Following on from last year’s An Idiot Abroad, which saw the stooge of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, Karl Pilkington, visit some of the most interesting and beautiful places in the world, is its sequel, The Bucket List; a series, which will challenge the surly Northerner to undertake those “must do things” before you die.
We would imagine that, by now, you’re either on board with Pilkington’s antics or not. His “idiot savant” shtick is either embraced or repulsed; you’re a believer or sceptic.
As usual his understanding of the situation has his own inimitable slant, he doesn’t really want to do anything before he dies and bungee jumping certainly isn’t one of them. Which, of course, is exactly the first the thing Ricky and Steve send him off to do.
Karl’s understanding is that he’s going to spend a night alone on a private island but he makes some stop-offs at various volcanoes and tribes in the Republic of Vanuatu. His reactions are, as always, understated and Pilkington’s philosophy is more prominent than ever.
It’s a hilarious opener with images that are simply stunning and people who will brighten up your day (and Karl’s). The laughs are hearty and sometimes unexpectedly so (though mainly based on Karl’s predictably amusing reactions).
Exactly the same in tone as the first series, the episode is predictable in the extreme (not necessarily a bad thing), but if you’re already a fan then this won’t disappoint and it looks to be another highly entertaining set of episodes. However, if you’re not a fan then this is unlikely to convert you.
Airs at 9pm on Friday 23rd September 2011 on Sky1.