Previously shelved episodes of Top Gear are expected to air within a few weeks, though any episodes shown will be the final time the trio will be seen together on the show. The BBC’s decision or contemplation on airing previously shelved episodes is questionable because it is still tantamount to giving a platform to a man who was fired for his violent actions. However, whilst the BBC declined to give a formal comment on the teaser or Clarkson, some insiders unofficially hinted to eye of media that the teaser had previously been paid for, and it would have been a disservice to television license payers if the clip were not shown. The general thinking of the BBC is unchanged with respect the action taken against Clarkson in not renewing his contract. Interestingly, the take among the Beeb is that Clarkson was not sacked, his contract was simply ‘not renewed.’ Sounds like semantics, though it can be viewed that they had no obligation to renew his contract, even if he had not committed the offence he did. He would have been privileged if they had renewed the contract, but his misdemeanor cost him that privilege.
Clarkson is one of the most recognizable faces on television whose presenting of top gear gave the show its glow. He and his co hosts together clicked brilliantly in a way that almost made them irreplaceable as a group and as individuals. It can somewhat be assumed that Clarkson saw his position as lead character of the show to be permanent and irreversible, thereby making him immune from expulsion of any sort. His unrestrained antics had seen his transgressions escalate from racism to violence; one he anticipated will continue with impunity.
That changed when the BBC closed the curtains on his dreadful proclivities that clearly lacked the sort of regulation one would expect of a top television brand like himself. Then came the sentimental cries from a fickle public whose primary concern was their addiction to the flair with which he presented a motor show. Petitions poured in with pleas to save his ass; even the Prime Minister David Cameron subtly joined the calls for him to be re-instated. All petitions and sentimental pleas for Clarkson to be rescued fell on deaf ears because this time BBC Chiefs knew he had gone too far and that they had rescued him too many times already. Saving him would have made a mockery of the wider law so readily imposed on us, and reinforced the ever present idea that there is one rule for the rich and famous, but another for the rest of us. Not on at all! So whilst his departure and removal may have left a bit of a void in the show, he is most definitely replaceable .
May and Hammand are said to have declined a £4m offer to return to top gear without Clarkson. Both former co-hosts of the show have made clear from the outset of Clarkson’s dismissal that they won’t return to the show no matter how much they were offered . The pair are apparently close to signing a ground breaking deal with Netflix that surpasses the amount the BBC have offered. May and Hammond are probably better off going with Netflix since it is better to have a brand new slate on top gear. Anyone who demonstrated support to Clarkson is best kept at bay by the BBC, as it is always better to keep your enemy away, along with all his friends. So as things stand, the BBC are still looking pretty in terms of ethical standards surrounding Clarkson.
Clarkson will appear with Chris Evans- the man tipped to take over from Clarkson- in a one off episode celebrating the 20th anniversary of TFI Friday. Singer and songwriter, Liam Gallagher will feature on the anniversary show alongside, musician and actor, Roger Daltery .
