Long Way Down

Watched the whole of LWD on Love film after catching most of it on the TV. I was just left mildly interested, but ultimately uninspired. I still can't quite put my finger on it, other than say to LWD just didn't deliver.

The reasons for this I feel are 1. Six episodes, as opposed to 10 on the extended LWR DVD. So felt rushed, someone said they went though three countries in one hr on one of the episodes? The guy's said they didn't want to be away from their family's for an extended period of time- no problem with this but the schedule compromised the quality of the show. A lot of moaning in particular.

2. Support crew were a main character as much as Charley & Ewan- this of course completely understandable in Africa where they were often in unstable territory, so need to stick together, but from an exploration/enjoyment point of view made it a less appealing show.

3. Ewan's wife, Eve, being a part of the trip- just didn't understand why they allowed a rider with virtually no experience to ride in a really tough environment- also no explanation of when she passed her bike test, we see her doing her CBT & then nothing? It was quite clear that Charley was not in favour, although he cover this well, so as not to upset Ewan. I think most of the crew, other than David Alexanian were think the same thing.

4. Lack of detail- LWR seemed to cover a lot more & seemed more "from scratch" whereas LWD was more corparate & rushed. I don't think the audience cared so much for the characters & where didn't seem t be in so many compromising situations.

I watched Race-to-Dakar as well. Also read the book, and found that more interesting, though not enough to buy it.

LWD did have some good points in it though. Seeing the ferry from Italy to Tunisia, as described in Ted Simon's Juniper's travels was great; seeing how different counties dealt with not having medical care- as we know it; the great work that Unicef do & the history of the conflict that went on- & is still going on in Darfur.

Love watching these guys & hope they take more care with Long Way Up!

The inclusion of Ewan's wife really ruined this show. She had no interest in bikes, can't ride and just came out of jealousy. She ruined the dynamic between Ewan and Charlie, Ewan having to Miss part to pamper to his incompetent wife. She is such an irritating person, very clingy to Ewan and had no place in this adventure. I imagine Charlie must have felt very much like a spare part. I guess the was included to make it more "reality" show, but that was the brilliance of the other two shows- didn't pamper to the masses. She fell Off on the first corner-how useless is that! Not a biker, not her dream, no place.

I loved the trip to Africa but really feel Eve McGregor joining the trip brought tension to Charlie's and Ewan's relationship and their rapport seemed forced through much of the trip. I said to my screen, "Gee McGregor grow a pair and tell her no", but he didn't listen and even defends the decision by suggesting her addition brought kittens, rainbows and unicorns to the trip meaning she was just so down to earth and helpful to all the people they encountered that her presence was a gift.

With the addition of Mr. McGregor's father, brother and mother,this series seemed to be all about pleasing Mr. McGregor; not about filming a buddy travel film and that is a shame.

Granted the LWD didn't have the kind of edge Long Way Round had but lets not forget, Ewan and Charlie never started this with the intentions making it into a DVD. It specifically says at the beginning of LWR that they initially planned to film it themselves as their own record but a second thought was to do it properly.

This is not a made up drama series, it's real life... they don't write what comes over the next boarder, what's over the next hill... take it as you come. I am glad that they were kind enough to let us into their adventure.

Really liking the Long Way Down Under idea though.

I was so stoked to see that Charley and Ewan decided to embark on another bike journey together. Africa was a revelation and a visual smörgåsbord. I enjoyed their reactions and the tensions that emerged and subsided, which gave us access to their humanity. Including more of the support crew added dimension, although I do agree that Claudio should have been given more play. Enjoyed the pre-trek prep. Could have done with less griping about time pressure. Thought it was a bad decision to make this a plot point because there were so many other interesting suspenseful things. Really thought the energy and focus dropped off when Eve Mcgregor joined the trip. She added nothing. I felt there was some hidden agenda going on that had nothing to do with the spirit of the adventure. I agree with a previous post that said if she wanted to participate more in her husband's recreational passions she should have done that off camera. As a viewer I somehow felt used by her insinuating herself into the situation. It was like inviting yourself to a rock concert with your son and his friends, or showing up at rehearsal wanting to be part of their band. Hope she does not tag along on the next one.