Pagoda SL Group

Off Topic => Way Off Topic => Topic started by: Flyair on March 11, 2015, 16:18:40

Title: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Flyair on March 11, 2015, 16:18:40
A very surprising announcement that BBC suspended the Top Gear programme, apparently over the disagreement with Jeremy Clarkson

More about it here: http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-31824040

My comment: Clarkson always tried to play a controversial guy, but I cannot forget that he was ecstatic when in one of his episodes he drove in a Pagoda :)
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: JamesL on March 11, 2015, 16:42:27
Stan
TG apparently has a worldwide audience of about 350 million and earns the BBC about £100m a year. He earns about £3m a year from the BBC

Clarkson has been on a final warning from the BBC after a long list of comments that could very easily be construed as racist. Last week there was an argument on location and apparently he threw a punch at a producer. Seemingly the boorish behaviour that you see on set is perhaps not as much of an act as you'd like to think!

The BBC have suspended him, pending an investigation - which is what would happen in any workplace. TG is filmed here on a Wednesday for broadcast on a Sunday so they can't really do THIS week, and unlikely get any planning etc done for next (the last in the current series, I think). So they have suspended the show too. The line the BBC has to tread go forward is to do with throwing out the baby with the bathwater. I don't envy them especially as this went public yesterday and an online petition to "reinstate" him has already gone through 300,000 signatures!


edit - my bad: already over 400,000 signatures. In 24 hours
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: 49er on March 11, 2015, 17:19:46
Have been a fan of the show for a long time. Jeremy has never been very PC and with a worldwide audience figured he would land in hotwater.
It seems every year he seemed to PO some nationality or country. Lately, the episodes are shown here in US only a week or two after they have been aired in UK and this season the guys have actually liked a few examples of "Detriot Iron" (Corvette, Ford and Chevy PU trucks). Was looking forward to a test of the Tesla P85D. I know Mr. Musk wasn't a big fan either but was hoping they made amends. Oh well...

John
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on March 11, 2015, 19:54:01
Stan I love that segment (it was Series 3 Episode 8....) were Quote from Top Gear "Jeremy shows us how few cars can withstand the test of time, arguing that car design peaked in the ’60s. He reviews a ’60s Mercedes-Benz 280SL (W113) and expects to hate it, so that he can get rid of the idea of owning one. But it turns out that Mercs were built extremely well at the time, and they can be rebuilt cheaply if necessary. He recommends the buy to anyone who has an old-car fetish, like James and himself, also pointing out that it is better-made than any modern Mercedes-Benz" End of Quote from Top Gear

EDIT.... Found the clip here ----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARQtuQz3UoU

I know I have the link somewere on one of my computers I watched it several times. He hated the Z4 (I owned one once and took it all the way along Route 66 then sold it) I never forgave him for that LOL then he redeemed himself by loving our Pagoda :)

I think it is bad business for the BBC to cancel one of there best money makers, if this indeed comes to pass. Time will tell I guess ... we shall see
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Cees Klumper on March 11, 2015, 20:07:56
It's quite often that organizations have to make a choice between 'good business' and ethics. Ethics should prevail. This becomes especially tough when the culprit is a big money maker, bit those should be held to an even higher standard. I'm happy to see that it appears BBC is making the right choice, no matter how difficult.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: mdsalemi on March 11, 2015, 21:25:44
It's quite often that organizations have to make a choice between 'good business' and ethics. Ethics should prevail. This becomes especially tough when the culprit is a big money maker, bit those should be held to an even higher standard. I'm happy to see that it appears BBC is making the right choice, no matter how difficult.

Watch out Cees, I fear a piano is about to fall on your head... ;)

I love JC and his total disregard for anyone and everyone. That's what makes it so funny. In the states, he'd be paid PER EPISODE, by the way, what the BBC is paying him. Maybe they all need to move across the pond.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Dave H on March 11, 2015, 21:49:50
Say no to political correctness I say...
Please like and share if you agree so we can bring back Clarkson.

https://www.facebook.com/reinstatejeremyclarkson/photos/a.647301628749873.1073741828.647290675417635/647301545416548/?type=1
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Paul & Dolly on March 11, 2015, 21:50:24
Unfortunately the BBC is now run by those who oppose any  "alpha -male" type intention, thought or behavoir,  & they have been targeting Mr Clarkson and Top Gear for a while now, having got rid of Jonathan Ross and Mr Paxman.

The schedules are full of "reality"  programmes and the management pander to the Lowest common denominator and the media.

Over 500,000 have already signed a petition for Mr Clarkson's reinstatement.

Just my view.

Keep well

Paul
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 12, 2015, 13:33:45
Watch out Cees, I fear a piano is about to fall on your head... ;)
I'll stand with Cees under the Piano and help him catch it.  If it's a question of ethics vs. $$$, I'm voting for ethics and applaud BBC for it.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: pj on March 12, 2015, 15:00:27
Interesting difference of opinion among us, with Cees and Scott on the side of "ethics." Personally, I feel the BBC would be doing the right thing by supporting JC's platform to air his personality and incorrectness. . . because he's good at expressing himself. Because his pieces spark discussion and enthusiasm for the subject and for civilization in general. On the other hand. . . if he hit a producer, maybe they should just hit him back.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 12, 2015, 15:42:07
Interesting difference of opinion among us, with Cees and Scott on the side of "ethics." Personally, I feel the BBC would be doing the right thing by supporting JC's platform to air his personality and incorrectness. . . because he's good at expressing himself. Because his pieces spark discussion and enthusiasm for the subject and for civilization in general. On the other hand. . . if he hit a producer, maybe they should just hit him back.
It's much more simple than that.

1) if the person (who represents the network) says stuff that is out of line on racial issues or whatever, there are sanctions ranging from public apology to termination.

2) if a person hits someone at the workplace they are terminated - no discussion

In neither case is this a "popularity contest".
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Paul & Dolly on March 12, 2015, 17:15:13

From what was apparently revealed today, there were neither racial issues or punches thrown !

Paul
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 12, 2015, 17:23:06
From what was apparently revealed today, there were neither racial issues or punches thrown !
And what specifically was that (revealed today)?
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Paul & Dolly on March 12, 2015, 17:30:37
As there have been no official statements, it is left to the press ........

From Daily Telegraph today...


Jeremy Clarkson is alleged to have lashed out at a Top Gear producer because he was told he could not order a sirloin steak after a day of filming.

The 54-year-old was ravenous after arriving at his hotel at around 10pm last Wednesday night but lost his temper out after being told there was no hot food.

Clarkson told producer Oisin Tymon he fancied an 8oz sirloin with fondant potatoes, pan-fried wild mushrooms, grilled cherry tomatoes and peppercorn sauce........


But a "fracas" erupted when Tymon, 36, told him the kitchen was closed and suggested a platter of cold meats and cheeses instead.


Witnesses at Simonstone Hall Hotel in Hawes, North Yorks, near where the show was filming on location, told The Sun: "The staff knew the BBC crew were arriving late so they organised meat and cheese platters. The chef had already gone home.

"Clarkson didn't like the idea. He wanted his own way.........
 
"The producer was being blamed. Clarkson didn't hit him — but he did use every possible swear word you can imagine. He had to be held back."

Another source, who said Clarkson had been drinking rosé wine, added: "It was more like a scuffle. The producer stood looking quiet and embarrassed.

"He was being blamed for not arranging hot food. The general manager ended up cooking for the presenters."



and that is all I can find..

Paul





Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 12, 2015, 17:42:12
So the Daily Telegraph contradicts what is reported on BBC.   I think the information is incomplete and BBC will deal with making the stuff public in time.  Sounds like he acted like a real ****.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: 49er on March 12, 2015, 18:26:48
So the Daily Telegraph contradicts what is reported on BBC.   I think the information is incomplete and BBC will deal with making the stuff public in time.  Sounds like he acted like a real ****.

 I believe Mr. Clarkson is an "entertainer" first and foremost and in today's world that sort of behavior seems, unforutunately, SOP.

John
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: JamesL on March 12, 2015, 18:48:24
I challenge any of you to go in your place of work as an employee and cause a scuffle over some food and not face sanction. Let me know how you get on.

The BBC is publicly funded and has spent the past 2 years being criticised out the wazoo for not doing more to stop talented employees in the 70s and 80s doing some very inappropriate things to young females both on and off BBC premises. They really cannot (and IMO, should not) laugh it off and say "it's just Jeremy and his banter" as they seemingly turned a blind eye in the 70s.  However, clearly, more than half a million people have signed a petition saying otherwise.

If he didn't throw a punch, and was boozed up, then the investigation should reveal as much and any sanction should be lifted. If he did assault a colleague, I assume an appropriate sanction will follow (see my first sentence)
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Cees Klumper on March 12, 2015, 19:07:29
This all reminds me of how Charlie Sheen got thrown off two and a half men. Seems like a comparable story, what I know about it anyway.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Flyair on March 12, 2015, 20:37:28
Clarkson is definitely an animal from another era long gone.
One may not like him, but he IS a unique personality.
I am not expressing any lauds for somebody, who is harassing other people, but then we would have to ban 90% of celebrities that devastate hotel rooms, go from scandals to scandals and live in a totally different outrageously alienated world.

At least Clarkson seems to be a real man, and not another silicone soap opera star. No offence....
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: mdsalemi on March 12, 2015, 21:19:10
I'll stand with Cees under the Piano and help him catch it.

...you DO understand the falling piano reference, right? No, oh, heck: https://youtu.be/uhr-Zi4ozng


Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: jameshoward on March 12, 2015, 21:32:31
I challenge any of you to go in your place of work as an employee and cause a scuffle over some food and not face sanction. Let me know how you get on.

The BBC is publicly funded and has spent the past 2 years being criticised out the wazoo for not doing more to stop talented employees in the 70s and 80s doing some very inappropriate things to young females both on and off BBC premises. They really cannot (and IMO, should not) laugh it off and say "it's just Jeremy and his banter" as they seemingly turned a blind eye in the 70s.  However, clearly, more than half a million people have signed a petition saying otherwise.

If he didn't throw a punch, and was boozed up, then the investigation should reveal as much and any sanction should be lifted. If he did assault a colleague, I assume an appropriate sanction will follow (see my first sentence)

You big softy, James!
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on March 12, 2015, 21:56:39
I strongly believe that BBC should have dealt with this matter internally and not punish millions of fans that loved the program. If all this comes to pass talking about shooting one self in the foot BBC would have used a double barrel shotgun to shoot themselves in the foot (loosing millions of pounds in the process).

Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) would have said... "shame ... shame ... shame ..." 

Glad I have some of the DVD's from past seasons.

Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Cees Klumper on March 13, 2015, 06:08:12
In my work I have come to know communications and media folks as usually being very savvy at how to deal with situations like this. I would expect that BBC thoroughly considered all tthe likely reactions, backlash, publicity, "we want our hero back" commotion that is happening, and still very consciously went ahead weighing all the pros and cons of their decisions and wanting to be absolutely sure they can explain and are justified in their actions. After all media and comms is their core business. I may be mis-proven in this case, but my bets are still on BBC management.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 13, 2015, 13:08:51
...you DO understand the falling piano reference, right? No, oh, heck: https://youtu.be/uhr-Zi4ozng
Ha!  No, I didn't connect the two and now I distantly remember that clip.  IMHO, from back when Top Gear was funny.

Regarding sanctioning entertainers who trash hotel rooms, etc, I think such behavior is becoming increasingly less tolerated by society.

Regarding 1/2 million people signing something.  So what. 
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Flyair on March 13, 2015, 14:23:40
Regarding 1/2 million people signing something.  So what.  

Scoot
are you trying to deny the democratic popular vote, and promoting a political correctness dictatorship? ??? ;D
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 13, 2015, 16:48:14
Scoot
are you trying to deny the democratic popular vote, and promoting a political correctness dictatorship? ??? ;D
No, I'm saying that the sample space of "voting" is skewed.  If all viewers of BBC were polled the results might be very different.  But it really doesn't matter, it is not a popularity contest. 
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Peter van Es on March 15, 2015, 11:08:26
I've tried to keep out of this debate. I'm going to miss seeing tonights episode.

I'm a big Top Gear fan, but I also believe that certain actions cannot be condoned. Jeremy Clarkson has received official warnings before, and we all have seen his behavior, which is occasionally "close to the edge". None of us know exactly what transpired, and what caused the BBC to suspend him, and pause the program.

In one way BBC perhaps overreacted, yet if one of my employees had received a number of official warnings, and did something again, I'd probably suspend him too. I believe in being consistent and act equally to all employees. A production manager behind the scenes deserves to be treated with respect, even by the guy who makes the BBC most of it's income.

I am sure in the background the affair with Jimmy Savile and the lack of action on the part of BBC management in that instance has made them more cautious. However, it was stupid if BBC management indeed did compare Clarkson with Savile.

What I think should have happened is that Clarkson should have been suspended pending further investigation or a hearing. But the program to be continued, without Clarkson. That way the fans would be (relatively) happy, and Clarkson could get a fair investigation.

I believe -- and I consider myself a bit of an expert consumer, having seen and recorded all of Top Gear's episodes since Season 6 (2005, and you should see how much younger and fresher he was then)  -- that it is time for a bit of "renewal" in the program. There's nothing that renews more than putting in another front man…

Peter
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Benz Dr. on March 15, 2015, 17:14:11
I've watched Top Gear a few times and I liked the show. Question: did any of the Clarkston transgressions involve race, ethnic origin, orientation, or any other PC, social taboos?

It's like watching the BBC news and then commenting on how bad things are in the world and how this or that would fix all these problems after having no vote in the countries in question.  So what? 
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: mdsalemi on March 15, 2015, 18:43:21
did any of the Clarkston transgressions involve race, ethnic origin, orientation, or any other PC, social taboos?

Dan, my daughter started "binge-watching" (e.g. show after show, season after season, hours on end...) Top Gear some time ago. I think she ran out of episodes to watch, and Netflix streaming removed a couple of seasons some weeks back. So, we've seen a lot of this lately all concentrated into a short period of time, instead of over many years.

Nobody seems to know exactly, completely and accurately what transpired with this particular incident that got him suspended. However, as to your question--offending people by groups, including race, ethnic origin, and more is what Clarkson has been doing for a very long time. I don't think there's any such group or race that has been spared in the name of a laugh. That's his "shtick", to borrow a most appropriate Yiddish word...Indian, Albanian, American...owners of Austin Marinas and Peugeots...nobody has been spared. When asked for an apology, he only digs deeper.

My feeling is like that of comedians..if you don't like it, turn it off, or don't tune in at all. You have the ultimate power in that nobody forces you to watch Top Gear if you don't like it. You have to seek it out.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: pj on March 15, 2015, 19:46:35
What makes it all the more interesting is that, when you get past all the derogatory remarks and the cheap jokes, he really is one of the best automotive writers out there. His "elegy to speed" was amazing. (I was never able to keep track of the episodes, but it might have been the final episode in season 3, for those who know how to find it in the cloud.)
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on March 15, 2015, 20:09:48
Peter, (pj) here (perhaps you know or have seen it) you find it all ----> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Top_Gear_episodes

Peter, (vanEs) well said!

Mike, right on ... those who don't like it can turn it off all it takes is a bit of finger pressure to change the channel (no biggie) :)

Dan, nice to see you back as a Full Member!
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: mdsalemi on March 16, 2015, 12:16:03
Oh, one more thing Dan Caron--the one group that probably has been spared the wrath of Clarkson is, um, you see, er, Canadians. Nobody seems to make fun of Canadians except in the most friendly manner.  ;)
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 16, 2015, 13:27:46
Nobody seems to make fun of Canadians except in the most friendly manner.  ;)
I think people make fun of Canadians in a disrespectful manner at times.   But generally they are portrayed as "fun" and "casual".   

To the topic on hand, obviously my position is that of someone who very much dislikes the power and privilege that comes with acting fame.  If we are going to like Jeremy, let's like him for being funny, well-spoken at times, and entertaining.   Let's not like him for being the bully and a-hole that he is at times.   Rules kind of need to apply to everyone, including Jeremy.    By selectively allowing really bad behaviour that has become PUBLIC the allowing organization is condoning it and saying it is OK for certain people to act like a-holes even though it isn't OK for the "little people".   That's not the message the Beeb wants to present, nor is "he makes money so we ignore it".
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: pj on March 16, 2015, 13:35:47
Michael, just wait 'til Jeremy finds out about the Bricklin :-)

Dieter, I couldn't find the "Elegy to Speed" on the episode list. Maybe I just dreamed the whole thing.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Benz Dr. on March 16, 2015, 14:38:23
Yeah, I'm back - whatever that means.

 My thoughts are: someone who can laugh at themselves will never hurt you. Words are just words and I think no one got that better than George Carlin. Despite all of his vulgar language, he had a way of breaking down the way people want to portray themselves. All of the PC, arrogance, avarice, religious, political, ethnic, etc., ideas that people have come from somewhere and most aren't based on anything more than what their parents told them or what they saw on the evening news. Words are words until they intentionally conspire to hurt someone; that's all they are. I imagine that Clarkston only says publicly what most would think privately anyway. However, if his bosses say '' don't do it '' then he should stop.

We are not exempt from this sort of thing here and recent CBC scandals attest to that. Canadians on the whole are pretty friendly but there are red necks here too. We are not exempt from racial attitudes and right now that's coming from the very highest levels of government. When thing are bad at home, turn the people's attention to other things. It's an old ploy and it usually works. But, I'm getting political and that's not where this is supposed to go.

  Frankly, I could give a rat's ass what Clarkston says or does. ( how's that for PC? ) ;)     
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: JamesL on March 16, 2015, 16:24:02
What have you got against rats? ??? ;D
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Benz Dr. on March 16, 2015, 18:18:15
What have you got against rats? ??? ;D

Let's see.......... the black plague, destroyer of buildings, grain, food, carries all sorts of pathogens........... not much really.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Khurram Darugar on March 16, 2015, 22:29:08
"My thoughts are: someone who can laugh at themselves will never hurt you."
"I imagine that Clarkston only says publicly what most would think privately anyway."

Dan I take it you might not be aware of one of his less funny jokes.

He mumbled the N word in the eeni meeni mini mo rhyme during a shoot.  Obviously it got edited but someone leaked it

I'm a big fan of the show and Jeremy is quite a likeable idiot.
But after seeing the video that I just thought...... Jeremy Classless. 
 
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Benz Dr. on March 17, 2015, 22:12:36
Good thing people can't read minds. We would all be hermits.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Benz Dr. on March 17, 2015, 22:38:07
"My thoughts are: someone who can laugh at themselves will never hurt you."
"I imagine that Clarkston only says publicly what most would think privately anyway."

Dan I take it you might not be aware of one of his less funny jokes.

He mumbled the N word in the eeni meeni mini mo rhyme during a shoot.  Obviously it got edited but someone leaked it

I'm a big fan of the show and Jeremy is quite a likeable idiot.
But after seeing the video that I just thought...... Jeremy Classless.  

OMG!!!! :o :o :o The N word?!!! Is that like the P word, or the L word, or the F word, or like the FU word? :) :) :) The horror, the absolute horror!  It was edited BTW. Lots of stuff gets left on the shop floor, you know. This sort of thing happens every day, every where, and the only difference is it's someone under the microscope right now. I'm sure he expected that it would be edited but it's kind of stupid in his circle. :(

 My brother- in- law is black, I have three gay relatives, I have NA Indian blood flowing through me and I called someone a frog once ( he was an obnoxious telemarketer so it doesn't count ) because I'm one myself. The fact is, Clarkston can be an every day A hole just like anyone else. He happens to be on TV and he's famous but then I'm not that impressed by celebrity or the stupid things they do.


We better watch it. This could end up like OD on Peach Parts. Trust me, we really don't want go there..............

  
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: enochbell on March 18, 2015, 00:14:37
It is the tolerant man (and woman) who excuse bigotry and racism who allow it to exist.

g
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Peter van Es on March 18, 2015, 10:38:20
Perhaps not everyone realises this, but Oisin Tymon, the 36-year-old BBC producer who was allegedly punched by Jeremy Clarkson in a "fracas," apparently had to go to hospital after the altercation with the star presenter.

That is why the BBC suspended Clarkson. Not for racism, not for un-PC behaviour, but because he allegedly hit a colleague. Since he was on warning for "good behaviour" for his other missteps, I believe there is little else the BBC could have done with Clarkson. Whether they should have suspended the TV programme, now that is another matter.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Benz Dr. on March 18, 2015, 13:21:42
Wow Peter, we actually agree on something!  :)
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Dave H on March 18, 2015, 13:31:42
Let’s not forget top gear is written by scriptwriters,  then rehearsed and rehearsed so Clarkson is no more than actor playing the part of an oaf.
It’s not real life no more than any other reality program or pantomime you watch.
The BBC then edit it and leave in a few off the cuff remarks to make it interesting and get a reaction from you and me.
It’s the fault of the BBC if something airs that offends you.
Larry Hagman was actually a nice bloke in real life. see my point.
All he has done is have an argument and a scuffle with a guy in his private life and it’s been blown out of all proportion.
Clarkson has arms like pipe cleaners...it’s not like he could hurt anyone.
The BBC have now apparently compared Clarkson’s behaviour to paedophile Jimmy Saville’s...now that’s low from the BBC and it stinks.
If this is also true its turning really nasty.

Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Peter van Es on March 18, 2015, 19:56:57
Wow Peter, we actually agree on something!  :)

Dan we've actually agreed quite often before on issues, it's just how to deal with it we've disagreed on.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Peter van Es on March 18, 2015, 19:58:33
… and ultimately I've come around to your point of view…
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Peter van Es on March 18, 2015, 19:58:50
...just not always!
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: mbzse on March 18, 2015, 21:09:14
Quote from: Peter van Es
… and ultimately I've come around to your point of view… -just not always!
:D he he Peter, you are a true diplomat
/Hans in Sweden
.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Benz Dr. on March 19, 2015, 14:18:54
Peter:

It's OK to talk to yourself.

It's even OK to answer yourself.

But it's not OK to interrupt yourself.


 BTW, most reality shows are only partially scripted. Think of Gold Rush. No way any writer could come up with that many Tony Beets  '' F bombs '' and still be employed the next day.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Raymond on March 22, 2015, 13:57:38
Clarkson and his fellow presenters have frequently professed their dislike of each other for all these years.  In the case of the racial slur, (Which, by the way, was not edited.  He deliberately mumbled so as not to say it.) he was aggressively defended by James May and Richard Hammond who say that Clarkson is a baboon but not a racist.  They are not defending him here.

My point is, as others have said, this is not about political correctness.  It is about a talented and bombastic celebrity allowing his sense of privilege to so exceed morality that he felt empowered to physically assault an associate.  No one can justify that in any case, any time.  The man should be held to account for assault and battery.  And, as a television professional, I can tell you I would sacrifice my company to fire someone who crossed that line.  There are some things in life that demand a higher standard than ratings, or money.  If we are to have any honor in our civilization, we must hold the line that violence has no place in our workplaces.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on March 22, 2015, 16:06:43
I agree with others that the show should not have been cancelled, IMHO Richard Hammond would make a great replacement then BBC should find another to replace Richard.

As for Clarkson ... I think he now did himself in for good if you watch this clip you will see it too. I think he is done for no matter how many fans want him back.

here is the clip ----> http://variety.com/2015/tv/news/top-gear-presenter-jeremy-clarkson-calls-bbc-executives-f-ing-b-stards-1201456807/     
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: 49er on March 25, 2015, 15:08:46
So long Jeremy. Show won't be the same but hopefully the BBC will find a new presenter that has the same enthusiasm for automobiles that he did.

John
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: JamesL on March 25, 2015, 15:11:10
His contract was due for renewal (as are those for May and Hammond). The BBC have decided not to renew jeremy's contract. Here's a statement from the DG... Sums it up very well IMO



"It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract.

"It is not a decision I have taken lightly. I have done so only after a very careful consideration of the facts and after personally meeting both Jeremy and Oisin Tymon.

"I am grateful to Ken MacQuarrie for the thorough way he has conducted an investigation of the incident on 4 March.

"Given the obvious and very genuine public interest in this I am publishing the findings of his report. I take no pleasure in doing so.

"I am only making them public so people can better understand the background. I know how popular the programme is and I also know that this decision will divide opinion. The main facts are not disputed by those involved.#

"I want to make three points.

"First - The BBC is a broad church. Our strength in many ways lies in that diversity. We need distinctive and different voices but they cannot come at any price.

"Common to all at the BBC have to be standards of decency and respect. I cannot condone what has happened on this occasion.

"A member of staff - who is a completely innocent party - took himself to Accident and Emergency after a physical altercation accompanied by sustained and prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature. For me a line has been crossed.

"There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations.

"Second - This has obviously been difficult for everyone involved but in particular for Oisin. I want to make clear that no blame attaches to him for this incident. He has behaved with huge integrity throughout. As a senior producer at the BBC he will continue to have an important role within the organisation in the future.

"Third - Obviously none of us wanted to find ourselves in this position. This decision should in no way detract from the extraordinary contribution that Jeremy Clarkson has made to the BBC.

"I have always personally been a great fan of his work and Top Gear. Jeremy is a huge talent. He may be leaving the BBC but I am sure he will continue to entertain, challenge and amuse audiences for many years to come.

"The BBC must now look to renew Top Gear for 2016. This will be a big challenge and there is no point in pretending otherwise. I have asked Kim Shillinglaw to look at how best we might take this forward over the coming months. I have also asked her to look at how we put out the last programmes in the current series."
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 25, 2015, 15:11:50
The show won't be the same.  And that's a good thing in this case.  We don't reward bullies.
http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-32052736
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Peter van Es on March 25, 2015, 18:19:06
My bet: Clarkson, May and Hammond will be retained by Netflix to produce a car show. Netflix Original. You heard it here first. Netflix shares will soar with over 100M new viewers all around the world. Buy the shares now!

(Disclaimer: this is my personal opinion, not that of sl113.org. I'm frequently wrong. Your mileage may vary. Stock prices can go up as well as down. All my advice is accepted at your own risk)
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: 49er on March 25, 2015, 18:34:53
I agree Peter. My thoughts were either Netflix, or another worldwide subscription network such as HBO. Game of Thrones is pretty much a British series (at least the actors for the most part are British) and it sure seems to do well in markets all over the world.
John
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 25, 2015, 18:45:24
My bet: Clarkson, May and Hammond will be retained by Netflix to produce a car show. Netflix Original. You heard it here first. Netflix shares will soar with over 100M new viewers all around the world. Buy the shares now!
Interesting perspective.  I don't think that will happen.  What I think is that Clarkson isn't worth much without the other two, and that Top Gear can continue with a suitable replacement.  I think reading the article after the investigation significantly damages his image, and that along with his public rants about it and how the BBC has F'd themselves isn't going to do him any favors.

We'll just have to wait and see, I think the outcome really depends on the other two.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Peter van Es on March 25, 2015, 20:20:05
Scoot, much as I would agree with you (see my earlier posts) most of the unwashed public defends Mr. Clarkson and his views, and has no morals in getting their entertainment (see signatures, comments on Facebook etc...). And I think both Hammond and May have already indicated that they will not continue without Clarkson.

I'm waiting and will see....
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: scoot on March 25, 2015, 20:23:21
... most of the unwashed public defends Mr. Clarkson and his views, and has no morals in getting their entertainment

Well said, and unfortunately I would have to agree.

And I think both Hammond and May have already indicated that they will not continue without Clarkson.

I'm waiting and will see....
Yes, we will have to wait and see.  I was not aware that Hammond and May have chimed in on this, seems a bit too soon to know for sure.

Scott
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: JamesL on March 26, 2015, 12:54:51
One of the local papers in the UK, The Cheddar valley Gazette has a brilliant scoop on this...

 

"
Jeremy Clarkson fired just two years after Top Gear films in Cheddar Gorge

......

It comes just two years after Clarkson's colleague James May filmed a sequence with a double-decker bus in Cheddar Gorge.

Clarkson is not believed to have been there for the filming."


http://www.cheddarvalleygazette.co.uk/Jeremy-Clarkson-fired-just-years-aftyer-Gear/story-26230188-detail/story.html
Title: Re: Top Gear's Worst Nightmare...
Post by: mdsalemi on March 26, 2015, 13:02:58
Oh, my. He's (Clarkson) not officially gone yet and look what that wretched BBC has done!  ;)

https://youtu.be/MlT7Ku_UDoc
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Paul & Dolly on March 26, 2015, 15:21:45

Excellent,

Give him the job...

After all it is a couple of years now since the BBC also sacked him !

Keep laughing

Paul



Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Garry on March 26, 2015, 21:33:59
 :D :D :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: mdsalemi on March 27, 2015, 12:38:29
We Americans LOVE British imports...we truly do. But please--take Russell Brandt back...please... ;)
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on March 27, 2015, 13:15:26
:)
 :) :)
 :) :) :)
 ::) ::) ::) ::)

Thinking of getting some Netflix shares ~grin~

The trio travels all over the world let them come to North America and continue the show I say.
Title: Re: Top Gear suspended by BBC
Post by: 49er on March 27, 2015, 13:40:58
Seems like Peter's idea might be reality.

http://www.carscoops.com/2015/03/jeremy-clarkson-rumored-to-create-new.html

John