Top Gear Rolls On

Top Gear is one of those shows only the British could make. It’s about cars, ostensibly, but it’s more about the camaraderie and one-up-manship of its three hosts, which is really what makes it so enjoyable to me.

After being introduced to this wonder last year at SXSW by the ravings of Kevin and Porter, I begin to watch it. But I was horrified by the news that in September of last year, host Richard Hammond was almost killed while driving a jet-powered dragster. Happily, he’s made a remarkable recovery and the show, despite my fears, has not been cancelled.

Top Gear also publishes a very popular magazine and in the February issue, they’re actually publishing photos of the crash. The first episode of the next series will air on January 28 in the UK, and they’ll be showing footage. I’m not sure if I feel this is in poor taste or not. I suppose that as long as Richard is there hosting the programme, then it doesn’t really matter. Welcome back, Hamster!

NOTE: The BBC News web site has posted the pictures, for the truly morbid among you.