trumpetnut-68406

I've watched a good number of these, and I assign them as homework for my ESL classes from time to time. They're fine. I guess I just find a lot of the interactions to be uncomfortable and awkward, as if Phil has crafted a Mr. Bean type personality, but doesn't buy it himself. There are moments he brings some self-deprecation, but they don't come off as funny. It seems like he's really dealing with some internal issues, so when he delivers these lines with a Mr. Bean face, it's quite uncomfortable.

Actually, the people he meets are usually quite down to Earth, and at times seem patiently waiting to have a fully human conversation - but the act never drops. I get it, though. He's build success off of this persona, so might as well stick with it.

I guess my initial enjoyment of this show has faded as I can't unsee a human side covered by an act. But that's just, like, my opinion, man. Good job to the camera crew and the people living their daily lives in these places, but there are other average run-of-the-mill travel food shows I prefer more nowadays, because the show hosts don't seem to be acting.