The fate of Top Gear
For all those who love cars and are addicted to their favorite automotive TV show, these past couple of days have been… tensioned to say the least. The fate of Top Gear remains uncertain as Jeremy Clarkson, the host of the British BBC series, has been suspended and the episode for next Sunday has been canceled.
The conflict between Clarkson and the show’s producer Oisin Tymon apparently culminated with the first hitting the latter, which in turn has led to a final rupture, it seems. The broadcasting of the last 3 remaining episodes of the current series remains unconfirmed.
The original source of discontent appears to have been certain references made by Jeremy Clarkson which were interpreted as racist – a derogatory term used for Asians during a special program for Burma, for instance. Even though the frontman had been warned, he apparently continued to make such remarks.
Despite his… lapses in behavior, nobody can deny the fact that Clarkson is great at what he does and very charismatic. As of today, 700.000 people all around the world have signed a petition against the suspension of the showman. Co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May are likely to mimic the attitude of their colleague, threatening to destroy what has been perhaps the most successful television car show of all time. It is currently the most watched profile programme worldwide.
Top Gear is a British TV series which has been aired since 1977. Relaunched in 2002 with Clarkson as main presenter, it was infused with a new air, quirky humor, but also with a touch of controversy. Despite its allegedly politically incorrect remarks, Top Gear remains a brand and people all around the world would be sorry to part with their favorite show.
All that’s left is to wait and see what happens next.
