It is difficult to appreciate the perfection of this film through words on a website, which is why I would strongly encourage everyone to watch it. Although one can argue that there has been better work from the three, it is the undebatable fact that this is among the very best, almost certainly the best TGT episode so far. The chemistry, the humour, the personalities are only some of the outstanding attributes of this special. They ditch the much regretted clichés that plagued the previous instalments of the series, and returned to what truly made them the face of motoring entertainment. And as no one had ever said before, what better place to do it than the often over looked landlocked empire of Mongolia.
The Grand Tour (TV Series)
The Mongolia Special-Survival of the Fattest (2019)
User Reviews
Review this title52 Reviews
Possibly the best episode ever by the trio
Emko11995 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
It was the biggest challenge yet where guys have to make a working off-road car from pieces dropped from helicopter in the middle of nowhere in Mongolia and then cross some amazing natural obstacles to get to city called Moron. As always the banter is genuine and it's funny all the way through episode. I honestly believe it's the best episode ever filmed by the trio.
The Grandest Tour
Tweekums5 April 2019
This special opens in a remote corner of Mongolia hundreds of miles from the nearest civilisation. As the trio look around and introduce the show three crates are parachuted from a helicopter; these contain parts to make a rudimentary off road vehicle and a week's supply of army ration packs... there is also a sketch-map showing the location of their destination and a compass. The destination is a town called Moron; it is hundreds of miles away across rugged terrain. Once the car is made they head off and encounter numerous obstacles; dunes, rivers, bogs, mountains, forests and boulder fields... some can be skirted but most must be tackled head on. To make matters worse they have no booze!
This was a classic 'special' in possibly the most epic setting they have visited. They may have been to more rugged locations but I doubt any were so vast. As they crossed hundreds of miles they didn't see a single local and hardly a sign that people ever went there; just an abandoned shack and a wooden tepee. Since they were all in one vehicle and the task was already hard there weren't the silly 'modifications' or sabotaging each other's cars. There was enjoyable banter between the trio but they worked together to get the job done effectively. There were no moments that were obviously staged and only once or twice did I think things might have been. The scenery was amazing; showing locations that are so far off the beaten track that I doubt they have been on TV before and only the hardiest traveller might visit. Overall a top quality episode.
This was a classic 'special' in possibly the most epic setting they have visited. They may have been to more rugged locations but I doubt any were so vast. As they crossed hundreds of miles they didn't see a single local and hardly a sign that people ever went there; just an abandoned shack and a wooden tepee. Since they were all in one vehicle and the task was already hard there weren't the silly 'modifications' or sabotaging each other's cars. There was enjoyable banter between the trio but they worked together to get the job done effectively. There were no moments that were obviously staged and only once or twice did I think things might have been. The scenery was amazing; showing locations that are so far off the beaten track that I doubt they have been on TV before and only the hardiest traveller might visit. Overall a top quality episode.
On my all time top 10 of TG/GT episodes
tatamand5 April 2019
What a blast!
The boys have finally reached the top of their game in the Grand Tour format with this being the highlight of an overall great third season.
Including all specials they've ever done, I'd rate this on pair with Vietnam and Botswana - that's how good it is! Epic all way around.
Knowing that season 4 is only going to be specials, this is definitely a sign that they're on the right track - exactly like when top gear changed the format around season 8!
John is the most epic car ever featured in an episode with the trio, and I thought it would be the Sierra coaworth in next weeks episode!
I'm so hyped for season 4!!
The boys have finally reached the top of their game in the Grand Tour format with this being the highlight of an overall great third season.
Including all specials they've ever done, I'd rate this on pair with Vietnam and Botswana - that's how good it is! Epic all way around.
Knowing that season 4 is only going to be specials, this is definitely a sign that they're on the right track - exactly like when top gear changed the format around season 8!
John is the most epic car ever featured in an episode with the trio, and I thought it would be the Sierra coaworth in next weeks episode!
I'm so hyped for season 4!!
Impressive, entertaining and ooh so good
oliownstersamsung5 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Truly the most impressive episode this trio has ever made. Not only is it so very impressive that they managed to build a car under those circumstances, it was a driveable car. And the fact that they went through with so much punishment (not just being relieved of alcohol) and came out on the other side, its just true commitment. And whilst we follow them we get to enjoy utter brilliant cinematography. I can only commend the producers, the editors, the director and of course the camera men for being able to capture such magnificence in all its glory. And with all of this, the adventure and the scenery we also get the laughs that only this trio can supply. I applaud them all for amazing piece, and I can only wish for more. It was (and I can't stress it enough) a SPECIAL.
My only critique is that it wasn't longer, because at the end of the day I just can't get enough! Great job The Grand Tour!!!
My only critique is that it wasn't longer, because at the end of the day I just can't get enough! Great job The Grand Tour!!!
Sorry BBC
asassandroo7 April 2019
You can never expect any better of this episode. As being fan of these three people, they've done everything that can be imagined. They've gone through Africa, America and now Asia once again. BBC lost an amazing team and they will regret it for the rest of their lives to make such a decision. This show is amazing and thanks to Amazon we see another amazing Top gear alike, but more crazy and funny. This episode is my favorite and it will be always in my mind as one of JJR's incredible journey.
amazing
grevin2-76-4735985 April 2019
No words, simply perfect
kwilley-985375 April 2019
I took me a while to think of the title of this review, as well, I had no words to describe how great this episode honestly was. Funny gags, the classic road trip, some cool facts and what an amazing ending. When they got to the town, I had a tear in my eye, like I felt I was there with them.
Yes it's confirmed GT>TG
illusions1025 April 2019
I registered to IMDB to say what an episode
Extraxy30 August 2019
Thank you guys for the most immersive
Episode of The Grand Tour this has been the best episode.
It did not feel staged it was spot on with the humour thank you so much
Any one reading this watch it Words don't describe and o my Mongolia is beautiful.
Any one reading this watch it Words don't describe and o my Mongolia is beautiful.
Breathtaking, honest episode.
Niranjhan6 April 2019
One of those episodes that makes you realize the journey is as important as the destination, or the vehicle you use to get there.
Best episode they've ever done on TGT. This and James May's documentary narrations are the standouts of this stellar season.
Best episode they've ever done on TGT. This and James May's documentary narrations are the standouts of this stellar season.
Not a bad episode but ...
Drabble5009 August 2023
A reasonably fun episode in a wonderful landscape.
It's difficult to know how much of it was staged for camera and how much the three actually did but it made for a decent show across beautiful and rugged terrain.
The episode suffers slightly by changing the tried and trusted format from 3 vehicles to 1 vehicle but the fact that they assembled it themselves and then drove it across Montgolia, trying to get along in the process, makes for a modified dynamic even if it does lose some of the competitiveness in the process.
Perhaps the saddest part of the show is the constant references to needing drink, as if human beings can't survive any length of time without hitting the bottle. That kind of alcoholism is sad and kind of misses what wilderness living is about.
It's difficult to know how much of it was staged for camera and how much the three actually did but it made for a decent show across beautiful and rugged terrain.
The episode suffers slightly by changing the tried and trusted format from 3 vehicles to 1 vehicle but the fact that they assembled it themselves and then drove it across Montgolia, trying to get along in the process, makes for a modified dynamic even if it does lose some of the competitiveness in the process.
Perhaps the saddest part of the show is the constant references to needing drink, as if human beings can't survive any length of time without hitting the bottle. That kind of alcoholism is sad and kind of misses what wilderness living is about.
1 & 1/2 hours of absolutely nothing
zaferduc7 April 2019
These specials are usually the highlight of the series, but this was uttery drudgery from begining to end. For the first 20 minutes they didn't even go anywhere & then they drove across a country that was totally devoid of people, places and, for the most part, any real decent scenery. There was some funny moments, but they came so seldomly that even they couldn't save this episode.
Just amazing. Well done
Mk-karlsen2 June 2019
What made this episode stand out is that it felt genuine. Of course there are scripted parts, but the journey felt true. Just the fact that the camera crew got includes instead of trying hide them makes it feel more authentic. Great episode.
They the best, the best episode ever.
enfermerodiogo5 April 2019
Freaking epic
indyzzzz7 April 2019
The best episode in the last 3 seasons. PERIOD.
Build your own car. Gorgeous scenery. Struggle against nature. More gorgeous nature scenes. Great camera work. Lots of silliness from our 3 heroes. The trio are at their finest.
Its a must watch.
Build your own car. Gorgeous scenery. Struggle against nature. More gorgeous nature scenes. Great camera work. Lots of silliness from our 3 heroes. The trio are at their finest.
Its a must watch.
One of the best episodes they've ever done
borg_site6 April 2019
Combine an epic landscape devoid of almost any human presence, the trio's usual great chemistry and humour, elements of James May's own show The Reassembler, and a perilous journey following the equivalent of a treasure map and you get one of the most brilliant episodes they have ever done. It follows a lot of the old formula, but it's also very fresh and different, showing that it's not too late for these guys to up their game yet again. Let's hope that this is a sign of what's to come in the next season because that would be amazing.
Back to true form
zenmateisshite8 April 2019
Ever since I saw this episode last week I wanted to write a review. So far the Grand Tour has not been as good as the old outfit. But this season they were slowly building up momentum and it culminated in this last episode which was one of the best ever. And I can summarise why:
This episode was less scripted and less edited. The bit about not having alcohol was probably correct and it basically shows that they did not have drinks throughout, and that was truly their mission (sad, but I can empathise). You can tell (and we did see) that in almost all the other specials, even in the North Pole and all of their African specials, they were always a stone's throw away from civilisation or even from luxury.
This time they weren't. It seems that they truly were challenged, they were probably truly looking for the way on their own - it seemed that when scouts were sent to research or investigate the terrane beforehand they just provided the bare minimum information.
Also building a car from scratch was a good idea (of course Hammond and May did not build it on their own and that is ok) and sharing the ride added to their comradery.
And lastly, Mongolia is gorgeous, when its not frozen solid.
The brilliance of outdoing yourself!
teekei7 April 2019
When you think it can't get any better, when you start to think that maybe they have lost a part of the original essence but you still enjoy the show, and then comes this! Faith restored, never to be lost again! What an episode, what a special, what a team! Amazingly marvelous, every second of it! Lucky number 13! A great thanks and appreciation goes out to every single person who worked on this, not to sound redundant, but simply wow!
No words, superb!
pavlekkvas5 April 2019
Good fiction, but as usual, they made fool of us...
minunimion18 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
They built themselves an off-road vehicle, without any help and then they were able to drive on many kind of different terrains (mud, stones, gravel, sand, water), in Mongolia without any problem and there were no gas station to fuel their vehicle, so they had to have gallons and gallons of gas and it means a lot of weight. So many morons who really believe that they did all of that? Oh my... speechless! To shoot a film like that it needs many people and vehicles to carry the equipment, so they need food, beverages, tents, blanket and special technical clothes.
If you watch this, they drove that vehicle for just few minutes, not hours! Few people of their age, can drive that thing for hours, night and day without eating and nor drinking, and they are called adventurers!
In an isolated place like that, people would risk their lives in case something were wrong, because of a disease for instance. Can you really believe that they went there without knowing that between the day and the night there's a huge difference of temperature and they went there just wearing a simple shirt? If you believe that then you are not really intelligent, sorry.
Didn't you see that Clarkson at a certain point lost his shoes and he explained that he couldn't get his shoes back, because they were disappeared in the mud, but few minutes later he was wearing boots? Gullible!
Everything is fake, it's a movie, just like you watch when you go to the cinema... fiction!
You gave 10 because you believe that everything was real and someone wrote... breathtaking! I can just laugh at you as they do usually, thinking on how many stupid people would watch them and my score to you is 1. My score for them is 5 as it has been well shot, but I feel offended to have been made fun in such that way! 10 for the scenery, for the landscapes, for the places... that's breathtaking, not them! Grow up!
Probably, no wait is the best special.
davejackson-4264125 February 2020
This has got to bet the best special I have seen out of all of their specials. Sure some are great I'm not disputing that. I'm saying that this is the best one I've seen. Seems that way for others too judging by the high ratings. Good work amazon prime 👍🏻 I can't stop watching it.
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