REVIEW: Clarkson's Farm, Series 1 Episode Six 'Melting'

REVIEW: Clarkson's Farm, Series 1 Episode Six 'Melting' 

With the continued pandemic which has maintained an iron grip over the world, it's easy to forget just how warm it was in March 2020, when we were in the first lockdown. It was the hottest UK spring on record, with temperatures more akin to the kind of weather you get in the Summer. Every one of us will have commented on the heatwave at some point during that time, but many of us tend to forget how challenging this must have proven for farmers. We are shown in full force just how hard this was for farmers here, however, as Clarkson faces the stark reality of his crops not getting enough water. It's a shame too, because his idea to grow pumpkins for Halloween seems like quite a sensible one. Halloween is becoming increasingly more popular in this country all the time. It's as though he's been dealt extraordinary bad luck with his farming venture, with many obstacles he has managed to face, but it makes for great TV. Especially as it leads to some more hilarious banter between Jeremy and Kaleb, as they try to collect water from the stream in order to water the crops. These two work so well together, particularly because Kaleb isn't afraid to give Clarkson grief if he does something wrong. He's essentially Jeremy Clarkson's ultimate foil, as he has no qualms about standing up to the presenter and telling him exactly what he thinks. Make no mistake though, because it's still very much Jeremy Clarkson's farm, and therefore still very much Clarkson in charge. His mantra of 'When at first you don't succeed, let the teenager do it' is very funny and also a great exhibitor of the power Clarkson holds over Kaleb, as he gets him to drive the water back and then to water the crops manually by hand with a hose when the water tank doesn't work out quite as they had hoped. It's the kind of humour we've come to expect from The Grand Tour, but it works well. They don't seem to have much luck with watering this episode, as their attempts to fill the wetlands area don't quite work out either. On one hand you have the solar powered sprinkler that barely emits anything, and on the other Clarkson's own solution which proves too powerful. Who knew that a lack of rain leading to water problems could provide for such fun entertainment? Watching two men try to water things could otherwise prove quite dull if presented in a more serious type of show such as Countryfile, but here there's truly never a dull moment.

The highlight of the episode though is Clarkson's attempt at sheep shearing. This sees him kicked where it hurts by the sheep numerous times, to the point where he is reduced to pulling poo out of the wool which he folds for what it's claimed will take him a minute amount of money. These scenes had me laughing so many times; I certainly don't begrudge Clarkson, as I would not want to be in his shoes with those sheep. They seem quite a feisty bunch for sure.

They're certainly not very obedient either, as like in earlier episodes Jeremy Clarkson has great difficulty in controlling them. Trampling on his crops and jumping over walls, it's a wonder Clarkson doesn't have the same level of disdain for them as Kaleb by this point. In some ways the sheep are as big a stars of the show as Clarkson or Kaleb, as their mischievous nature maintains the fun energy and spirit of the programme. They prove to be a real force to be reckoned with for Clarkson, providing many challenges for the host across the episodes.

Overall, 'Melting' is another entertaining look at life on Jeremy Clarkson's farm. It gives an amusing take at the trials and tribulations of Clarkson during a prolonged warm spell, and the effect this had left on the crops he was attempting to grow. With a second series just announced, it seems there's plenty of life left in the farming show next, which is great to see because it's truly the best of the solo Clarkson/Hammond/May shows around.

What are your thoughts on the sixth episode of Clarkson's Farm? Let me know in the comments.