Botswana Special

I really starting following top gear during the 10th season, and this episode was my absolute favorite. I've followed the show to the end, and watched all the previous seasons as well, and can say no other episodes reached the level of quality this one has.

It's the best top gear travel episode, and the best top gear episode ever made.

What makes it so? Well first there's the setting, which is nothing short of breathtaking. Botswana's landscapes are unique, and well highlighted by the episode's direction. Then there's the cars. They're a combination of weird, fun and enthusiastic. They will go through a lot and not come out unscathed (this is Top Gear after all), but all along the show, they're made "special". You end up caring about those beat up £1500 lumps of steel more than you ever do in other travel specials. And last but not least, there's the production. Yes, it's scripted. Of course it is. But the script is here to carry the show, not force it into obvious jokes like it does in the later seasons. It's lighthearted, fun, and somehow never breaks suspension of disbelief too much. The visuals are greats, the jokes are fun, and at times, you truly find yourself wondering what will happen next.

Just watch it.