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Although the Euro-hopping competitive reality show the travel contest wasn't quite the summer smash the BBC were hoping for, it did give presenter Brydon a lovely glow-up. The convoluted coach trip clearly wanted to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies was outfitted with premium suits: vibrant three-piece suits, silky cravats and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance to match his vintage Roger Moore impression.

Costume Changes and Country Music

The newest trilogy of episodes, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, includes some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The genial Welshman goes full Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade plaid tops, rugged jackets and the occasional Stetson hat. This complements of a premise where he piloting an imposing American truck across thousands of miles of the southern US to learn quickly about the musical genre.

His mission involves with marking the centenary of the genre – specifically the century mark of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and engaging deeply with traditions. This anniversary aligns with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – thanks to Taylor Swift and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, famous singers and various performers – offers another angle for examination.

Road Trip Experience and Personal Doubts

We know Brydon is up for a road trip and a chinwag thanks to the various incarnations of his travel series with Steve Coogan. Initially he seems unsure if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Observing him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera evokes beta male memories of a character, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Nashville, he calls his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones to boost his confidence. She reminds him his some genuine music credentials: a past charity single of a classic duet topped the charts. (“The original artists only made it to No 7!” she points out.)

Interview Skills and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in the city is a little too much for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt alongside a performer now musician Twinnie sees him tap out early in Shania Twain song – the veteran comedian is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His polite interview style blends well local etiquette, efficiently extracting anecdotes about legends and reflections on the spirit of the genre from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and nonagenarian celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His calm approach is effective with younger guns, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

Although several the stories feel well worn, the opening episode does contain at least one genuine curveball. Why exactly is Gary Barlow doing hanging out in a cozy recording space? Reportedly, he's been coming to Tennessee to refine his compositions since the 1990s, and cites Glen Campbell as an influence on Take That's enduring hit Back for Good. Finally, is an interviewee he can tease, joke with and playfully provoke without worrying about creating a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of country to contextualise and honor, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour across two states (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) wants to focus on music and not necessarily address the current political moment. But it cannot help includes a little. During an appearance on the polished program on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations maintain good relations, which throws his slick hosts from their rhythm. The audience doesn't see to see presumably icy aftermath.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

But for all his visible insecurity, Brydon is clearly a good fit for this sort of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, engaged, self-effacing and always ready to dress the part, although he has difficulty to find an elaborate western top in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman can do solo hosting without him? Absolutely.