The Grand Tour: Sand Job

Unsubtle scripted moments and ridiculous set pieces aside, this latest journey from the ageing trio, across the desolate country of Mauritania, is a welcome return to form and is quite possibly their most wholesome special since their adventure across Mongolia all the way back in season 3.

No words can emphasise the masterclass of cinematography on display here, whilst the Jag, Aston and Maserati all deserve to become vehicle icons of The Grand Tour. And twenty years later, Clarkson & Co still continue to entertain with their dependable chemistry and old-school wit, two things subsequent and desperate iterations of Top Gear have woefully failed to replicate.

There are very few surprises in this for sure, but Sand Job serves to remind us why there is still no replacing the likes of Clarkson, Hammond and May, even after more than twenty years. Each special (yes some are better and worse than others) offers that overly familiar warm feeling, like reconnecting with good friends you haven't seen for some time.

The worst part is knowing all this is coming to a dead end as there is only one episode left. However, I do think it's time to end The Grand Tour and for them to drive off into the sunset. I really hope the final episode is a culmination and celebration of everything that has made The Grand Tour and classic episodes of Top Gear so memorable. I think this penultimate special is the start of that culmination.

I love all things, Clarkson, Hammond & May and was really looking forward to this penultimate adventure. However, there was just something awry. Not sure what, maybe it was the forced set pieces or the added length of the episode (normally 80mins, pushed to 120).

Just felt forced and a little too formulaic, which is a real shame, it would be a shame to let the comaraderie fizzle out and taint the strength of the previous tours.

I am actually sad that the lads are disappearing away into the dusty horizon after the last episode but maybe it is time to look back and remember the good times we had with them.

There are many things I can say about this episode that I would have done differently. The stunts all feel very staged, which is something this show struggled with from episode 1. If you've seen this show, you'll know what I mean. I feel like many fans watching will see those bits as the ones to get through. The reward for tolerating those scenes however is very very very much worth it. I rated this 10 stars because you simply don't find adventures, chemistry and scenery this good anywhere else. I've looked, haven't found it. Mauritania is the most incredible place they have been (yet), the cars are just the coolest ones they've used in any of their roadtrips, and the final few minutes might be the most beautiful scene they've ever released. Just the sight of the Maserati, Jaaaag & Aston racing across the Sahara will be on my mind for the rest of my life. I can't imagine looking at that and not being desperate to one day do what they did here.

Getting emotionally ready now for the final one. Zimbabwe better be good, but at the very least, the penultimate episode of Clarkson, Hammond & May was just beautiful. The critic in me would rate this lower, but I just know that by the end of this weekend I'll have watched it at least 4 times. After I'm done typing this, I'm immediately starting the special all over again.

At over 2 hours was expecting this to drag, but it didn't, greatly enjoyed it and left wanting more. Always think the Gran Tour specials are released at strange times. They feel best suited to holidays, perfect xmas to new year viewing so would have prefered an easter release date. Probably released now as Presidents day is due int he USA.

As ever parts of the show feel overly staged, this has always been an issue with the trio but not a major detraction. Still feels special and stands out amongst other viewing fare. Easy viewing that's more than worth it's full run time, sit back and let the adventure wash over you.

After a few recent lacklustre attempts at these specials, Sand Job is a very welcome return to form. It really did feel like an old Top Gear adventure where they didn't take it too seriously and looked like they really had fun with it. Yes, there are a few stupid bits, but nothing felt too forced or overly scripted.

In the most recent episodes the trio seemed like they'd become caricatures of themselves, overacting and trying to live up to the expectations they'd created but this was much more like what we've all wanted to see.

Definitely give this a watch, it's well worth it if you're a fan.