Clarkson's Farm

When the Petrolhead Turns Farmer - A Hilarious Harvest of Mishaps

^{Clarkson’s Farm review by Steven Hardy}

Clarkson's Farm, an Amazon Prime original, follows the famed petrolhead and motor-mouth Jeremy Clarkson as he embarks on a journey to become a fully-fledged farmer. Having ditched the glamorous and high-speed world of supercars, this eight-episode agricultural rollercoaster ride sees Clarkson grappling with sheep, tractors, and a supporting cast of colourful characters. Among them is Kaleb Cooper, the no-nonsense farm manager who quickly becomes the unexpected heart of the series.

The show is set on Clarkson's 1,000-acre Cotswolds property, Diddly Squat Farm, and is a delightful blend of comedy, education, and heartwarming moments. In the "Clarkson's Farm" universe, the city slicker meets the country bumpkin, and the two worlds collide in an uproarious spectacle that's sure to make you laugh, groan, and perhaps even learn a thing or two about farming.

Overview of the series

Jeremy Clarkson, the former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter, takes on a new challenge as he attempts to run his farm, Diddly Squat. The show follows Clarkson's humble beginnings as a clueless city slicker to his eventual transformation into a (somewhat) respectable farmer. Along the way, he encounters various challenges, from shepherding a flock of sheep to cultivating a field of barley. With the help of his farm manager Kaleb Cooper, an endearing and patient country lad, Clarkson navigates the trials and tribulations of farm life, all the while providing us with a healthy dose of hilarity and heart.

Series Highlights

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to many memorable moments that showcase both the chaos and charm of farm life. Who could forget the iconic "lamborghini" - a souped-up Lamborghini tractor that Clarkson purchases to till the fields in style? Or the time when he builds a makeshift bridge, only to have it comically collapse under the weight of his tractor?

One of the standout episodes is "Sheep. Or. Potato.," where Clarkson attempts to diversify the farm's income by branching into sheep farming. Despite being a self-proclaimed "sheep expert," he quickly discovers that handling the woolly creatures is a far cry from reviewing the latest luxury cars. With a dash of slapstick and a heavy dose of humility, Clarkson bumbles through the process of shearing, lambing, and even sheepdog training - with predictably hilarious results.

In another episode, "Meltdown," we witness Clarkson's ambitious plan to grow "cow food" (a.k.a. barley) on a large scale, in hopes of reducing his farm's carbon footprint. However, his dreams of eco-friendly farming are soon dashed by a series of unexpected obstacles, including a relentless army of pigeons and a disastrously wet harvest season. Through it all, Clarkson's determination and can-do spirit shine through, making for an entertaining and endearing watch.

Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper

The true magic of "Clarkson's Farm" lies in its cast of characters, particularly the dynamic duo of Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper. Clarkson's larger-than-life persona and penchant for mishaps provide the perfect comedic foil for Cooper's down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach to farming.

Kaleb, a local farmer with years of experience, becomes Clarkson's right-hand man and mentor, teaching him the ins and outs of agriculture. In many ways, Kaleb serves as the voice of reason, reigning in Clarkson's wild ideas and providing the practical know-how that helps bring them to life. Their interactions are both endearing and hilarious, as Kaleb often finds himself exasperated by Clarkson's antics and stubbornness. At the same time, their mutual respect and camaraderie grow with each passing episode, making for a heartwarming and genuine friendship that becomes the emotional core of the series.

One of the most memorable interactions between the two occurs during the sheep farming episode. As Clarkson bumbles his way through lambing season, Kaleb's blunt, deadpan delivery of farming truths not only highlights the absurdity of the situation but also showcases their undeniable chemistry. When Clarkson's sheep become entangled in a bramble patch, Kaleb's incredulous reaction to the mayhem that ensues is pure comedy gold.

Another standout moment takes place when Clarkson embarks on a mission to construct a colossal farm shop, dubbed "The Squat Shop." Kaleb's scepticism about the project is palpable, but his unwavering support and guidance ultimately help Clarkson bring his ambitious vision to life. Their teamwork and shared sense of accomplishment, as they finally open the doors to the public, make for a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion to the series.

The bottom line

"Clarkson's Farm" is a delightful departure from Jeremy Clarkson's typical high-octane car shows, offering viewers a funny, quirky, and insightful look into the world of farming. The series is packed with laugh-out-loud moments, but it's the genuine bond between Clarkson and Kaleb that truly steals the show.

From the trials of sheep farming to the challenges of growing barley, the series offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on farm life. As Clarkson navigates this unfamiliar world, Kaleb's expertise and patience become indispensable, and their interactions make for some of the most memorable moments of the show. Whether you're a fan of Clarkson's previous work or simply looking for a light-hearted and heartwarming escape, "Clarkson's Farm" is an absolute must-watch.

^{About the reviewer}

^{Meet Steven, a laughter-seeking, high-flying individual who explores the world of TV like a masterfully executed punchline. Fuelled by comedy and real-life programmes, he's always ready to find the next captivating gem. When not binge-watching, Steven chases his passion for aviation, soaring to cloud nine. Fasten your seatbelts, because Steven's insights will send you flying high through the world of televised entertainment!}