50 minSeason 1 • Episode 8
LatestMichael Palin fails in his attempt to get a berth on board the SA "Agulhas" on its once yearly sail to the South Pole. The search is on to find some other way of reaching the South Pole, abandoning all self-imposed restraints such as following 30 degrees east or using only surface transport.
Michael Palin undertakes an epic journey of 23,000 miles, traveling from the North to the South Pole across 17 countries with a minimum of air travel, all on a tight deadline.
Acting
Palin's unscripted charm under pressure is masterclass humanity.
Production
Pre-satellite filming makes every frame feel earned.
Writing
Palin's diary entries read aloud are quietly profound.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The entire series was filmed before mobile phones existed, so Palin's crew communicated via fax and telex, often not knowing if transport connections would exist until arrival.
The 1992 timing captures post-Soviet chaos, apartheid's last gasp in South Africa, and a pre-globalized world where borders felt more permeable yet more politically charged.
GB
