Why I Love British Television

There's actually lots to dislike about the BBC. Their news is slanted only slightly to the right of Radio Moscow back during the cold war, and their situation comedies are largely impenetrable, due to a combination of what is politely described as "British humor" and madly insane laugh tracks.

What then is there to love? Moldy period dramas? Nope. It's a show called "Top Gear" which I suspect from the title you'll think is about cars. You'd only be half right.

Top Gear, you see, is, yes, technically about cars, but even Ralph Nader would find this show laugh-out loud funny. What it is, is great writing, great personality, great adventure, and occasional stupidity wrapped around an automotive theme.

As much as I occasionally think everyone is in love with their cars, especially here in California, I recognise that a large percentage of our adult population couldn't give a rat's ass about what they drive, so long as it consistently starts at the turn of the key. What with the oppressive taxes and the generally nondescript vehicles most Brits drive, you would think a show about cars would find only a small audience. Guess again. Top Gear is consistently the number one program on the BBC.

Nobody here in the Colonies could approach the daft way Top Gear relates the driving experience to its viewers. Words fail to describe their methods; you'll just have to watch the show, or visit their excellent web site.

As a matter of fact, visit the web site first. Click on a few of the videos, and be prepared to laugh your head off. You'll be hooked.

Go here: http://www.topgear.com/

Oh, yeah, then there's the magazine...