'Elba vs Block' Review: Strictly for Idris Elba fans and gearheads only
Idris Elba may have been Black Superman in 'Fast & Furious' presents: Hobbs & Shaw', but actually he is a man who has a need for speed. One of Quibi's anticipated shows was a car-race challenge reality series featuring Elba as a man who may be an actor but "can drive" and Ken Block, a professional precision race driver. For those unfamiliar, Block is a professional rally driver with the Hoonigan Racing Division. Over the years, he has also competed in many action sports events including skateboarding, snowboarding and motocross.
Episode 1: 'The Flaming Obstacle Course'
The pilot episode is a quick seven-minute challenge that sees Elba pitted against Block in 'The Flaming Obstacle Course'. As the name suggests, there's a track filled with bikes, barricades, drums, cars and just about anything that could slow you down if not maneuvered right and with precision. Block goes first in his Mustang, clocking less than 50 seconds to complete the challenge while Elba takes the Hulk-smash approach tearing up every obstacle that comes his way.
Needless to say, precision pips force and Block goes 1-0 up in the first episode. As far as a verdict on the show goes, it's good as long as this isn't taken very seriously. At the end of the day, it's just a show that sees Elba's new side and his love for speed, something we haven't witnessed before. With the first episode, it's too early to see how the show fares. But the initial reception, especially from gearheads, will surely be a thumbs-up.
Episode 2: 'Jump'
Frankly, it's a surprise and probably a miracle that the duo came out unscathed. The task is actually what it is. See who can jump over a long row of cars the farthest. No surprises there if you say Elba took this one as he launches his Toyota, stays airborne for a few seconds and then slams into the cars. A 19m jump. Block makes 15m and for him, the challenge level is up a notch as his car comes with a load attached in the form of a caravan. And when he makes the jump, it ends with a sickening crunch.
By now, it's not hard for the audience to toggle their emotions between unbelievably good and "What-in-the-blue-f*****g-blazes are we watchin'?" And that should sum up what we're talking about. Anyways, Elba 1, Block 1.
Episode 3: 'Two Wheels'
Who can drive the car farthest on two wheels? Something that Elba hasn't done before and he does that in a Ford van. The challenge is unique as the duo attempts to do it on a mini-van for practice. When it comes to the run, Block caps an incredible 64.72m before falling on the side like a bug. "Probably the slowest crash I had in my life," he laughs. Elba, well, is an absolute novice and ends up with a big bad thump on his head during the trial. So no competition there as Block goes 2-1.
So three episodes in, we might have to call this one in. The concept is thoroughly impressive but that's as far as it goes. So, this one, for the time being, is strictly for Elba fans and gearheads only.
(With the chapters releasing on a daily basis, this recap and review will be updated episode-wise)
