Ever since Seinfeld, story arcs in comedy centred on nothing in particular have grown to become something of a genre standard. No show took that quite as literally as The Trip, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, which first aired on BBC Two in 2010. The original conceit, and the comedy, were simple: two well-established comedians (and quasi-friends) have expensive meals at fancy Lake District restaurants while doing impressions of the likes of Michael Caine, Marlon Brando and Ronnie Corbett. On paper that doesn’t sound like comedy gold, but something in the chemistry of Brydon and Coogan’s easy banter and Michael Winterbottom’s skilful direction made for an immediate hit.
Sadly, that journey – or, this time, that Odyssey – looks to have reached its conclusion. Ten years, four series and three more countries