We don’t know about any of you, but as far as we’re concerned, the second episode of Top Gear USA->ke3704 fared better than the pilot episode – but not by much.

One of the main segments of the second episode featured an American shakedown of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage->ke347 and its V12->ke349 big brother. Hosted by Rutledge Wood, the whole segment was very informative, which, you know, is pretty important, so we’re going to give the producers a pat on the back for that. Americans don’t know enough about Aston Martin except that it has co-starred in a lot of Bond movies, so to show off the car in a different light – exotic, powerful, and luxurious - to an audience that lacks knowledge about the car’s history and heritage was a nice touch.

How it all played out on TV though, is an entirely different matter. For starters, it seemed a little too theatrical, which, would have been fine if Rutledge Wood wasn’t such a stiff during the whole ten-minute segment. Watch how he talks to the camera and you can tell that he’s either reading from a canned script or there’s just not appeal there whatsoever. Don’t get us wrong, we like Rutledge, but he should try loosening up a little.

After all, you’re driving an Aston Martin V12 Vantage, Mr. Wood. Act like it means something because it most definitely does. And calling the Brits 'liars' given the context? We'd be careful the next time around, although it did attract the attention we're sure it was meant to.

.