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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 convoluted coach trip clearly wanted to project a globetrotting atmosphere, so its master of ceremonies got dressed with premium suits: vibrant three-piece suits, silky cravats and yacht-ready blazers. All of a sudden, Brydon had the debonair look to match his vintage 007 impersonation.

Costume Changes with Musical Roots

The newest three-part series, Rob Brydon's Honky Tonk Road Trip, also features some Mr Benn-style thematic wardrobe. The genial Welshman goes full western rancher in a parade of flannel shirts, rugged jackets and the occasional cowboy hat. This complements of a premise that sees him piloting an imposing American 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 the genre – or at least the century mark of the Nashville radio show which became the Grand Ole Opry, foundation and star-maker in the industry for generations – via the time-honoured star-led journey approach involving road tripping, gabbing to locals and immersing himself with traditions. This anniversary aligns with the genre's rise as, he claims, “the most rapidly expanding music style in Britain” – thanks to Taylor Swift and recent countrified albums from Beyoncé, famous singers and various performers – provides additional perspective to explore.

Travel History With Insecurities

We know Brydon is up for long drives and a chinwag because of the various incarnations of his travel series with Steve Coogan. But at first he seems unsure about his credentials to be our guide. Observing him speak with a dashboard-mounted camera certainly brings back beta male memories of a character, the melancholy driver from Brydon's TV breakthrough, Marion & Geoff. Traveling toward Nashville, he calls his Gavin & Stacey co-star Ruth Jones to boost his confidence. She recalls that he has authentic country bona fides: their 2009 charity single of Islands in the Stream was a UK No 1. (“Dolly and Kenny only made it to seventh place!” she points out.)

Conversational Talents and Cultural Immersion

If the “full sensory overload” of a night out in Nashville proves challenging for Brydon – a line-dancing attempt alongside a performer turned country singer Twinnie sees him giving up during the opening a popular tune – the 60-year-old is much more wobbly legged in the interview segments. His respectful interview style seem to gel with southern manners, efficiently extracting Johnny Cash stories and general musings on the spirit of country music from silvery-haired veterans like the institution's mainstay a renowned figure and 92-year-old tailor-to-the-stars a fashion icon. His calm approach is effective with younger guns, like the bearded chart-topping singer and the bluegrass banjo maestro a talented musician.

Although several the stories feel well worn, the opening episode includes a single genuine curveball. Why exactly is Gary Barlow spending time in a cozy recording space? Apparently he has visited the state to hone his songwriting since the 1990s, and cites Glen Campbell as an influence for his band's bulletproof ballad a classic song. Finally, we meet a guest he can tease, joke with and playfully provoke without worrying about creating any offense. (The good-natured star, participates willingly.)

Broader Implications and Unscripted Moments

With an entire century of country to explain and honor, it is understandable this regional journey across two states (with pit stops in Virginia, Alabama and Mississippi to come) aims to concentrate on the art and not necessarily engage with contemporary issues. Yet it inevitably includes some elements. While guesting on the glossy morning show on the local broadcaster WSM – proud founder of the famous show – Brydon jokingly wonders if the US and Canada are still friends, which throws the polished presenters from their rhythm. We do not get the likely chilly response.

A Natural Fit in This Role

But for all his apparent self-doubt, he is obviously a good fit for this type of lighthearted series: friendly, interested, self-effacing and always ready to dress the part, although he struggles locating a fancy cowboy shirt that comes in a medium. Might his partner worry that the co-star can do solo hosting alone? Absolutely.