My old friends Ron and Zim have been turning me on to the BBC series TopGear.

They agreed on this 15-minute piece as the show’s best.

I could absolutely do without the last 1:30 — the studio stuff. In fact, I didn’t even watch the last :30 or so.

But the rest of it? Good Lord! I am convinced that it’s the best television I’ve seen in ages. The shooting is gorgeous (if occasionally rough), as are the editing, writing, and performances. It’s smart and funny and compelling as hell. A real revelation to me. I felt compelled to share.

I admit to taking boyish pleasure in watching cars get bashed about. But this piece rises way above that.