Clarkson’s Farm

fretfinder

Has this excellent programme on Amazon Prime really not got its own thread? I couldn’t find one anyway. I realise I’m late to the party on this but me and the missus only started watching it recently and we’re really enjoying it and on season three already. Obviously a lot of it is set up for the cameras, rather than it being genuine crass ineptitude that’s displayed so frequently. But the assembly of different characters is very well chosen, they complement each other brilliantly, and the different farming challenges tackled are genuinely interesting, to me anyway. One of the most engaging elements is that Clarkson - normally in control, doing what he likes, self-satisfied and somewhat arrogant - is out of his depth and often humiliated while also appearing quite normal and human. What do others think of it?

skullfunkerry

I love it, seen all the seasons and I'll be watching 6 when it comes out. I quite like JC; in a few interviews I've read (and in this) I get a strong feeling that he's not as much of a nob as he portrays. He certainly loves the animals and the farm, and the people he's working with. There are some very moving moments; it's had me in tears more than once - and sometimes tears of laughter too: "I think one of the pigs has been sick in my pocket" had me laughing to the point of not being able to breathe.

DavidR

Harry's Farm on YouTube much better. Harry Metcalfe farms very near to Clarkson and has been in journalism for a long time as founder of Evo magazine, a car magazine. He also has a motoring YouTube channel calls Harry's Garage.

His farming 'Harry's Farm' YouTube channel is incredibly informative.

If you want to know about farms, watch Harry. If you want to watch someone playing at farming watch Clarkson. It's a good laugh sometimes but I find the appeal fading a bit. Especially when many farmers are up against it. Personal view.

skullfunkerry

DavidR said:

Harry's Farm on YouTube much better. Harry Metcalfe farms very near to Clarkson and has been in journalism for a long time as founder of Evo magazine, a car magazine. He also has a motoring YouTube channel calls Harry's Garage.

His farming 'Harry's Farm' YouTube channel is incredibly informative.

If you want to know about farms, watch Harry. If you want to watch someone playing at farming watch Clarkson. It's a good laugh sometimes but I find the appeal fading a bit. Especially when many farmers are up against it. Personal view.

Just given that a subscribe, thanks David. I used to subscribe to Evo, and I met Harry at the Goodwood FoS a few years ago, he’s a lovely bloke.

I’m under no illusions that Clarkson’s Farm is showing a very sanitised version of everything, but I still enjoy it, mainly for the warmth and chemistry between the people.

RaymondLin

I love it, but I have to keep reminding myself of some of the scripted bits and just enjoy it and it is great.  It also points a spotlight at our government, both local and parliament in their decision making and laws. 

euan

It’s very much is a TV construct. If you understand how Top Gear was produced and that it’s the same production team you understand what is actually reality. 

Clarkson is a very intelligent man who has been portraying a well crafted character over decades. In the last season he has clearly gone too far down it. 

Scotty55

I read on another site about Clarkson pitching up at his son's Parents' Evening and being very polite and respectful to his son's teacher. A very different personality to that on screen.

And you just need to look at his partner, Lisa, to realise he must be doing a lot of things right.

Adey

Jeremy Clarkson play the TV character "Jeremy Clarkson" on Top Gear / Grand Tour where most stuff is very heavily scripted and set up and him throwing out plenty of controversial stuff for overly indignant people to get on their high horses about.

thumpingrug

The first couple of series shone a light on farming and brought awareness.  Later series indicate that either clarkson hasnt learnt anything or is playing up for the laughts.  

Either way hes a multimillionaire playing at being a farmer and being his usual dickish TV character

Sporky

I thought he'd admitted it was all just a tax dodge? 

Col_Decker

I still haven’t got over the £40k for 3 umbrellas bit 

S56035

thumpingrug said:

The first couple of series shone a light on farming and brought awareness.  Later series indicate that either clarkson hasnt learnt anything or is playing up for the laughts.  

Either way hes a multimillionaire playing at being a farmer and being his usual dickish TV character

He's says that though, on a number of occasions. He's not trying to hide the fact his farm doesn't have to pay for itself. Great TV I reckon.

swiller

Its utter shit

rze99

Harry’s farm yes
Clarkson’s farm no 

Danny1969

I like it. I've always liked Clarkson but I was never into cars so this works better for me. Some great characters in the show. 

rsvmark

Whether you ‘like’ Clarkson or not, the programme has done a good job of highlighting the ‘challenges’ of modern farming on the uk. Whether you are navigating the changes post Brexit or are just trying to make ends meet after fucking awful weather, and the personal financial risk farmers take, it is good for for thought. Irrespective of the queues at the farmer shop or the disgraceful behaviour of the Oxfordshire planners (ymmv) I think it does well to open up some good conversations 

Pierrederesistance

I love it. We're on out second watch now and just started season 4 for the second time. 
I can't imagine watching the series and not warming to Jeremy and understanding as others have said that his character is just that, a character he plays (but seeing the way people are laying into Ariel Posen for, in so far as I can tell, having a career and wearing a jacket elsewhere on the forum, I'm sure there will be opinions). 
The supporting cast is just great as well. I especially like Gerald. 

Open_G

I know a handful of farmers and the majority I’ve spoken to have said really positive things about the awareness that it’s brought. 

I’ve personally really enjoyed all the series. Possibly the most recent one the least actually as there seems to be more set ups for the cameras. However that’s probably inevitable. 

jonnyburgo

Sporky said:

I thought he'd admitted it was all just a tax dodge? 

Thats why he is crying now. Poor farmers having to pay inheritance tax like we do, boo-hoo.

Devil#20

jonnyburgo said:

Sporky said:

I thought he'd admitted it was all just a tax dodge? 

Thats why he is crying now. Poor farmers having to pay inheritance tax like we do, boo-hoo.

I can understand why it's important to protect farming in the UK and inheritence tax on farmers seems grossly unfair. They aren't cash rich and the wealth is in the farms. In Jeremy's case at least he's stuck to his principles and supports local business. It's only the NIMBYs who have a problem with him.
Whilst on the subject of inheritence tax, the Royal family don't pay any,so why not? Inheritence tax is just state theft of the people. Most countries don't have it. 

StefB

Pierrederesistance said:

The supporting cast is just great as well. I especially like Gerald. 

Gerald is brilliant. The closing scene at the end of season 3 where they are all sat around the table with a drink is particularly touching.