Bodyguard is a common name used in movies from all over the world with some of them striking a popular note. No matter whether you have watched any of them or none, this new BBC series is something that is unlike anything you have seen before. Creator and writer Jed Mercurio is regarded as one of the top writers for British television and he has crafted a labyrinth of politics, deceit and conspiracy to make this six- episode series an engrossing watch. As with the name, a psychologically unsettled war veteran has been used previously as a protagonist before and though the series makes use of the same, it adds enough spice to keep things fresh.

Richard Madden plays the role of David Budd, a former soldier of the British army who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder but is too proud to seek any professional help. He works for the Metropolitan Police service in London and is assigned as the personal protection officer for the high profile Home Secretary, Julia Montague. A politician to the core, Julia is an ambitious puppeteer in the political circle of London and her hard-handed approach to the war in the middle east is something that is against Budd’s own views.

If you thinking the Bodyguard is all about closed door political shenanigans, you will be surprised by the multiple moments of thrill and excitement. The first episode starts off with a tense suicide bombing attempt that sets the pace of the story and from then on, the plot never allows the viewers to rest in ease.  It keeps throwing twists and surprises that will keep you focussed towards the screen as David struggles to keep Julia or “ma’am”, safe. He is gradually sucked into a dangerous world of life threatening conspiracies with his own secrets gradually piling up over his head.

Keeley Hawes as Julia Montague and Richard Madden share a fantastic chemistry with her stylish politician and his non-emotional bodyguard creating a latent sexual tension. Richard Madden sheds his Game of Thrones persona but does appear stiff at times with his overworking jaw providing the maximum expressions. But then, that is a part of portraying a watchful protection officer without revealing the waves of disturbance in his personal self. David’s actions give rise to many questions regarding his motivations as the series progresses, but in the end, Madden delivers completely believable performance as the depressed and guilt-ridden hero.

With six episodes, Bodyguard feels tight and balanced with the perfect “chest-to-waist ratio” and the creator makes sure that nothing feels slow or dragged on. The editing is precise without allowing the viewers much of a breathing space. Mercurio develops lot of characters, each with their own motives to keep the audience guessing till the last moment. The last few episodes move with breakneck pace without any respite as they reach the nail biting climax. Looking back after enjoying the ride, one will realise that the story is farfetched in certain areas, but the thrilling execution makes up for the moments that border on sentimentality.

Bodyguard has emerged as BBC’s most popular drama series in a decade, even though it has followed the age old format of an episode a week. In the latest fashion of taking in all episodes of a series at one go, this proves that the right content can still keep the audiences hooked, irrespective of the delivery time frame. Netflix has acquired the distribution rights of the series so do check this one out for some great time in front of the screen.

 

By: Suvajit Banerjee

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