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Although the continent-crossing reality competition the travel contest wasn't quite the summer smash the broadcaster had anticipated, it did give host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The complex bus journey aimed to project a globetrotting atmosphere, so the show's host was outfitted in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, Brydon had the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes and Country Music

The newest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian goes full Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and sometimes a Stetson hat. This complements of a premise that sees him driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

His mission involves with marking the hundredth anniversary of the genre – specifically the century mark of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the iconic venue, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – through the classic celebrity travelogue tradition of road tripping, chatting with residents and immersing himself in the culture. This anniversary aligns with country becoming, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – due to global superstars and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, famous singers and various performers – provides additional perspective to explore.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

We know he enjoys long drives and conversations thanks to the various incarnations of The Trip with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure about his credentials as a presenter. Observing him speak with an in-car lens evokes recollections of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Music City, he calls his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls that he has authentic country bona fides: their 2009 Comic Relief cover of Islands in the Stream topped the charts. (“The original artists reached seventh place!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in the city proves challenging for the host – a line-dancing attempt alongside a performer now musician results in him tap out early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is much more steady in the interview segments. His polite lines of questioning seem to gel with southern manners, gathering Johnny Cash stories and general musings about the essence of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His calm approach also works with younger guns, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

While some of the anecdotes seem familiar, the first installment does contain a single genuine curveball. Why exactly is the pop star spending time in a cozy recording space? Apparently he has visited the state to hone his songwriting for decades, and points to a country icon as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, mock and playfully provoke without fear of causing a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of the genre to explain and celebrate, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour across two states (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi upcoming) wants to focus on music and not necessarily engage with the current political moment. But it cannot help includes a little. During an appearance on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster the established creator of the famous show – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada maintain good relations, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get to see chilly response.

A Natural Fit for the Format

Despite his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: amiable, engaged, modest and always ready for costume changes, even if he has difficulty locating a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Might his partner worry that the co-star is capable of solo hosting alone? Definitely.