Top Gear review – boy racers go full-throttle in the wrong kind of drag race

Now in its 31st series, the motoring show continues to let men burn rubber and hail the patriarchy - though a tribute to Eddie Kidd shows there's a heart somewhere under the bonnet

To find out what it's capable of," growls Chris Harris, as he accelerates a 280,000 McLaren 645LT towards its top speed of 200mph, you'd better bring your A game. And possibly a spare of boxer shorts." What he doesn't say - but is possibly thinking - is and your mum to do the washing".

Top Gear (BBC One) is back for its 31st series. It remains a space where men can be boys: perving over curves, pulling on their proverbial gear sticks and otherwise sublimating their erotic drives. Perhaps there are women behind the cameras - and, yes, there are a few in the studio audience - but by and large this is the BBC's answer to the Garrick Club.