After the runaway success of The Traitors, many TV production companies have made it their mission to find the next big reality game show hit.
First out of the traps was Million Dollar Secret, a Netflix show where one player with $1m in their box must ensure their identity remains a secret from the other 11 players to walk away with the cash.
In the UK, ITV has announced The Box, which sees contestants taken to mystery locations in yellow boxes and asked to take part in several different games. Meanwhile, Channel 4’s Inheritance follows players in their attempts to win money and unanimously decide who’s trusted to take it all home – no sharing.
But the one that caught my attention was Destination X. The BBC show sees 13 (well, up to 10 at any one time) contestants travel around Europe in a blacked-out bus, competing in challenges to try and figure out where they might be.
BBC/TwoFour
It’s not exactly a revolutionary format. Indeed, after debuting in Belgium in 2023, several other countries have experimented with the show, including the US just a few months ago (with, weirdly, The Walking Dead’s Jeffrey Dean Morgan hosting). None of those versions has achieved anything close to Traitors-like popularity.
However, I was still cautiously optimistic about the UK interpretation. As someone who enjoys travelling, lists ‘looking at maps’ as a hobby and played GeoGuessr almost every lunchtime at sixth form, Destination X sounded like it would be right up my street.
But I wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d get into it. By the end of episode 5, I was totally hooked.
Maybe it’s recency bias talking, but I’d go as far as to say I prefer Destination X to The Traitors. Before you get your pitchforks out, allow me to defend myself!
Some spoilers for the most recent episodes of Destination X below
Maps, not murder…
I love the format of The Traitors, but its dark undertones are inescapable. Of the 25 contestants that began series 3 in the UK, all but two of them were either banished from the castle or murdered. Of course, no physical harm is done (though the psychological impact on some players is clear), but backstabbing and betrayal are de rigueur for the format.
By contrast, the most traumatic thing players have to do on Destination X is sleep in an old castle for a night or lie about the football player they saw in a magazine. Though I will admit I hate the idea of wearing the ghastly ‘X Goggles’ while being transported off the bus.
BBC/TwoFour
Ultimately, when the game is about where you are rather than who you are, the atmosphere can never become quite as ruthless or hostile. Some might not like this, but I prefer it.
…but the deception is still there
However, don’t confuse the more amicable atmosphere with outright friendliness. While players formed strong alliances at the beginning of Destination X, the lies and deception are increasing with every episode.
Unlike The Traitors, there are no “good” and “bad” groups of people – everyone is in it for themselves. When the three players who never got on the ‘X Bus’ initially returned in episode 3 (a move straight out of the Traitors playbook), the ‘OGs’ stuck together and made the new arrivals seem like outcasts.
But by episode 6, many of these bonds have been fractured or completely severed, with new alliances formed in their place. As tempting as it is to go it alone, all the players know that this will probably mean you’re excluded from some of the game’s biggest clues.
In theory, the only thing that matters is where you put your X in the privacy of the ‘Map Room’. However, a major twist in episode 5 bestowed the power on one player to secretly move another’s X 250km further away from the actual location, resulting in just 600m between the two players who were furthest away.
Who knew that a small stretch of the Italian countryside could mean so much?
A perfect blend of contestants
The success of any reality game show hinges on the players and the dynamic between them. And I have to say, the casting producers have absolutely nailed it on Destination X.
All 13 players had an interesting story to tell, even if some of them weren’t on our screens for long. But it’s no surprise that six of the game’s strongest personalities are still standing at the end of episode 6.
Endurance athlete Nick has arguably been the standout player so far, using his experience of having run a marathon in every single country (!) to spot things other players have missed. However, fellow ‘OG’ Josh’s X-moving power very nearly eliminated him at the end of episode 5.
Pilot Josh has become increasingly influential as the show has progressed, especially when in alliance with savvy Marketing Executive Saskia. Both have made an enemy in Nuclear Engineer Judith, who had to stand on her own two feet before forming a bond with late arrival Claire, who’s putting her experience as a Detective Sergeant to good use.
BBC/TwoFour
Then there’s London cabbie Daren, whose honest gameplay and deep family ties have endeared him to viewers (or maybe just me).
As we approach the final few episodes, these complex player dynamics have set the show up for a dramatic conclusion, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
…the casting producers have absolutely nailed it on Destination X
Rob Brydon is a brilliant host
How do you follow a host as iconic as Claudia Winkleman? With a twinkle in your eye and a dash of Welsh wit, it turns out.
In many ways, Rob Brydon was a safe pick. Much loved for his roles on Gavin and Stacey and panel show Would I Lie To You?, Brydon was always likely to be a hit with UK viewers.
However, he’s exceeded my expectations. A series of eye-catching outfits, humorous quips and cryptic language have cemented him as an important part of the show. Just like Winkleman on The Traitors, Destination X allows Brydon to make his mark on proceedings without detracting from what’s going on.
BBC
And, let’s not forget the show’s catchphrase, which you’ll hear him utter at least twice per episode: “Where the X am I?”.
How do you follow a host as iconic as Claudia Winkleman? With a twinkle in your eye and a dash of Welsh wit
And we can all play along
In The Traitors, everyone watching at home knows almost everything that’s going on. The identity of the traitors, who they’ve murdered and every player’s private thoughts are broadcast for us all to see. As viewers, we’re watching the drama unfold passively, even if it keeps us on the edge of our seats.
However, watching Destination X is a lot more involved. While we get every single clue shown to the players, plus drone shots and extra clues from Rob, the destination still isn’t revealed until the eliminated player steps off the X Bus at the end of each episode.
BBC/TwoFour
Even if you don’t play along via the BBC website, it’s impossible not to try and work out where you are. Getting a location right is very satisfying, though being totally wrong (I guessed Vienna when it was Paris in episode 1) will quickly humble you.
Of course, it’d be nice to see more of the stunning scenery, but I’m happy to give this up in favour of being left in the dark. I’ve seen a few people mention that The Traitors should do something similar, where the identity of the traitors is hidden from the viewers as well as the faithfuls, and I really think it could work.
But it’s not perfect
The challenges are undoubtedly the weakest part of Destination X. I understand the need to break up long journeys with some games (and extra jeopardy), but these are a little… uninspiring.
I don’t know about you, but looking for items in a box, translating menus on a train and balancing glasses of wine aren’t my idea of good entertainment.
Unfortunately, episode 6 was essentially one long challenge, with the location (Venice) revealed to everyone. The players did a bit of talking, watched entertainers during a gondola ride (before a brief quiz) and then had to match the player to their masked friends and family via a set of clues.
…looking for items in a box, translating menus on a train and balancing glasses of wine aren’t my idea of good entertainment
While everyone was clearly missing loved ones, the latter appeared to be specifically designed for Daren to be reunited with ‘Jackie P’, the affectionate name he gives his wife. But in the end, a cursory handshake was all he was allowed.
Instead, Judith got to spend some time with her brother. It was undoubtedly a nice moment, but I feel like Judith (and most other players) would have managed just fine for another few days.
At the end of an hour’s episode, the only significant development was the ‘Golden X’ given to Judith, which allows her (or someone else) to put their X on the exact location the next time they’re in the Map Room.
I don’t want to sound harsh, but the whole episode felt like a bit of a waste of time. I have no problem with the players having a break from the X Bus, and Venice seems like an ideal place for that, but there was no need to dedicate a full episode to one location.
BBC/TwoFour
The best might be yet to come
Fortunately, it looks like normal service will be resumed in episode 7, and it can’t come soon enough. With episode 6 being the exception, Destination X has been a surprise in the best way possible.
As it currently stands, I’m enjoying this series more than any of the three from the UK version of The Traitors. However, my opinion could change between now and the final, especially as some very influential players will inevitably be eliminated soon.
And of course, the upcoming Celebrity Traitors may well swing things back in that show’s favour.
