Ep 1. China

An Idiot Abroad is a travel documentary series that follows the adventures of Karl Pilkington, a man who has been chosen for his unique perspective on the world, as he travels to various locations around the globe.

In season 1, episode 1, Karl is sent to China, a country which he knows little about and has never had any interest in visiting. From the outset, Karl is clearly apprehensive about the trip, and as he arrives in China, he begins to feel increasingly uncomfortable.

The episode follows Karl as he visits some of China's most iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army in Xi'an. Along the way, he also has the opportunity to experience some of the country's unique traditions, such as a Chinese tea ceremony and a visit to a Buddhist temple.

Throughout the episode, Karl's discomfort and unease are evident as he struggles to cope with the language barrier and cultural differences. He frequently expresses his frustration at the food, the size of the toilets, and the sheer number of people in China. At times, his cynicism and skepticism can seem almost comical, such as when he scoffs at the notion of feng shui and insists on wearing a cowboy hat to protect himself from the sun.

Despite his reservations and frustrations, Karl is not entirely dismissive of China. He is impressed by the scale and beauty of the Great Wall and is clearly moved by the story behind the Terracotta Army. However, his experiences in China highlight his inability to appreciate the country fully due to his preconceptions and prejudices.

Overall, episode 1 of An Idiot Abroad presents a humorous yet insightful look at China through the eyes of an outsider. It showcases Karl's unique and often hilarious perspective on one of the world's most fascinating countries, while also highlighting the challenges and rewards of traveling to a place that is vastly different from what one is accustomed to.