🔗 Share this article

Although the Euro-hopping reality competition Destination X wasn't quite the seasonal hit the BBC had anticipated, it did give host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to project a globetrotting atmosphere, so the show's host was outfitted in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured three-piece suits, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, Brydon had the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

The newest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The affable comedian transforms into western rancher in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional cowboy hat. This complements the concept where he piloting an imposing Ford Ranger pickup truck on a 2,000-mile circuit of the southern US for a crash course in country music.

His mission involves celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the genre – or at least the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the iconic venue, foundation and star-maker of country music over decades – through the classic celebrity travelogue tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and immersing himself in the culture. This anniversary has coincided with country becoming, he claims, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – due to global superstars and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, famous singers and others – provides additional perspective to explore.

Travel History With Insecurities

It's established he enjoys a road trip and conversations thanks to the various incarnations of The Trip with Steve Coogan. But at first he appears uncertain if he is truly qualified as a presenter. Watching him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera evokes beta male memories of a character, the melancholy driver from Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. En route to Nashville, he phones his Gavin & Stacey co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She reminds him his authentic country bona fides: their 2009 charity single of a classic duet topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to No 7!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in Nashville proves challenging for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor turned country singer Twinnie sees him giving up during the opening Shania Twain song – the veteran comedian is much more steady in the interview segments. His polite lines of questioning blends well with southern manners, efficiently extracting anecdotes about legends and reflections about the essence of the genre from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His calm approach also works with younger guns, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the bluegrass banjo maestro Tray Wellington.

While some of the anecdotes seem familiar, the first installment does contain at least one unexpected moment. What on earth is the pop star spending time in a cozy east Nashville studio? Reportedly, he's visited to Tennessee to hone his compositions since the 1990s, and cites a country icon as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Finally, is an interviewee Brydon can needle, mock and wind up without worrying about creating a diplomatic incident. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Cultural Context With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of the genre to explain and celebrate, it is understandable that this southern-fried tour across two states (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi upcoming) wants to focus on the art and not necessarily engage with the current political moment. Yet it inevitably but seep in some elements. During an appearance on the polished program of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get the likely chilly response.

Ideal Presenter in This Role

Despite his visible insecurity, he is obviously well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: friendly, interested, modest and always ready for costume changes, although he has difficulty to find an elaborate western top that comes in a medium. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman can do the whole travelogue thing without him? Absolutely.