I think this was the first episode I've watched in awhile that actually frustrated me. The Delhi dinner was too staged, obviously putting car keys in a bucket isn't going to work, the train race, the off road tires, all of it felt horribly forced and predictable, especially the horn to brake light prank on James... as somebody who has played this prank on someone before, I can confirm it doesn't really work; the second you sit in your car and close the door, your foot hits the brake pedal and the gig is up, yet we're supposed to believe how confused James is while driving along and hearing his horn beep every time he hits the pedal.

The other specials were so good because Jezza, James and Hammond are in a constant struggle to make their cars reach the finish line, and the frustration and amusement, both with their cars and each other, are what make the travel/race episodes so great.. and that just wasn't there this time.