In Top Gear specials, why do the hosts hang on to the inconvenient gifts?
In the special episodes of Top Gear (and maybe others) the hosts seem to give each other very inconvenient gifts, often ones too large are heavy for their modes of transportation. For example in the Vietnam episode Jeremy Clarkson gave Richard Hammond an extremely large model ship which he had to carry on a motorcycle, and in another he gave him a large chair to put in the boot of a small car.
I was wondering if holding on to these gifts is a requirement, done just for fun or challenge, or is it some aspect of English culture being referenced/joked about that I'm not understanding?
Best Answer
You've hit the nail exactly on the head. The gifts are given in order to create an air of silliness in each of the challenges.
Not only do you have to cross the sahara in a trabant but you have to do so while carrying a double bass, a live boa constrictor and you're not allowed to open the windows. Ta da! Instant merriment.
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