where to watch Netflix
when to watch When you really want to get sucked into an intricate web of plotlines. When you want to be really entertained. NOT when you want something light to fall asleep to.
tl;dr A mysterious, complicated Scottish veteran with PTSD is assigned to be the British Home Secretary’s bodyguard amidst an unstable political environment and lots of terrorism threats.
you should note Super easy to binge. The finale of this show was the most watched TV show in the UK since the Downton Abbey finale. Season 2 hasn’t been confirmed, but seems inevitable…
A couple weeks ago, the Emmy nominations came out. I never really paid attention to the Emmys before, but this year, I was waiting for something.
Back in January, I watched Bodyguard. I fell in love with the show—I watched the whole thing in one sitting. I also fell in love with the lead actor, Richard Madden. I knew him as Prince Charming from the live action Cinderella. You may recognize him as Robb Stark from Game of Thrones. He won a Golden Globe for his role in Bodyguard, and I quickly saw why.
a great performance
In his performance as David Budd, a war veteran turned bodyguard, Madden impressively balances playing a character that wants to appear emotionless while simultaneously struggling to hide his PTSD. He shows the audience just enough of how David is feeling to make you sympathize with him. Yet, he never opens Budd up too much—you’re never really sure if David is a good or bad guy.
There was tons of Emmys buzz around his performance as soon as he won that Golden Globe. Meanwhile, I became fascinated by the Emmys because I would see FYC posters all around LA! I was convinced Madden would get an Emmy nomination.
I was wrong. More accurately, Richard Madden was wronged.
I mean, the show called “Bodyguard” got nominated for Best Drama Series. But the actor that plays said Bodyguard does not? It was easily one of this year’s biggest snubs.
While I unfortunately cannot change the Television Academy’s mind (maybe someday), I can tell everyone I know why Madden deserved a nomination, and why you should watch this show!
it will suck you right in
A runaway hit in the UK, and extremely popular here as well, Bodyguard centers on David Budd (Richard Madden), a war veteran struggling with PTSD as he works as a—you guessed it—bodyguard. He gets assigned to the British Home Secretary, Julia Montague (played by Keeley Hawes). Montague, his “principal” regularly receives threats from terrorists. No one can be trusted.
The first episode of this series is one of the best first episodes of a television show I have ever watched. The audience is immediately thrust into a highly stressful situation right alongside David Budd. Within minutes, you’re on the edge of your seat, itching to see what happens next.
If you’ve read other reviews on this blog, you know I take TV seriously—it’s not just something I watch to pass time. I care about elevating shows with diverse casts and women behind the camera, or shows that are pushing the boundaries of TV itself. Bodyguard is not that.
Fundamentally, though, TV should be entertaining. And if I were to pick one word to describe Bodyguard, that would be it.
The conspiracies and twists occasionally require a certain degree of suspension of disbelief. But, if you’re looking to get really sucked in to a great story for a few hours, I absolutely recommend this show. Every plot point and revelation will keep you highly engaged.
I also think it’s a great show to watch with other people, especially if you can usually never agree on what to watch. Who doesn’t get invested in a thriller?
If you haven’t seen it yet, go watch and then come back and rant below about how Richard Madden was robbed!!