Destination X

I had high expectations of this show. Rob Brydon, travel and a bit of Traitors-style intrigue, but it falls very short of the mark.

There is a distinct lack of jeopardy throughout the show and each episode culminates in the map room where everything is decided... which is essentially a game of Geoguessr. As a viewer, the results of the map challenge are quickly glossed over and someone is just thrown off of the bus.

The play along element via the website is good, but you don't see where your guess ranked against the players... again, the guesses the players make are almost hidden.

Clues are either very vague (who on earth knows where the locations of replica Statue of Libertys are?) or blindingly obvious. And it's really difficult for the viewer to play along at home because the narration gives far too many additional clues.

Then there's the tasks. I feel second hand embarrassment watching Rob Brydon going through insanely complex rules of silly games. It feels like a comedy skit akin to Numberwang. I tend to just switch off.

I expected more than the show delivered. I'll watch to completion, but I rarely abandon a series half way through, but after 4 episodes I've not built any excitement into what happens next, I'm just counting down to the final episode to see who wins.

Despite a slow start with the first episode or two, this is well worth sticking with, to episode three and onwards all the way as you gradually get to know the game players. From a human / psychological point of view, it's fascinating. And there is a certain amount of fun in trying to guess the locations. A happy and satisfying final.

.... The US in readiness for the UK version. The US even though 19minutes shorter an episode, it was better. The only plus side the UK version has is, when the contestants drop their X on the map, in the programme it shows you where they actually placed them. The US version doesn't. This is perhaps due to time restraints in such short episodes.

It has the 'Coach Trip' and 'Crystal Maize' combo vibe. The same coaches are used in both series. Yes there is two coaches, you don't see the second one in the US version. It's the sleeper coach. In shots of the UK series you see it following behind, plus the production vehicles. The clues etc. In the US version are a lot easier. Perhaps it's due to British people tend to know Europe and its many places of interest. I hope the UK version picks up. The main negatives - Rob Brydon is not a good presenter. And the contestants are a bit wet!

The format is really simple but do we really need it explaining all the time, yes we get it they have to work out where they are. All the contestants seem like they have been coached on what to say and how to behave.

The format would be okay if it didn't come across as all been staged managed for entertainment purposes and the result the production team want.

I don't see many people sticking with this.

I have watched the first 2 shows. An interesting concept. Great way to spend some time with the family, keeps you guessing, and makes you wonder what you would in the shoes of the contestants. It's anyone's game. I have no idea who will win but it is getting tense. It's not just the smartest that will win but the most cunning. Well done for a great show.