I like it. Like i said from day 1, season 1 of uk top gear was boring and bland too. Frankly, it wasn't until about season 3 or 4 that they really started getting into it with Hammonds teeth whintener, etc. As they hang out more and more and become better friends, the picking and joking will go deeper.
In just 9 episodes, we saw drastic changes from the viper run to the toughest truck bit.
Next season should improve as well.