🔗 Share this article

Although the Euro-hopping competitive reality show Destination X wasn't quite the seasonal hit the BBC were hoping for, it provided presenter Brydon a lovely glow-up. The convoluted coach trip aimed to give off a jet-setting vibe, so the show's host was outfitted with premium suits: boldly coloured matching ensembles, silky cravats and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, Brydon had the debonair look complementing his classic Roger Moore impression.

A Thematic Wardrobe and Country Music

The newest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features themed outfit thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade plaid tops, rugged jackets and the occasional Stetson hat. It's all part of a premise where he piloting an imposing American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states for a crash course in country music.

Brydon has been tasked with marking the hundredth anniversary of country music – or at least the century mark of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker in the industry over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and engaging deeply with traditions. This anniversary has coincided with the genre's rise as, according to him, “the fastest-growing music style in Britain” – due to global superstars and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, famous singers and others – offers another angle to explore.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

It's established Brydon is up for a road trip and a chinwag thanks to multiple seasons of The Trip alongside his comedy partner. Initially he appears uncertain if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Observing him speak with an in-car lens evokes beta male memories of Keith, the melancholy driver from his early career, a beloved series. En route to Nashville, he phones his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls his authentic music credentials: their 2009 Comic Relief cover of a classic duet was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to seventh place!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in the city proves challenging for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor turned country singer results in him tap out early in Shania Twain song – the 60-year-old is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His polite lines of questioning seem to gel local etiquette, gathering Johnny Cash stories and reflections about the essence of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and 92-year-old celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His gentle manner is effective with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded chart-topping singer and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

While some of the anecdotes seem familiar, the opening episode does contain a single unexpected moment. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a cozy recording space? Reportedly, he's been coming the state to hone his compositions for decades, and cites Glen Campbell as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, joke with and wind up without worrying about creating any offense. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of the genre to explain and celebrate, it is understandable this regional journey through Tennessee and Kentucky (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) aims to concentrate on the art and not necessarily address the current political moment. Yet it inevitably but seep in some elements. While guesting on the glossy morning show of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada maintain good relations, which throws his slick hosts from their rhythm. We do not get to see presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit in This Role

Despite his visible insecurity, he is obviously well-suited for this type of lighthearted series: friendly, interested, self-effacing and prepared to dress the part, although he has difficulty locating an elaborate western top in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman is capable of the whole travelogue thing without him? Absolutely.