Nobody watches Antiques Road Trip for cutthroat competition. We’re here for the gentle hum of the engine, the quaint villages, the thrill of uncovering a forgotten trinket in a dusty corner. Yet, the producers seem determined to inject some faux-rivalry, so here we are again with another “rematch” between Catherine and Ishy. This time, their supposed treasure hunt takes them to Coventry and its surrounding areas.
While the competitive angle feels slightly manufactured, the prospect of poking around antique shops in the Midlands is undeniably appealing. The preview hints at Catherine pinning her hopes on a vintage something-or-other (details are scant, naturally), while Ishy, ever the maverick, apparently gambles on an oversized novelty item. One can only imagine what oversized novelty item might qualify as an “antique,” but hey, that’s half the fun.
Beyond the buying and selling, the episode promises a cultural interlude focused on a local treasure hunter. This might actually be the most interesting part, offering a glimpse into the history and traditions of the area.
Of course, the episode culminates in the inevitable auction showdown. Will Catherine’s vintage find outperform Ishy’s novelty gamble? Frankly, the outcome is less important than the journey, but I suppose a little manufactured tension keeps the format chugging along. Ultimately, I am cautiously optimistic and looking forward to the new episode.
Antiques Road Trip airs Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 4:30 PM on BBC One.
