Long Way Down, Not As Good As the Original

I just watched the first four episodes of Long Way Down, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's motorcycle trip down Africa to Cape Town. Though it is still interesting, it is nowhere near as good as the original, Long Way Round.

In the first go, the cast and crew really enjoyed the journey. They were low-key and not well-known at all (aside from McGregor). This time around, due to the commercial success of the first series, Long Way Down has become a franchise. There are corporate sponsor logos in nearly every shot. Every motorcycle enthusiast along the way knew McGregor and Boorman's exact route and itinerary (and manically greeted them). And even though I've only seen the first four episodes, nobody on the show seemed to be enjoying the journey. It seemed like a job to them.

Mitsubishi support vehicle from the original Long Way Round

Nissan Patrol support vehicle from the sequel, Long Way Down

CKY