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Although the continent-crossing competitive reality show the travel contest wasn't quite the summer smash the BBC had anticipated, it provided host Rob Brydon a lovely glow-up. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to give off a globetrotting atmosphere, so its master of ceremonies got dressed in deluxe tailoring: vibrant three-piece suits, smooth neckwear and nautical jackets. All of a sudden, he acquired the sophisticated appearance complementing his vintage 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

His latest three-part series, Brydon's Country Music Expedition, also features some Mr Benn-style costume changes. The genial Welshman transforms into western rancher in a parade plaid tops, rugged jackets and sometimes a cowboy hat. This complements of a premise that sees him driving a massive American truck across thousands of miles through southern states to learn quickly in country music.

Brydon has been tasked with marking the centenary of country music – specifically the 100th anniversary of the legendary broadcast that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, foundation and star-maker in the industry over decades – through the classic star-led journey tradition of driving around, gabbing to locals and engaging deeply in the culture. That the centenary has coincided with the genre's rise as, according to him, “the fastest-growing genre in the UK” – thanks to global superstars and new country-inspired records from multiple artists, famous singers and others – offers another angle to explore.

Road Trip Experience With Insecurities

It's established he enjoys a road trip and conversations because of multiple seasons of his travel series with Steve Coogan. Initially he appears uncertain 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 Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. En route to Nashville, he calls his Gavin & Stacey co-star Ruth Jones for a pep talk. She recalls his some genuine country bona fides: their 2009 Comic Relief cover of a classic duet topped the charts. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to seventh place!” she notes.)

Interview Skills With Local Engagement

While the overwhelming experience during an evening in Nashville is a little too much for Brydon – trying to dance with the UK actor turned country singer results in him tap out early in a popular tune – the 60-year-old is far less steady in the interview segments. His respectful lines of questioning seem to gel local etiquette, efficiently extracting Johnny Cash stories and general musings about the essence of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the Grand Ole Opry fixture Bill Anderson and nonagenarian celebrity clothier Manuel Cuevas. His gentle manner also works with newer artists, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the stories seem familiar, the opening episode does contain at least one unexpected moment. What on earth is Gary Barlow spending time in a cozy east Nashville studio? Apparently he has visited to Tennessee to hone his songwriting since the 1990s, and points to Glen Campbell as inspiration for his band's bulletproof ballad Back for Good. Finally, is an interviewee Brydon can needle, joke with and wind up without fear of causing a diplomatic incident. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications With Spontaneous Interactions

With an entire century of country to explain and honor, it is understandable this regional journey across two states (with pit stops to other areas to come) aims to concentrate on the art and without needing to engage with contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in a little. During an appearance on the glossy morning show of the Nashville radio station WSM – proud founder of the famous show – the host humorously asks if the US and Canada are still friends, disrupting his slick hosts from their rhythm. The audience doesn't see to see presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit in This Role

But for all his visible insecurity, he is obviously a good fit for this sort of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, engaged, self-effacing and always ready to dress the part, even if he struggles to find an elaborate western top in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star can do the whole travelogue thing without him? Definitely.