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While the Euro-hopping competitive reality show Destination X wasn't quite the summer smash the broadcaster had anticipated, it did give presenter Brydon a stylish transformation. The convoluted coach trip aimed to project a jet-setting vibe, so the show's host got dressed with premium suits: boldly coloured matching ensembles, smooth neckwear and yacht-ready blazers. Unexpectedly, Brydon had the debonair look complementing his vintage 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest trilogy of episodes, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, includes themed outfit thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian transforms into western rancher sporting plaid tops, rugged jackets and the occasional cowboy hat. It's all part the concept that sees him driving a massive American truck across thousands of miles of the southern US to learn quickly about the musical genre.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of country music – specifically the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast which became the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker of country music over decades – through the classic star-led journey approach involving road tripping, gabbing to locals and immersing himself in the culture. This anniversary has coincided with country becoming, according to him, “the most rapidly expanding genre in the UK” – thanks to Taylor Swift and new country-inspired records from Beyoncé, Post Malone and various performers – offers another angle to explore.

Travel History and Personal Doubts

It's established he enjoys a road trip and a chinwag thanks to multiple seasons of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. But at first he seems unsure about his credentials as a presenter. Watching him speak with an in-car lens evokes beta male memories of a character, the melancholy driver from his early career, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Music City, he calls his sitcom collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She recalls his authentic country bona fides: a past charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny reached No 7!” she points out.)

Interview Skills With Local Engagement

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in the city is a little too much for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt with the UK actor now musician results in him giving up early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is much more steady in the interview segments. His polite interview style seem to gel local etiquette, gathering Johnny Cash stories and reflections on the spirit of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay Bill Anderson and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars Manuel Cuevas. His calm approach is effective with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro Tray Wellington.

Although several the stories feel well worn, the first installment includes a single genuine curveball. What on earth is the pop star spending time in a cozy recording space? Reportedly, he's been coming the state to refine his songwriting for decades, and cites a country icon as inspiration on Take That's enduring hit Back for Good. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, joke with and wind up without fear about creating any offense. (The good-natured star, is very game.)

Cultural Context With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of the genre to explain and celebrate, it's reasonable this regional journey across two states (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) wants to focus on music and without needing to address the current political moment. But it cannot help but seep in some elements. During an appearance on the glossy morning show of the Nashville radio station the established creator of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations are still friends, which throws his slick hosts from their rhythm. The audience doesn't see to see presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit for the Format

But for all his visible insecurity, he is obviously a good fit for this sort of lighthearted series: amiable, engaged, self-effacing and always ready to dress the part, although he struggles to find a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that his wingman is capable of the whole travelogue thing without him? Definitely.