible things they’ve accomplished throughout the past fifty years. Since their fine work, one driven out of a distaste for losing to Ford in just about every category… brought about all kinds of stunning innovation throughout the years. The kind that changed the industry really and of course, so many of those cars are still a joy to drive through and through, as evidenced by the sheer giddiness on Paddy’s face, while he was behind the wheels of those rides, and what’s wild… is that in between Paddy’s elation, the show made sure to throw in a nod to Ford as well. Since Chris Harris took a little time to spotlight the wonder of the Puma and the Puma ST and what they can do for drivers right now. 

Which in a way, was put there to likely balance the BMW segment and to serve as a segue to the final celebration of the night. Specifically, to acknowledge what the future of driving looks like. Because like it or not, the age of the fossil fuel is coming to a close, and while there are expensive alternatives out there to keep the classic car driver happy… the age of the electric is nearly upon us, and they are also quite glorious. Since Paddy and Chris were able to drive a couple of the top tier ones and came to learn… that these eco-friendly rides will absolutely dominate the market. Since we came to learn here that they can outperform their gas-powered cohorts and of course… are the future of fuel and the future of the automobile.

For the next one hundred years have to look different, if we want centuries more of enjoying the open road and well… in the end, this was an amazing way to close out season thirty-two. For it truly reminded us of the fact that this series is and will forever be a celebration of the car and our love of the road, and as you can see… that love runs deep. Especially when it comes to our hosts and well, really the only complaint or knock on this episode that one can express, is that the season is over, and that’s a shame. Because this show gets better year after year and more episodes would be delightful. But alas, we’ve reached the end either way and all we can do now, is wait patiently for another year of open road adventures with three of the most passionate hosts on television. Until next time.  

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