Clarkson's Farm, the popular Amazon Prime series starring Jeremy Clarkson, has returned for a fourth season, but one critic argues it has lost its appeal. The show, which follows the former Top Gear presenter as he runs his Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds, has been praised for its mix of humour and insight into farming. However, the latest instalment is criticised for being repetitive and underdeveloped.
The main issue, according to the review, is that the series feels lazy. Viewers have seen Clarkson struggle with tractors and make expensive mistakes before, and the new season offers little novelty. Even his attempt to buy a pub echoes previous ventures like opening the farm shop or trying to launch a restaurant. The show's charm, once a guilty pleasure, is fading.
A new character, Harriet, a young farmer from Derbyshire, is introduced to replace Kaleb Cooper, who is on tour. While capable and likeable, her role is brief, disappearing after Kaleb returns in episode three. The critic laments that her potential for conflict and rapport with Kaleb is unexplored. Similarly, a subplot involving a runt piglet named Richard Ham(mond) feels like a cheap joke rather than a heartfelt moment.
Despite these flaws, the series still tackles important issues. Clarkson highlights the closure of local abattoirs, predicting all will be gone by 2030, and the decline of UK pubs, with a third closing in 25 years. Harriet also addresses the male loneliness epidemic among farmers, noting suicides due to loneliness, poverty, and restrictive regulations. These segments provide vital insight into farming challenges.
The final episode offers some redemption, with Clarkson discovering his desired pub is on a notorious dogging spot, leading to crude but fresh humour. Yet overall, the critic feels the fourth season lacks the spark that made earlier seasons compelling. The show remains watchable but no longer hits the mark.
