Humor & Presenting
The , originally aired on December 26, 2010 , is widely considered one of the most ambitious and visually stunning episodes in the show's history. Spanning approximately 1,200 miles, the 76-minute extended episode follows Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May as they retrace the biblical journey of the Three Wise Men across the Middle East to Bethlehem. Episode Overview and Premise top gear - middle east special full episode
A digital-camo-painted Mazda MX-5 , celebrated for its handling but severely lacking in ruggedness. Humor & Presenting The , originally aired on
, though he went over budget, earning him the title of the "cheat". Highlights: Chaos and Comedy The Landing: , though he went over budget, earning him
Nearly 15 years after its original broadcast, the "Middle East Special" is a poignant . It predates the catastrophic Syrian Civil War , meaning the footage of bustling Syrian cities now serves as a historical record of a country before its destruction. The episode is also a nostalgic reminder of a specific era of Top Gear , which critics and fans still regard as a "must-watch for any fan" .
James May suffered a genuine concussion after being knocked over by a tow rope while filming in Syria. He was collected from the hospital by Clarkson and Hammond, who were famously wearing burqas as a disguise—a stunt that later sparked significant controversy and criticism .
The Top Gear: The Complete Specials DVD box set contains the full, uncensored Middle East Special. This is the gold standard. The DVD includes extended scenes, such as a ten-minute segment where James May rebuilds the Z3’s cooling system with a tea kettle.