Street Outlaws: Memphis

The original Street Outlaws (OKC) was initially hindered by a completely fabricated and needless plot device: running from the cops. Almost every episode in the first several seasons of "Street Outlaws" featured a heavily teased, mid-episode scene where someone was either being pulled over, or hiding from the police. Totally fake, as the show has always been filmed on closed streets.

Memphis Street Outlaws avoids that particular conceit, but fails in many other ways. The main character "JJ Da Boss" (played by Jon Day) is an unlikeable egocentric, prone to referring to himself in the 3rd person. During his camera monologues, his normally mild southern drawl becomes an unintended parody (think Foghorn Leghorn) "...well, you know me, bee-in' JJ Da-Baowww, ah wadn't gonna let no sleepin' dawgs lahhh" . His "JJ DaBoss" logo is plastered on all the windshields of the "MSO" group, which is antithetical to the notion of a family of team. On top of that, Day and most of his "crew" live in the middle of Arkansas, which makes the Memphis title even more of a joke.

The racing is supposed to be a truer depiction of grudge racing, but the "antics" and trash talking detract, as does the "arm drop" format. Many years ago, an arm drop start was normal for standing start street grudge racing. But that's because LED flashlights and frame-by-frame digital video playback had yet to be invented. The "chase is the race" is antithetical to competition, where the goal is to find the fastest person on that street at that time, not who can trick the other driver.

Hard pass on this one.

A couple yrs ago, the original Street Outlaws show snagged me. Since then, I went back and watched every show. But the later seasons, it's been not nearly as interesting, I watch with less and less enthusiasm. The show is running dry and not all that interesting anymore.

Back when the New Orleans spin off came out, I tried but found it hard to get into. That experience kept me from ever trying to watch Memphis Outlaws. But all that changed, as recently in the discovery Go app, I watched the "Biggest, Baddest and fastest in the country for 100,000 dollas". This 8 teams tournament that starts each race with the JJ arm drop + chase is a race, instead of flashlight starts or a red, yellow, green light. And after a few, I got it. I understood. This makes for a very different kind of racing. It is much more, dare I say, street. There is ever more to it, it is strategic.. strategy. But it is even a bigger deal than I ever thought, a real game changer. I went back and started watching Street Outlaws Memphis, it has really grown on me.

The arm drop, chase is a race, giving the hit, giving car lengths... It's a whole different world. It really opens the doors to even more racing. Not just these elite top notch race cars being called "street". More cars can get in. Even junkyard special LS builds. It's just way more raw and feels a lot more real.

I am not sure if I can ever look at the old street outlaws the same now. All their whining over the light, not seeing it and who jumped it and bla bla bla. I never seen it until recently but the 405 is just doing things in a completely different world. It is elitism. A snobbishness. The 405 is more like taking track racing to the street.. and I had none of this in my head until I finally just started watching Memphis Street Outlaws.

I think I am gonna have a hard time watching the original Street Outlaws, if they come out with a new season that is. I am pretty sure this completely changed mind set is gonna effect my ability to like the original.

I really enjoy Memphis street outlaws now. It's just great

Most these people don't race or even own a car. These bad reviews are from people that suck on the 405. This is a great showx don't let the noobs say other wise. And to the 1 star rating you are a joke, just like in life, sad and lonely.

This show depicts a group of street racers who are marginal at best. The OKC Street Outlaws has destroyed this group of pretenders every time they race. Why should anyone watch a group who are not close to the talent of OKC ???

Since jj daboss took over from the old version, the shows come alive. Full of colour and diversity. Now I watch entire episodes. JJ has done it. He gives full narratives and sums up everything completely. He's the best and makes one laugh.

I like to see how contesters come from all other states to compete. I wish they'd interview both contenders afterwards - a little more in detail.

At first I thought JJ was a bit short on his elaboration of events as he sums up, but now I'm satisfied he seems to address everything and seems more composed in his demeanor.

The older version of street outlaws with big chief was too triste. Too black n white with virtually the same thing week after week. Now it's more exciting.

I can't get enough. Would like to see b.chief back, racing at least, but am happy with JJ daboss in control.