After the success of Around the World in 80 Days, it was inevitable that Michael Palin would set off again. For this one, he is traveling from the North Pole to the South Pole along 30 degrees longitude. His group would travel down Russia just ahead of the coup which happens when they're in Turkey. They follow the Nile into the interior of Africa and make for the recently post-Apartheid South Africa. The last episode has them forced to jump across the ocean to South America before flying to Antarctica.
This one could never compare to 80 Days. Everybody has only one first time. In addition, this isn't based on a popular story and it doesn't have a ticking timer. The time element in 80 Days gave the show real tension. The fact is that the missed connection to Antarctica holds no relevance. It doesn't matter whether he finishes the trip in 80 days or 100 days or 1000 days. Nevertheless, it still has Michael Palin and he's still doing things by the seat of his pants. It has his humor and humanity. He is still the best. As for the trip, the chaos of the African interiors is very compelling. Sudan is the best episode for a reason. One can sense the dangers and its accompanying excitement. Riding on top of the train comes closest to the feeling of riding the Dhow in 80 Days. This may be inferior to 80 Days but it is still better than most travel shows.
This one could never compare to 80 Days. Everybody has only one first time. In addition, this isn't based on a popular story and it doesn't have a ticking timer. The time element in 80 Days gave the show real tension. The fact is that the missed connection to Antarctica holds no relevance. It doesn't matter whether he finishes the trip in 80 days or 100 days or 1000 days. Nevertheless, it still has Michael Palin and he's still doing things by the seat of his pants. It has his humor and humanity. He is still the best. As for the trip, the chaos of the African interiors is very compelling. Sudan is the best episode for a reason. One can sense the dangers and its accompanying excitement. Riding on top of the train comes closest to the feeling of riding the Dhow in 80 Days. This may be inferior to 80 Days but it is still better than most travel shows.