Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s Long Way Home: A Return to Basics
In 2020, the popular travel series Long Way Home was revived after a 15-year hiatus, bringing back the dynamic duo of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. This time, they embarked on a journey from the southernmost tip of South America to Los Angeles on electric motorbikes. However, not all fans were satisfied with the new direction, as it lacked the raw, everyman appeal of their earlier adventures. The 2023 season seeks to rectify this by going back to the basics that made the series beloved. McGregor and Boorman are now riding vintage motorbikes on a 10,000-mile circular route around Europe, visiting 17 countries and reaching the Arctic Circle.
A More Intimate and Relatable Approach
This season, the focus is on making the journey more personal and relatable. The series delves deeper into the lives of McGregor and Boorman, showcasing their families and personal connections. The planning process is more intimate, with a map pinned to McGregor’s garage wall and a small, original crew. This approach aims to reconnect with the roots of the series, emphasizing camaraderie and spontaneity. The route begins in the UK, with McGregor starting from his home in Perthshire and Boorman from Suffolk, before heading north to the Arctic Circle and back through the Baltic states and western Europe.
Vintage Motorbikes and the Open Road
The choice of vintage motorbikes adds an extra layer of challenge and character to the journey. McGregor rides a 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado police bike, complete with a siren, while Boorman, after some deliberation due to his past injuries, opts for a BMW R75/5. The decision to use vintage bikes introduces unpredictability, making the journey more exciting and authentic. The first episode sets the tone, showing the preparation and the emotional moments before departure, including a humorous incident involving McGregor’s toddler losing a mobile phone. The meandering pace of the early episodes gradually picks up, showcasing the beauty of Europe and the unique experiences encountered along the way.
The Journey So Far
The second episode captures the start of the adventure, with McGregor and Boorman setting off from McGregor’s house accompanied by a marching band. Their journey takes them to Newcastle, where they catch a ferry to the Netherlands, and then to Amsterdam, where they immerse themselves in local culture by eating herring, buying cheese, and marveling at tulips. They also encounter traditional Dutch sports like fierljeppen, a pole-vaulting competition over water, though neither seems eager to participate. As they continue through Germany, they visit Boorman’s late mother’s hometown and engage with local communities, highlighting the spontaneous and often more engaging moments of the trip.
A Gentler Pace and Steadier Approach
Given Boorman’s past accidents and extensive rehabilitation, the decision to adopt a steadier pace is understandable. His wife, Olly, notes that he now rides more carefully, especially considering his age. The series reflects this shift, offering a smoother and more agreeable viewing experience. While the initial episodes may lack the dramatic landscapes of previous seasons, the footage becomes increasingly captivating, adopting a slow-TV style that emphasizes the beauty of the journey rather than the destination. The series may not appeal to everyone, particularly those less invested in McGregor and Boorman’s friendship or vintage motorcycles, but it remains a pleasant and engaging watch.
A Smooth and Agreeable Ride
Long Way Home offers a refreshing return to the simplicity and camaraderie that defined earlier seasons. By focusing on personal connections, vintage bikes, and the beauty of Europe, the series creates a unique and memorable experience. While it may benefit from being more concise, the gentle pace and authentic moments make it a worthwhile journey for fans of motorcycle adventures and travel documentaries. McGregor and Boorman’s friendship and the stunning landscapes they encounter ensure that this season of Long Way Home is both enjoyable and inspiring, leaving viewers with a sense of wanderlust and appreciation for the open road.
