In this dark comedy thriller, a bunch of podcasters show up in a little Irish town, thinking they’ll crack open a forgotten mystery. But surprise, surprise – turns out, there’s a whole lot more going on than they bargained for. This show’s a collab between Netflix and Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions, and it’s a wild ride of mystery, Irish charm, and some occasional cheeky humor. As the truth about the enigma of Bodkin starts creeping out, you’ll see just how odd the folks in this town really are, and how everyone’s got their own little secrets to keep.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Created by: Jez Scharf
No. of seasons: 1
No. of episodes: 7
Run-time: 44 – 56 Minutes
Original release: May 9, 2024
Bodkin begins with an enigmatic voiceover by American man Gilbert Power, whose podcast about his unraveling marriage has gained unexpected fame. Before we meet Gilbert, we are introduced to Dove, a dedicated investigative journalist in London who discovers her key informant hanging in his apartment.
Dove, determined to pursue the truth despite a tragic event, is advised by her editor at The Guardian to lay low and work on an unrelated job in Bodkin, Ireland. In this small town, she collaborates with Power and his rookie assistant Emmy to create a podcast about a 25-year-old mystery – the disappearance of three individuals during the Samhain festival. This cold case investigation unfolds during The Irish Night of the Dead! Dove initially aims to quickly finish the project and return to her regular duties, but she discovers a compelling story waiting to be uncovered. The locals welcome the podcasters injecting new life into their town, but they are also deceitful in protecting their own interests and concealing the truth. Their evasiveness fuels Dove’s determination to delve deeper, leading Gilbert to bend his own rules and create another successful podcast. Meanwhile, Emmy learns that she must cultivate confidence and determination to thrive in her career and earn respect like Dove and Gilbert.
The initial episodes of Bodkin may appear slow as the main characters gradually uncover familiar information. However, the series’ humour wanes in the second half, transitioning towards more personal drama. Just as the series becomes intriguing, it becomes chaotic with new characters and wild storylines involving illegal eel trading, hippy nuns, armed children, surreal sightings, and plenty of Guinness consumed in the town’s only pub. By the end, some viewers may feel a little exhausted as all the twists and secrets are revealed. With inconsistent plotting and chaotic pacing, Bodkin falls short of its intended thought-provoking satire. Ultimately, Bodkin may not have an utterly memorable mystery but features interesting characters that make it a compelling ride and offers something different from Netflix worth checking out.
My Rating
Starring: Will Forte, Siobhán Cullen, Robyn Cara, David Wilmot, Chris Walley, Seán Óg Cains, Peter Bankole, Kerri McLean, David Pearse
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