, while his trips are continuously sabotaged by co-stars Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. Gervais and Merchant, who also produce the show, act like two older brothers, always looking to set up Karl for their own amusement. It’s a good thing they do, because this series has been one of the best new shows of the year, breaking viewership records and attracting an audience of over four million viewers since it’s debut. Pilkington’s reluctance to take part in anything, and critical and often unmoved views of The Wonders, gives a real-person’s perspective on places that are supposed to be amazing, but in reality, are little more than over-exposed tourist traps. The non-polarized commentary is a refreshing contrast to the hackneyed travel veteran host’s viewpoint, where the landmarks are still portrayed as trendy and humbling. In watching Karl bumble his way through the cultural gauntlet, his experiences become relatable, and opinions trustworthy, as he often says aloud what viewers are thinking.
Even though The Wonders are underwhelming, the real entertainment comes from the constant diversions Gervais and Merchant send Karl on, including his donning a costume and dancing the parade route for Carnival, to getting kidnapped as part of a safety training exercise. With his consistent resistance to everything outside his comfort zone, he is easily and often pushed into quick-witted tirades, outraged by the running joke of unaccommodating lodging, bizarre and disgusting foods, discomforting customs, and periodic phone calls from HQ, detouring him to his next activity.
Amidst all his misadventure, he still manages to find ways to amuse himself, going for a float in The Dead Sea, and joining in on some dancing to directly defy Gervais and Merchant’s wish for him not to enjoy his self during the taping. “I don’t like false fun”, Pilkington said in the final episode, as well as firmly declaring that he would not return for a second season. Here’s to hoping he’s just playing hard-to-get.
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