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Although the continent-crossing competitive reality show Destination X might not have been the summer smash the BBC were hoping for, it provided host Rob Brydon a stylish transformation. The complex bus journey aimed to project a jet-setting vibe, so its master of ceremonies got dressed with premium suits: boldly coloured three-piece suits, silky cravats and nautical jackets. Unexpectedly, he acquired the sophisticated appearance 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 costume changes. The affable comedian goes full western rancher in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and sometimes a cowboy hat. It's all part of a premise that sees him driving a massive Ford Ranger pickup truck across thousands of miles through southern states for a crash course about the musical genre.

His mission involves 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, foundation and star-maker of country music for generations – via the time-honoured star-led journey approach involving driving around, chatting with residents and engaging deeply in the culture. This anniversary has coincided with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – thanks to global superstars and recent countrified albums from multiple artists, famous singers and others – offers another angle for examination.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know he enjoys long drives and conversations because of the various incarnations of his travel series alongside his comedy partner. Initially he appears uncertain if he is truly qualified to be our guide. Watching him speak with an in-car lens evokes beta male memories of Keith, the melancholy driver from Brydon's TV breakthrough, a beloved series. En route to Nashville, he phones his Gavin & Stacey collaborator Jones for a pep talk. She reminds him his some genuine country bona fides: their 2009 charity single of a classic duet was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny reached seventh place!” she notes.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

While the overwhelming experience of a night out in Nashville is a little too much 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 much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His polite interview style blends well with southern manners, gathering Johnny Cash stories and reflections about the essence of the genre from experienced elders like the institution's mainstay a renowned figure and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His gentle manner also works with younger guns, like the scraggly-bearded hitmaker Luke Combs and the instrumental virtuoso a talented musician.

Although several the stories feel well worn, the first installment does contain at least one genuine curveball. What on earth is Gary Barlow spending time in a homely east Nashville studio? Reportedly, he's visited to Tennessee to hone his songwriting since the 1990s, and points to Glen Campbell as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Finally, is an interviewee he can tease, joke with and playfully provoke without fear of causing any offense. (Barlow, bless him, participates willingly.)

Cultural Context and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of the genre to explain and celebrate, it's reasonable that this southern-fried tour across two states (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) wants to focus on music and not necessarily engage with the current political moment. But it cannot help but seep in a little. While guesting on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster the established creator of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders whether the nations maintain good relations, disrupting the polished presenters from their rhythm. The audience doesn't see the likely chilly response.

A Natural Fit in This Role

But for all his visible insecurity, Brydon is clearly well-suited for this sort of lighthearted series: amiable, engaged, self-effacing and always ready to dress the part, even if he has difficulty to find a fancy cowboy shirt in his size. Should Coogan be concerned that the co-star can do solo hosting without him? Definitely.