An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List Review - Karl’s Torture Continues
If the quality continues to remain at the standard demonstrated in episode one of this new series, long may Ricky and Steven continue to torture the wonderful Mr. Pilkington.
(Our review of the first episode of An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List that was screened for press last night)
rating: 4.5
In what feels like a slightly contrived device to continue Karls adventures, Karl Pilkington, Ricky Gervais former radio producer turned guinea pig and lovingly dubbed little round-headed buffoon tackles bucket list-worthy activities for this second series. Presented with a list of the one-hundred most popular things that people would like to do before they die, Karl chooses one that he would like to do; more accurately, however, Ricky and Stephen force their choices upon him and throw in as many curve balls as they can, which they know will push Karl to his very last nerve end and provoke the most volatile and more-often-than-not hilarious reactions. Episode one sees Karl essentially tackling two activities - one chosen by himself and one imposed by Ricky and Stephen. The former is going to a desert island, the latter is bungee jumping. And perfectly merging the two together, they send Karl to The Happiest Place on Earth the island of Vanuatu, which is the birthplace of the bungee. But before getting there Karl is posed the task of taking on a standard bungee jump, something he had previously called pointless. With helmet on and standing on the ledge, thousands of feet off the ground, Karl stares his fear of heights in the face but bottles it.
Its a sign of great reality television that it manages to get drama from someone being very human and not overcoming their fear. Its so rare to see someone admit to their so-called shortcomings, which Karl does here. Arriving on Vanuatu, the tiny island just off of New Zealand, Karl gets a chance to redeem himself, by jumping of what is essentially a tower made of branches and twigs, with a bungee cord wrapped around his ankles and landing in mud. He manages to redeem himself somewhat, but in typical Karl style, it isnt without moans and groans. Then, to complete his goal of spending a night on a deserted island like Robinson Crusoe he travels to a volcanic island where the people worship none other than Prince Phillip. Yes, thats the Queens husband. Apparently after his visit to the island years back all their problems disappeared. The problems are never detailed but clearly they arent the same problems that we face every day, as The Prince has failed to fix them. Or perhaps weve just never given him enough responsibility. Karl dances a traditional dance, and does ass boarding down the volcano, which he reduces to little more than natures furnace, perfect for disposing of an unwanted mattress or chest of drawers, then its off to a deserted island where he constructs his own shelter from twig and leaves and gaffer tap, whilst being pelted by torrential rain. Fortunately he has a friend to comfort him and get him through his wet and lonely night a football with a face drawn on it courtesy of Mr. Gervais. Karl is not quick to become friends with Wilson. In an age where the reality in reality TV seems long gone and those who do seem genuinely real are not worthy of television time, Karl Pilkington is a rare gem; an unabashedly honest, human being. Gullible, naïve and archaic are all adjectives that have been used to criticise the man from Manchester, but dull is one that can never be ventured. He is constantly open to gaining knowledge and insights into the world and whether he means to or not has a wicked sense of humour and wonderful comic timing and delivery. While the 7 wonders presented a limited supply of 7 episodes, the bucket seems to offer a wide plethora of material that could cover several seasons. And if the quality continues to remain at the standard demonstrated in episode one of this new series, long may Ricky and Steven continue to torture the wonderful Mr. Pilkington. However, I will contain my happiness with this series somewhat, for as Karl says, happiness is like cake; have too much and you get sick of it. And a big thanks to Sky One for the goodybag I got from the screening last night. Lovely stuff; 
An Idiot Abroad 2 will air exclusively on Sky 1 HD and Sky 1 in September 2011.