Clarkson’s Farm Series 1
Amazon Prime released Clarkson’s Farm, the eight episode docu-series chronicles the struggles and triumphs of the Diddly Squat Farm’s first year. Jeremy Clarkson, most known as ⅓ of the world-famous Top Gear trio, has traded in his luxury cars for a luxury tractor.
For the experience Clarkson has in cars, traveling the world, and building bridges in the Burmese jungle, he most certainly lacks in agriculture.
Viewers have the pleasure of following Clarkson’s Farm through what he himself has called the ‘unluckiest year for farming’. Monsoon-like rains, followed by weeks-long droughts and a pandemic, the odds were stacked against the little farm that could.
At the beginning of the series we learn Clarkson is given a hefty list of supplies and machinery he will need to acquire for the upcoming season. He has only a few weeks to ready the grounds, plant seeds, and build multiple structures in order to ensure the integrity of the farm.
The sprawling 1,000 acre Cotswolds property becomes host to all sorts of misfortune and antics as the show’s first series goes on. The picturesque rolling hills of Chipping Norton’s landscape are beautifully captured in nearly every shot the audience sees.
The show follows Clarkson to equipment and livestock auctions, into farming lessons with charming farm hand Kaleb, and into meetings with the farm’s advising agent, Charlie, who almost never has good news. Clarkson’s often defiance of Kaleb and Charlie’s advice or suggestions bring about some particularly hilarious conversations and arguments between the cast.
The series as a whole gives a deep and honest look into the often harsh realities of general farm upkeep, crop production, and livestock rearing.
When Clarkson learns after a male lamb is born it must be immediately castrated to prevent inbreeding, he is visibly horrified, and attempts to make a case for the little sheep clutched in his arms.
I have been particularly taken and delighted by the farm’s stone-wall keeper, a man named Gerald. Gerald sports a mullet, a permanent smile, and an absolutely unintelligible rural english accent. Clarkson often nods and gives a yes before quickly departing conversations with Gerald.
Half way through the season, production aligned with the early days of the pandemic. Providing an unseen look at how the agricultural industry was affected by COVID. This was a particularly captivating part of the docu-series because viewers are given a look at how the average farmer’s livelihood was truly jeopardized during this time.
By the end of the season when the farm’s crops are ready to be harvested, Clarkson climbs into the enormous Lamborghini tractor to bring in the year’s hard-fought crop. The scenes of combines traipsing up and down the fields, is accompanied by delightful classical tunes that really illustrate the light and playful tone the show has made its signature.
This show is a truly unmissable and heartwarming hit from Amazon Prime. Season 2 is confirmed without a release date.
