Asian Provocateur Season 1 Episode 5 5. King Kong

In this episode of Asian Provocateur season 1, episode 5 titled 5. King Kong, British comedian Romesh Ranganathan continues his journey to explore the country of his parents' roots, Sri Lanka. He sets out to visit Sigiriya, one of the country's top tourist destinations, which is also known as the Lion Rock.

As he travels to Sigiriya, Romesh is excited and also apprehensive about climbing the ancient rock fortress at its heart. During his journey, he meets locals and talks to them about the history and significance of Sigiriya. He also learns about the amazing feats of engineering that went into the creation of the palace atop the rock.

Once he reaches Sigiriya, Romesh climbs the many steps that lead to the top of the rock. He is struck by the stunning views and the sheer scale of the ancient fortress. As he explores the ruins of the palace and its surrounding structures, Romesh marvels at their age and beauty.

However, Romesh's sense of wonder takes a momentary backseat when he hears a fellow tourist refer to him as "King Kong." The comment is meant to be a joke, but it lands badly with Romesh, who is sensitive about being a person of color in a predominantly white space.

The incident prompts Romesh to reflect on issues of identity and race. He talks to other Asians who have experienced discrimination and racism in various forms, both overt and subtle. He also debates the issue with his cousin and confidante, who tries to help Romesh make sense of his feelings.

Romesh's journey of self-discovery continues throughout the episode, even as he explores another beautiful location in Sri Lanka, Kandy. He visits the famous Temple of the Tooth, a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and learns about the traditions and customs associated with the temple.

In the end, Romesh leaves Sri Lanka with a renewed appreciation for his heritage, his family, and the beauty of his ancestral homeland. He also comes away with a newfound determination to confront the issues of racism and discrimination that he has faced and continues to face as a person of color.

The episode is a poignant exploration of identity, self-discovery, and cultural heritage. Romesh's humor, charm, and candidness make the journey all the more engaging and relatable. Viewers are bound to be inspired and entertained in equal measure by this thoughtful and well-crafted episode of Asian Provocateur.