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While the Euro-hopping competitive reality show the travel contest wasn't quite the seasonal hit the BBC had anticipated, it provided presenter Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey clearly wanted to give off a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies was outfitted in deluxe tailoring: vibrant matching ensembles, smooth neckwear and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, Brydon had the debonair look to match his vintage 007 impersonation.

A Thematic Wardrobe with Musical Roots

His latest three-part series, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The affable comedian transforms into Yellowstone cowpoke in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional cowboy hat. This complements the concept that sees him piloting an imposing American truck on a 2,000-mile circuit through southern states for a crash course about the musical genre.

His mission involves celebrating the centenary of the genre – or at least the 100th anniversary of the Nashville radio show that evolved into the Grand Ole Opry, cornerstone and kingmaker in the industry for generations – via the time-honoured star-led journey tradition of driving around, chatting with residents and engaging deeply with traditions. This anniversary has coincided with the genre's rise as, according to him, “the most rapidly expanding genre in the UK” – due to Taylor Swift and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, famous singers and various performers – provides additional perspective for examination.

Travel History and Personal Doubts

We know he enjoys long drives and a chinwag thanks to multiple seasons of his travel series with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Watching him confide to a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back beta male memories of Keith, the sad-sack cabby from his early career, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Music City, he phones his Gavin & Stacey co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She reminds him his some genuine music credentials: a past Comic Relief cover of Islands in the Stream topped the charts. (“The original artists only made it to No 7!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in Nashville is a little too much for the host – a line-dancing attempt alongside a performer now musician results in him tap out early in Shania Twain song – the veteran comedian is far less wobbly legged in the interview segments. His respectful interview style seem to gel local etiquette, efficiently extracting Johnny Cash stories and reflections on the spirit of the genre from experienced elders like the Grand Ole Opry fixture a renowned figure and 92-year-old celebrity clothier a fashion icon. His gentle manner also works with newer artists, like the bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the instrumental virtuoso Tray Wellington.

Although several the stories seem familiar, the opening episode includes at least one genuine curveball. Why exactly is the pop star doing hanging out in a homely recording space? Apparently he has been coming the state to refine his songwriting for decades, and cites a country icon as inspiration for his band's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Here, at last, is an interviewee he can tease, mock and playfully provoke without fear of causing any offense. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

Given a hundred years of the genre to explain and honor, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour across two states (including visits in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) aims to concentrate on music and without needing to address contemporary issues. But it cannot help but seep in a little. While guesting on the glossy morning show of the Nashville radio station the established creator of the Grand Ole Opry – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada maintain good relations, which throws the polished presenters off their stride. We do not get to see presumably icy aftermath.

A Natural Fit in This Role

Despite his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this type of breezy, bite-size format: friendly, interested, modest and prepared to dress the part, although he has difficulty to find a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star is capable of solo hosting without him? Definitely.