Chris Tarrant: Extreme Railways

It was some years ago that Monty Python star, Michael Palin, presented the series "Around the World in 80 Days", which set a high standard of travel documentary which was both informative and entertaining.

Extreme Railways, is very much of the same calibre, albeit focusing on railway journeys. What makes it even more watchable, is the humour of its presenter, Chris Tarrant. The journeys covered are a fascinating selextion from all over the World, and each gives a wealth of information and with Chris's unique style and conversations with the many people he encounters, is both charming and amusing. The true talent of Chris is shown on one episode covering the railways involvement in the Holocaust, which is tackled with seriousness and a touching sensitivity.

There are two other contemporary British documentaries attempting to cover railway journeys; Around the World by Train" hosted by Tony Robinson (more famous as Baldric in the sitcom "Blackadder"); and the BBC's Great Railway Journeys hosted by former Politician, Michael Portillo. Robinson's programme seems to be a hastily compiled and edited and instantly forgettable. Portillo, whilst informative, comes across as rather patronising and the humour largely forced and dull.

Having watched all episodes of Extreme Railways (more than once as still entertaining on the second/third viewing), without doubt, Chris and those behind this superb programme have raised the standard even higher than that set by Palin years ago, and fully deserves the top marks I have awarded it.

Thanks Chris for a fascinating program - I have just returned from visiting Jordan (Petra), crossing the Allenby Bridge as you did, and visiting Jerusalem. However in your program you wrongly described Jerusalem as the Capital city of Israel. It is true the Israeli's would like to see it that way and site their parliament in Jerusalem. However under international law, recognized by the British Government, Jerusalem is NOT the capital city of Israel. that is why international embassies are all situated in Tel Aviv. Unfortunately you have allowed Israeli propaganda to influence your programs.

I'm just watching Tarrant shouting and being rude and sarcastic to poor Ukrainians, without any knowledge of any simple, Russian or Ukrainian phrases (please, thank you, hello, good morning, tea, coffee, beer all totally unnecessary, of course, as I'll just shout at them in English. A 10 year old would surely have better knowledge of Soviet, Russian and even Ukrainian history. Why's he looking for stuff to be "grey and Russian". Doesn't he realise that he's in Western Ukraine? Why do we send these idiots (Ayoade's the same) overseas to be nasty and obnoxious about "local customs". Can't Tarrant stay at home with the old steam Severn Railway? I suppose he'd complain about that if he couldn't get a "Full English" to start the day.

"I bet she'd hit you just as look at you."

That is pretty typical for Chris Tarrant's worldly observations. Arrogant, critical, snarky and most annoyingly, he thinks he's charming in the process. I can't help but wonder if he's ever retraced his own steps after a program has aired and his 'Brit as Borat' schtick has had time to grate on the locals he encountered.

Pity, the localities are interesting, often unusual. And when the creature comforts are up to Tarrant's British standards, he can even be complimentary. It begs the question; why doesn't he just stay home? I guess some are born to feel superior.

"It tastes like.... the bottom of a rhinoceros' cage." That's it Chris, never let the colonies, or the third world, forget their place.

This could have been a fantastic show and in places it is. But what ruins it is the hosts oafness and condescending attitude to everyone and anyone.

'Look at these trains, all brand new and spotless...' when describing trains in Botswana or 'all the trains here are red', describing trains in Lithuania. Couple this with trying to communicate with locals by speaking slower and louder. He's like a Brit on holidays in Benidorm, surprised that everyone speaks Spanish.

He compounds the racial stereotype of a colonial explorer and frankly, shouldn't have made it past series one.