Having Michael Palin host meant another dose of brilliant, character-driven Python comedy. Palin’s gift for playing earnest, slightly daft characters was on full display, especially in the classic “The Idiot in the Rural Society” sketch. The show was filled with clever, well-written pieces that showcased his fantastic chemistry with the cast. A sketch about a man who can’t stop hiccupping was a masterclass in building a simple premise into something hilarious. The whole episode felt smart and joyful. The Doobie Brothers were the musical guests, and their polished, professional performance of hits like “What a Fool Believes” was a bit of a stylistic mismatch for Palin’s absurdity, but enjoyable nonetheless. A wonderful show.