The latest “journey” of Antiques Road Trip, that amiable BBC One daytime series, concludes on Friday, November 22, with a distinct Scottish flavor and an unexpected sporting detour. It’s a home game for expert Roo Irvine as she faces off against Mark Hill, and while home field advantage in antiquing isn’t a rigorously studied phenomenon, there’s a certain narrative charm to it, even if Hill will probably scoff at the notion of Irvine having the upper hand as he brandishes a piece of glassware he’s picked up.
Hill, rather boldly, is putting a fair amount of faith in glass this time out, a risky move in the fickle world of antique auctions. Irvine, meanwhile, is digging into her local knowledge, on the hunt for items with a distinctly Scottish heritage, betting that regional appeal might give her an edge at the final auction.
But before the hammer falls, there’s a rather jarring change of pace. The episode detours to St Andrews, a town better known for golf than, well, anything else really. However, instead of teeing off, Hill and Irvine are introduced to the history of women’s lacrosse, even partaking in a lesson with Louisa Lumsden, a figure described as a pioneer in the sport. It’s an odd juxtaposition, to be sure, antiques and lacrosse, but perhaps the producers felt the need to inject some youthful energy into a show whose core audience might well remember when lacrosse sticks were made of wood.
Of course, the real climax comes at the auction. Will Hill’s gamble on glassware pay off, or will Irvine’s local savvy and Scottish-sourced treasures carry the day? There’s a competitive edge between the two hosts that the show has always enjoyed playing up, and that should carry through here as we approach the “final gavel,” the winner to be determined by profit margins as usual.
The final episode of the current “journey” of Antiques Road Trip airs on Friday, November 22, 2024, from 4:30 PM to 5:15 PM on BBC One.
