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Although the Euro-hopping competitive reality show the travel contest might not have been the seasonal hit the broadcaster had anticipated, it did give host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to give off a globetrotting atmosphere, so the show's host got dressed with premium suits: boldly coloured matching ensembles, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. Unexpectedly, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest trilogy of episodes, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The genial Welshman goes full Yellowstone cowpoke sporting plaid tops, rugged jackets and sometimes a Stetson hat. This complements the concept that sees him piloting an imposing Ford Ranger pickup truck across thousands of miles through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

His mission involves with marking the hundredth anniversary of country music – or at least the century mark of the Nashville radio show which became the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker of country music over decades – through the classic celebrity travelogue tradition of driving around, chatting with residents and engaging deeply in the culture. This anniversary aligns with country becoming, according to him, “the most rapidly expanding genre in the UK” – due to Taylor Swift and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, Post Malone and various performers – offers another angle for examination.

Travel History With Insecurities

It's established he enjoys long drives and a chinwag thanks to the various incarnations of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. But at first he appears uncertain about his credentials to be our guide. Watching him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera evokes recollections of a character, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, Marion & Geoff. En route to Nashville, he calls his sitcom collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She reminds him his some genuine music credentials: their 2009 charity single of Islands in the Stream topped the charts. (“The original artists only made it to No 7!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in Nashville is a little too much for Brydon – trying to dance with the UK actor now musician results in him tap out early in Shania Twain song – the 60-year-old is far less steady during conversations. His polite lines of questioning blends well with southern manners, gathering anecdotes about legends and general musings about the essence of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and nonagenarian celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His gentle manner is effective with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

While some of the stories feel well worn, the opening episode does contain a single genuine curveball. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a cozy recording space? Reportedly, he's visited the state to refine his compositions for decades, and points to Glen Campbell as inspiration for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Here, at last, is an interviewee he can tease, joke with and wind up without worrying about creating a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of country to contextualise and honor, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour through Tennessee and Kentucky (including visits to other areas to come) aims to concentrate on the art and not necessarily engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help includes some elements. While guesting on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada maintain good relations, disrupting his slick hosts off their stride. The audience doesn't see to see presumably icy aftermath.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

But for all his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: friendly, interested, self-effacing and prepared for costume changes, even if he struggles to find an elaborate western top in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star can do solo hosting alone? Definitely.