The Welsh Comedian's Honky Tonk Road Trip Analysis: Evidence He Doesn't Need an Entertaining Travelogue

While the continent-crossing reality competition Destination X might not have been the summer smash the BBC were hoping for, it provided host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The complex bus journey aimed to project a jet-setting vibe, so the show's host was outfitted in deluxe tailoring: boldly coloured three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. Unexpectedly, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his classic 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe and Country Music

His latest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes themed outfit thematic wardrobe. The genial Welshman goes full Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade plaid tops, sturdy coats and sometimes a Stetson hat. This complements of a premise where he driving a massive American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states to learn quickly about the musical genre.

Brydon has been tasked celebrating the hundredth anniversary of country music – or at least the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast which became the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – via the time-honoured celebrity travelogue tradition of road tripping, gabbing to locals and immersing himself in the culture. That the centenary aligns with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – thanks to global superstars and new country-inspired records from multiple artists, famous singers and various performers – provides additional perspective for examination.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know he enjoys long drives and conversations because of multiple seasons of The Trip with Steve Coogan. Initially he seems unsure if he is truly qualified as a presenter. Observing him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera evokes beta male memories of a character, the sad-sack cabby from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. En route to Nashville, he calls his sitcom co-star Ruth Jones for a pep talk. She recalls his some genuine country bona fides: a past Comic Relief cover of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“The original artists reached seventh place!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in the city proves challenging for the host – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor now musician results in him tap out early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is far less steady during conversations. His polite lines of questioning blends well local etiquette, efficiently extracting Johnny Cash stories and reflections on the spirit of the genre from experienced elders like the Grand Ole Opry fixture Bill Anderson and nonagenarian celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His gentle manner is effective with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

Although several the anecdotes feel well worn, the opening episode does contain at least one unexpected moment. What on earth is Gary Barlow doing hanging out in a homely recording space? Apparently he has visited to Tennessee to refine his compositions for decades, and cites a country icon as an influence on Take That's enduring hit a classic song. Finally, is an interviewee Brydon can needle, joke with and playfully provoke without fear about creating a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, is very game.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of the genre to contextualise and celebrate, it's reasonable this regional journey across two states (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi upcoming) wants to focus on music and not necessarily engage with contemporary issues. Yet it inevitably includes some elements. During an appearance on the glossy morning show of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, disrupting the polished presenters off their stride. We do not get the likely chilly response.

Ideal Presenter in This Role

Despite his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously well-suited for this type of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, engaged, self-effacing and always ready to dress the part, although he struggles to find a fancy cowboy shirt that comes in a medium. Might his partner worry that the co-star is capable of solo hosting alone? Absolutely.