The Top Gear production team had already mastered the art of the road trip by 2010. However, the Middle East Special added a layer of genuine tension that previous specials lacked. While the Vietnam Special was poetic and the Polar Special was technologically impressive, the Middle East Special was raw, unpredictable, and often dangerous.
To bypass dangerous conflict zones, the team detours north into Turkey. They face treacherous, winding mountain tracks where James May suffers a serious head injury after a towing accident, landing him briefly in a local hospital. After his recovery, they cross into Syria, showcasing the breathtaking ancient architecture of Palmyra and the bustling streets of Damascus just before the region was altered by conflict. 3. Jordan and the Desert Highway
During a desert recovery mission, James May was knocked over by a towing strap snapped under tension. He suffered a genuine concussion and had to be rushed to a local hospital. Clarkson and Hammond’s blend of real concern and typical British sarcasm during his recovery highlighted the genuine bond between the hosts. top gear - middle east special full episode
The Top Gear Middle East Special remains a masterclass in factual entertainment television. It perfectly blended the travelogue genre with automotive journalism, proving that the chemistry between Clarkson, Hammond, and May could carry an episode regardless of how much time was spent discussing engine specifications.
As with all Top Gear specials, the journey was defined by mechanical failures, ridiculous challenges, and endless banter: The Top Gear production team had already mastered
The final leg required navigating the complex security apparatus of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The cars, heavily modified and battered by this point, successfully reached Bethlehem. The episode concluded at a stable, where the presenters delivered their gifts (gold, frankincense, and a Nintendo DS) to a baby revealed to be a miniature version of the show's mysterious racing driver, The Stig. Behind-the-Scenes Production and Risks
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May attempt to recreate the journey of the Three Wise Men by driving from Erbil International Airport in Iraqi Kurdistan to Bethlehem . To bypass dangerous conflict zones, the team detours
Select clips and occasionally full-length segments are available on the official BBC Top Gear website .