The Trip to Greece

Trip to Greece 2

By Joanna Langfield

Honestly, could this bittersweet sendoff have shown up at a better time? Even if you haven’t traveled with Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan in their (to me, anyway) beloved series before, who wouldn’t want to just gaze at the Aegean and virtually sip some ouzo right about now?

In this final chapter of the little series that could, Brydon and Coogan reunite to once again explore scenery and cuisine for an article to run in an English magazine. In this, reportedly the final trip, they fly off to Greece, Brydon once again missing his family back home and Coogan, once again, exploring the parameters of his life as a divorced, middle aged father and son. As they did driving through the lush English countryside, the Amalfi Coast, and the beaches of Spain, the two bicker, confess, philosophize and compete to see who’s funnier. And they eat amazing looking food. What could be bad?

Director Michael Winterbottom, who has been along for the ride throughout, dips heavier into the drama this time around, as both men face mortality and the question of what kind of life do they really want to lead. But, of course, they do so while touring ancient ruins, swimming in the sea and sipping oysters out of the shell. And they continue my favorite, their celebrity impression contest. Maybe nothing will top the original dueling Michael Caines, but I’m always incredibly happy and amazed to watch them go at it.

The “Trip” series has been most remarkable, beginning as a TV special and winding through the years with a joyous yet grounded look at life and some of the world’s most beautiful sights. What a treat it’s been. Thanks, guys, for the ride.