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While the Euro-hopping reality competition the travel contest might not have been the seasonal hit the BBC had anticipated, it did give host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies got dressed in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured matching ensembles, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance to match his vintage 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest three-part series, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features themed outfit costume changes. The affable comedian transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, sturdy coats and the occasional cowboy hat. This complements the concept that sees him piloting an imposing American truck across thousands of miles through southern states for a crash course about the musical genre.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of the genre – or at least the 100th anniversary of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, foundation and star-maker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured star-led journey approach involving road tripping, gabbing to locals and immersing himself in the culture. This anniversary aligns with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – due to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, famous singers and various performers – offers another angle for examination.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

It's established Brydon is up for a road trip and conversations because of multiple seasons of his travel series with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure if he is truly qualified as a presenter. Observing him speak with a dashboard-mounted camera evokes beta male memories of a character, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, Marion & Geoff. En route to Nashville, he phones his sitcom collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him his some genuine music credentials: a past charity single of a classic duet topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny reached seventh place!” she notes.)

Interview Skills With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” during an evening in the city proves challenging for the host – trying to dance alongside a performer now musician results in him giving up during the opening Shania Twain song – the 60-year-old is far less steady during conversations. His polite interview style seem to gel with southern manners, gathering Johnny Cash stories and general musings on the spirit of country music from experienced elders like the Grand Ole Opry fixture Bill Anderson and nonagenarian 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 a talented musician.

While some of the anecdotes feel well worn, the opening episode includes at least one genuine curveball. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a cozy east Nashville studio? Apparently he has visited the state to hone his songwriting for decades, and cites a country icon as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, we meet a guest Brydon can needle, joke with and playfully provoke without worrying of causing any offense. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context With Spontaneous Interactions

Given a hundred years of country to contextualise and honor, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour through Tennessee and Kentucky (with pit stops to other areas to come) wants to focus on the art and without needing to engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in a little. While guesting on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada are still friends, disrupting his slick hosts off their stride. The audience doesn't see the likely chilly response.

Ideal Presenter for the Format

Despite his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this sort of lighthearted series: amiable, engaged, modest and always ready for costume changes, although he has difficulty locating an elaborate western top in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman can do the whole travelogue thing alone? Definitely.