Bodkin focuses on a trio of clashing personalities who are investigating disappearances in rural Ireland for a podcast. The early episodes are engrossing and dryly funny, particularly in the contrast between reality and the stereotypical American perception of Ireland as an idyllic ancestral utopia. As the series progresses the tone becomes darker and the narrative fragments. It gets progressively less funny but it remains engrossing. And then there's the seventh and final episode, an unsatisfying disappointment that wraps everything up with a goofy setpiece, fails to provide closure on the fate of the most interesting character, and steals its denoument directly from B. J. Novak's Vengeance.
49 Reviews
Original, dark and hilarious!
semen-0266610 May 2024
Well, I'm in just for one episode so maybe my experience is not totally accurate in relation to all I haven't seen yet but so far it is BRILLIANT!
Honestly, I started it without any expectations and was properly rewarded for it, series debut is dark, eerie, hilarious, smart and convincing all at the same time.
Written well, acted great, cast is spot on, I can't say when I was so thrilled to see next episode as I was today. Although it is not strictly comedy or thriller but a masterful mix of both, I guess it checks all meaningful boxes of both genres.
So, people give it a try, it won't disappoint!
P. S. To the person who gave it 1 star: did you even watch it? ...
Honestly, I started it without any expectations and was properly rewarded for it, series debut is dark, eerie, hilarious, smart and convincing all at the same time.
Written well, acted great, cast is spot on, I can't say when I was so thrilled to see next episode as I was today. Although it is not strictly comedy or thriller but a masterful mix of both, I guess it checks all meaningful boxes of both genres.
So, people give it a try, it won't disappoint!
P. S. To the person who gave it 1 star: did you even watch it? ...
I want to love it
ladyliliroche11 May 2024
But in the end, I could barely finish this thing.
The overall vibe reminded me of Hot Fuzz with Only Murders in the Building.
I've been a fan of Only Murders since s1 and was hoping this show to be pretty good. It is said to be a dark comedy but it didn't feel like it most of the time.
I also sense some Hot Fuzz vibe out of it but maybe it is because of the setting. I would honestly love it more if it was like Hot Fuzz too.
I think it was just too slow and not that interesting. I got lost in the overall plot and was too lazy to backtrack to catch up with it in the end.
So yeah... it was just another meh series for me.
The overall vibe reminded me of Hot Fuzz with Only Murders in the Building.
I've been a fan of Only Murders since s1 and was hoping this show to be pretty good. It is said to be a dark comedy but it didn't feel like it most of the time.
I also sense some Hot Fuzz vibe out of it but maybe it is because of the setting. I would honestly love it more if it was like Hot Fuzz too.
I think it was just too slow and not that interesting. I got lost in the overall plot and was too lazy to backtrack to catch up with it in the end.
So yeah... it was just another meh series for me.
Solid murder mystery
vlagun11 May 2024
The dark-comedy-Irish setting works pretty well in this series. 'Ah, must be an Irish thing'-moments are mixed with comedic WTF-moments but not to the point where you lose focus.
I especially liked the performance of David Wilmot as a grunty Irish old man and Siobhán Cullen as the annoyed journalist. I hope she has the chance to star in bigger productions after this. The acting of Will Forte was a bit unfitting in the beginning but it gets better soon.
They story itself is pretty good but not masterclass. Classical thriller story where more and more is revealed during the series. Some minor plot holes in the end and unclarified things but I guess they have left them in for a possible second season.
Solid fun watch for a free weekend.
PS: Have absolutely no clue where people come from when they mention violence to animals. Not a single animal in distress is shown.
I especially liked the performance of David Wilmot as a grunty Irish old man and Siobhán Cullen as the annoyed journalist. I hope she has the chance to star in bigger productions after this. The acting of Will Forte was a bit unfitting in the beginning but it gets better soon.
They story itself is pretty good but not masterclass. Classical thriller story where more and more is revealed during the series. Some minor plot holes in the end and unclarified things but I guess they have left them in for a possible second season.
Solid fun watch for a free weekend.
PS: Have absolutely no clue where people come from when they mention violence to animals. Not a single animal in distress is shown.
Too Slow
FinleyKolapo11 May 2024
The show had potential, but its pacing was too slow, with numerous scenes where nothing really happened. All the content could have been condensed into half the number of episodes.
I thought they were going to do something interesting with the True Crime Podcast theme, but that wasn't done well either; the podcast thing seemed to be an afterthought. It was tagged as a mystery, dark comedy, and drama, but by trying to do too many things, the overall quality suffered. Apart from the lighting, I don't think it's that 'dark'. I also lost interest in the "mystery" due to repetitive scenes of characters saying things ominously that seemed to lead nowhere.
I thought they were going to do something interesting with the True Crime Podcast theme, but that wasn't done well either; the podcast thing seemed to be an afterthought. It was tagged as a mystery, dark comedy, and drama, but by trying to do too many things, the overall quality suffered. Apart from the lighting, I don't think it's that 'dark'. I also lost interest in the "mystery" due to repetitive scenes of characters saying things ominously that seemed to lead nowhere.
Worth A Watch
TMAuthor2313 May 2024
The pluses? The cast, including the dozens of extras that add layers of believability to the odd little Irish town.
The story, a cold case about a long ago trio of missing persons, combines with a creaky Pod-cast Scooby Do adventure, and it meanders a lot. This makes the early episodes a bit slow. The action picks up in the later episodes starting with #5. However, the narrative begins to jump around a lot, flashbacks from other characters perspectives, and hops from one character to another too often.
The eventual resolution of the multiple threads is both a bit of a letdown, and a whirlpool of wrong assumptions getting vetted one by one.
The comedy isn't as non-stop as some reviews and the trailer suggests. It's dark and filled with the personal demons of the heroes complicating their efforts. The personal renaissance each person goes through is satisfying, if a little too neatly accomplished. There are some sly funny moments though, filled with irony and a lack of self awareness.
The three protagonists are conflicted individuals, performed very well by a surprising cast. Siobhan Cullen's Dove is an unrepentant b!+@# who has big problems brewing back home in London. Robyn Cara, who has made a career of playing ditzy characters, at first seems to be playing true to form, but her character Emmy reveals more depth and complexity as each episode unspools. Will Forte is an acquired taste, and his character, Gilbert, is a doofus who's made big mistakes that are nipping at his heels. He continually gets in his own way trying to be nice. Fortunately he becomes less of a tool as the season nears its conclusion.
David Wilmot turns in a great performance as Seamus Gallagher, the mysterious townsman with a scary past, who is trying to embrace a "normal" life.
I recommend it, it isn't high art but there are some laughs and good performances..
The story, a cold case about a long ago trio of missing persons, combines with a creaky Pod-cast Scooby Do adventure, and it meanders a lot. This makes the early episodes a bit slow. The action picks up in the later episodes starting with #5. However, the narrative begins to jump around a lot, flashbacks from other characters perspectives, and hops from one character to another too often.
The eventual resolution of the multiple threads is both a bit of a letdown, and a whirlpool of wrong assumptions getting vetted one by one.
The comedy isn't as non-stop as some reviews and the trailer suggests. It's dark and filled with the personal demons of the heroes complicating their efforts. The personal renaissance each person goes through is satisfying, if a little too neatly accomplished. There are some sly funny moments though, filled with irony and a lack of self awareness.
The three protagonists are conflicted individuals, performed very well by a surprising cast. Siobhan Cullen's Dove is an unrepentant b!+@# who has big problems brewing back home in London. Robyn Cara, who has made a career of playing ditzy characters, at first seems to be playing true to form, but her character Emmy reveals more depth and complexity as each episode unspools. Will Forte is an acquired taste, and his character, Gilbert, is a doofus who's made big mistakes that are nipping at his heels. He continually gets in his own way trying to be nice. Fortunately he becomes less of a tool as the season nears its conclusion.
David Wilmot turns in a great performance as Seamus Gallagher, the mysterious townsman with a scary past, who is trying to embrace a "normal" life.
I recommend it, it isn't high art but there are some laughs and good performances..
An Irish, English and an American walk in to a bar and...make a really good show.
emscontact11 May 2024
An American podcaster, a research assistant, and a reluctant crime reporter are on a visit to rural West Cork in Ireland to investigate the mystery of three people who went missing 25 years ago during the Samhain festival (Halloween).
The first episode starts with Dove , the crime reporter, who is told by her deputy editor to get out of London for awhile, because the story she was working on had become too dangerous for her to remain there.
Dove is assigned to work with podcaster Gilbert (Power), researcher Emmy, and local fixer/driver, Séan. Dove's hard-nosed attitude to life and life in Ireland is a perfect contrast to the laidback American on a workingman's holiday.
The writing on this show is absolutely 'brillo'. It is a comedy mystery thriller. For me personally, this first episode has been perfect. The dialogue and story captures one of the true essences of Ireland. Expect some surprises and twists.
The casting, acting and characters bring a perfect balance to this story. This show, really entertains.
Best line so far (and there are many) - 'Sure it always rains in Ireland. Even when it isn't raining, it's raining'.
The first episode starts with Dove , the crime reporter, who is told by her deputy editor to get out of London for awhile, because the story she was working on had become too dangerous for her to remain there.
Dove is assigned to work with podcaster Gilbert (Power), researcher Emmy, and local fixer/driver, Séan. Dove's hard-nosed attitude to life and life in Ireland is a perfect contrast to the laidback American on a workingman's holiday.
The writing on this show is absolutely 'brillo'. It is a comedy mystery thriller. For me personally, this first episode has been perfect. The dialogue and story captures one of the true essences of Ireland. Expect some surprises and twists.
The casting, acting and characters bring a perfect balance to this story. This show, really entertains.
Best line so far (and there are many) - 'Sure it always rains in Ireland. Even when it isn't raining, it's raining'.
It falls short..
larsbrekke16 May 2024
Bodkin had a great begining, amazing build up and character building throughout the first few episodes, I was hooked. I was eager to know more about the different characters and how their past in this small community connected. But they somehow managed to ruin the entire momentum in the last episodes with mediocre decisons. What a waste off a great series. It really had an amazing potential to be my favorite show this year.
I would have given this show an 8-9 in rating if they would have given this show the ending it deserved. Its like they stopped taking this show seriously after 5-6 episodes.
The only reason I'm not giving it a 5/10, is because off the wonderful job the actors did portraying their roles.
I would have given this show an 8-9 in rating if they would have given this show the ending it deserved. Its like they stopped taking this show seriously after 5-6 episodes.
The only reason I'm not giving it a 5/10, is because off the wonderful job the actors did portraying their roles.
Fun murder mystery in Ireland
brandonwadley9 May 2024
I'm digging this show! It's a fun one with a bunch of twists and turns. Will Forte is funny as usual with a great cast around him. The film quality, storyline, and acting are solid making for an entertaining show worth watching. I'm only mid season at this point so no spoilers for you but I have faith it's going to continue to be good. We just finished traveling through Ireland so it was cool to see the same scenery, slang, and why Guinness is so popular in Ireland. I'm not sure why the review needs to be six hundred characters but this is as much as I've got so I'll keep typing until about now.
Worthy of our Time, but Not our Memories - Full Review - Bodkin
xNanoks14 May 2024
As always, no spoilers in my reviews.
The attraction that murder mysteries have to us as an audience is well-known. As such, to no one's surprise, the genre is not uncommon in televised entertainment. From the more classic approach of miniature investigations in each episode, like CSI, to longer-lasting and overarching bigger mysteries, like Sherlock or Luther, mystery dramas tend to do well. But is 'well' really good enough anymore? What makes a murder mystery lasting in our increasingly limited memory. Do we prefer the central characters developing, or do we instead give favor to a more complex mystery? Or, in rare cases, can we get both? As Jez Schafer and Alex Metcalf worked on Bodkin together, they must have had the same questions. But while entertainingly lighthearted and plain and simple fun, Bodkin is worthy of your time, while slipping away from memory.
Bodkin's primary elements fixate on a disappearance mystery, investigated by a wildly differing trio, aided by and worked against an array of support characters, while all being set against the backdrop of an idyllic and small Irish town. Our trio consists of famous podcaster Gilbert Power (Will Forte), wreck'em-up-styled journalist Dove (Siobhán Cullen) and newcomer-so-naive Emmy (Robyn Cara). Gilbert is a cheery and happy-go-lucky American, as typical as they come, while his assistant Emmy is a bit more realistically balanced. Dove is, more times than I'd want, an excruciatingly cynical and pessimistic reporter, with a somewhat understandable reason as to why she is the way she is. Bodkin also features many extra characters, of which David Wilmot, playing a fierce Seamus Gallagher, is the most noteworthy. Not saying the other characters are fuel for boredom, but... they just don't linger. Sadly, it is a returning feature for Bodkin, specifically in the first half of the show, to choose quantity over quality.
Don't get it wrong: Bodkin is entertaining television. As nearly each episode is formatted in a same manner, working from its last cliffhanger to the next, you'll be enticed to watch one more, 6 times in a row. It is however, not a very strong case for a compelling mystery drama, if it seeks to lean on cheap tricks and predictable endings. As the episodes go by, so does the mystery and its supposed revelations, but none of it really sticks. It goes onward to provide us with a satisying ending, albeit it a bit far-fetched at times. Then again, Bodkin was inspired by something overheard in a pub... That's to say, Bodkin does its thing as you'd expect from a murder mystery, pushing the story forward bit by bit, allowing for some room of character development and the occassional knee-slapper. But I can't help but feel it could've been a lot more than that, with just a little bit extra.
Instead, Bodkin tries to do too much, with too little effort. Inclining you wish to uphold high standards, character development is lacking truly shaping events, humor that was supposed to be dark is rather run-of-the-mill instead, and dialogue is predictable and of little substance. While the show juggles several storylines among an ever-forwarding central mystery, it sacrifices true art for a quick and mild success. As a concrete result, the stories together create a strange sort of pace, ultimately rushed down in simplicity and eager to leave not a trace of grandure, but of a fun and satisfying mystery. But if it is that lighthearted Saturday-evening entertainment you're searching for, make no mistake, Bodkin will deliver.
Bodkin receives a 7 out of 10.
The attraction that murder mysteries have to us as an audience is well-known. As such, to no one's surprise, the genre is not uncommon in televised entertainment. From the more classic approach of miniature investigations in each episode, like CSI, to longer-lasting and overarching bigger mysteries, like Sherlock or Luther, mystery dramas tend to do well. But is 'well' really good enough anymore? What makes a murder mystery lasting in our increasingly limited memory. Do we prefer the central characters developing, or do we instead give favor to a more complex mystery? Or, in rare cases, can we get both? As Jez Schafer and Alex Metcalf worked on Bodkin together, they must have had the same questions. But while entertainingly lighthearted and plain and simple fun, Bodkin is worthy of your time, while slipping away from memory.
Bodkin's primary elements fixate on a disappearance mystery, investigated by a wildly differing trio, aided by and worked against an array of support characters, while all being set against the backdrop of an idyllic and small Irish town. Our trio consists of famous podcaster Gilbert Power (Will Forte), wreck'em-up-styled journalist Dove (Siobhán Cullen) and newcomer-so-naive Emmy (Robyn Cara). Gilbert is a cheery and happy-go-lucky American, as typical as they come, while his assistant Emmy is a bit more realistically balanced. Dove is, more times than I'd want, an excruciatingly cynical and pessimistic reporter, with a somewhat understandable reason as to why she is the way she is. Bodkin also features many extra characters, of which David Wilmot, playing a fierce Seamus Gallagher, is the most noteworthy. Not saying the other characters are fuel for boredom, but... they just don't linger. Sadly, it is a returning feature for Bodkin, specifically in the first half of the show, to choose quantity over quality.
Don't get it wrong: Bodkin is entertaining television. As nearly each episode is formatted in a same manner, working from its last cliffhanger to the next, you'll be enticed to watch one more, 6 times in a row. It is however, not a very strong case for a compelling mystery drama, if it seeks to lean on cheap tricks and predictable endings. As the episodes go by, so does the mystery and its supposed revelations, but none of it really sticks. It goes onward to provide us with a satisying ending, albeit it a bit far-fetched at times. Then again, Bodkin was inspired by something overheard in a pub... That's to say, Bodkin does its thing as you'd expect from a murder mystery, pushing the story forward bit by bit, allowing for some room of character development and the occassional knee-slapper. But I can't help but feel it could've been a lot more than that, with just a little bit extra.
Instead, Bodkin tries to do too much, with too little effort. Inclining you wish to uphold high standards, character development is lacking truly shaping events, humor that was supposed to be dark is rather run-of-the-mill instead, and dialogue is predictable and of little substance. While the show juggles several storylines among an ever-forwarding central mystery, it sacrifices true art for a quick and mild success. As a concrete result, the stories together create a strange sort of pace, ultimately rushed down in simplicity and eager to leave not a trace of grandure, but of a fun and satisfying mystery. But if it is that lighthearted Saturday-evening entertainment you're searching for, make no mistake, Bodkin will deliver.
Bodkin receives a 7 out of 10.
Brilliant
sharroncarson11 May 2024
Starts off a bit clunky but then just gets better and better and starts to draw you in.
A brilliantly flawed and complicated story full of lies, deceit, betrayal and secrets. You will have to watch until the end to see the unravelling of this convoluted tale.
And then there's the love, loyalty and commitment to the truth or lies - who knows. Some characters are not who you think they are / or maybe they're exactly as they seem??
The odd knife, gun or Semtex scenario, lots of hangovers and a bit of good Irish craic thrown in for good measure.
You might get lost in the who's who but you will work it out in the end. The past comes back to haunt them all.
A brilliantly flawed and complicated story full of lies, deceit, betrayal and secrets. You will have to watch until the end to see the unravelling of this convoluted tale.
And then there's the love, loyalty and commitment to the truth or lies - who knows. Some characters are not who you think they are / or maybe they're exactly as they seem??
The odd knife, gun or Semtex scenario, lots of hangovers and a bit of good Irish craic thrown in for good measure.
You might get lost in the who's who but you will work it out in the end. The past comes back to haunt them all.
Decent series marred by Will Forte's whiny way of talking
msghall12 May 2024
I enjoyed this series but cringed every time Will Forte speaks. In broad US comedies, this whiny voice suits the low comedy. Here, in this finely-shot comedic drama, his whines become overbearingly obnoxious. Every word, every sentence he utters, is a whine. I realized he cannot talk any other way. It's a bit of miscasting that ruins this otherwise fine show.
The other actors are fine and the direction is tight and imaginative. The script is also above average. The technical aspects are admirable. But, in the end, I couldn't stomach Will Forte without muting when he talked, relying on subtitles.
The other actors are fine and the direction is tight and imaginative. The script is also above average. The technical aspects are admirable. But, in the end, I couldn't stomach Will Forte without muting when he talked, relying on subtitles.
Started out great!
thejdrage11 May 2024
This series started out a 10 and then it literally lost me.
It repeats the points of view over and over again from different angles - but not well. They lost me in Episode 5.
I am not a Will Forte fan, but have seen him in some parts where he is good and this could have been one of them, but given that the series is so convoluted, no one could shine - except for Ger Kelly and his singing!
There are some very funny parts and this could have been a terrifically funny and smart series if the power-that-be hadn't gotten in their own way. They had the cast and the location (Ireland is a character on its own!) for a hit and they missed.
Made me sad. I couldn't finish it. Too bad it got lost going around and around and around chasing its own trail.
It repeats the points of view over and over again from different angles - but not well. They lost me in Episode 5.
I am not a Will Forte fan, but have seen him in some parts where he is good and this could have been one of them, but given that the series is so convoluted, no one could shine - except for Ger Kelly and his singing!
There are some very funny parts and this could have been a terrifically funny and smart series if the power-that-be hadn't gotten in their own way. They had the cast and the location (Ireland is a character on its own!) for a hit and they missed.
Made me sad. I couldn't finish it. Too bad it got lost going around and around and around chasing its own trail.
Too long and chaotic.
write_me_here13 May 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Bodkin answers the question 'what if you extended the perfectly good episode of Black Mirror 'Loch Henry' and make it into multiple episodes.'
You'll end up with an overly complex and drawn out story that should've been wrapped up in five episodes butbdrags on two episodes to long.
It is a bit like how Lost became overly complex and failed to wrap up storylines because they kept on adding stuff to keep the seasons going.
Bodkin has a good premise of three people with different characters. That are grouped together to make a true crime podcast about people who dissapeared during a pagan festival in Ireland 20 years ago.
A podcast maker who needs another succes to stay relevant, a journalist who will do everything to get to the truth and a woman who is just starting out and needs to learn the ropes.
That would be enough to make some story arcs where the podcaster learns that staying true to yourself is perhaps the best story, a journalist that learns that the truth sometimes isn't worth everything and a assistant who learns from the mistakes of both the others and discovers her own strength.
But allas, these story arcs are drowned in the pilling on of characters, their backstories, their schemes and relations to eachother.
Then there are backstories that don't really add to the story or are use in a way it doesn't add anything to the story. For example the wife of the podcaster travels to Ireland from the US to get some divorsepapers signed. She is there for one scene to talk about something the viewer already knew from the circumstances.
Towards the end it is just one plottwist after another to create a feeling of suspence.
Whodunnits are based on the idea that the viewer can figure out who did it for themselves and go 'i knew it!' when the big reveal is done. Or at least the viewer is given the chance to fantasize about how it all fits together.
With all the characters, storylines and plottwists available in Bodkin i was surprised that actual spirits from the Samhein festival weren't dragged on as potential suspects.
It wasn't all in all bad but i was glad it was over when the last episode ended.
It is a bit like how Lost became overly complex and failed to wrap up storylines because they kept on adding stuff to keep the seasons going.
Bodkin has a good premise of three people with different characters. That are grouped together to make a true crime podcast about people who dissapeared during a pagan festival in Ireland 20 years ago.
A podcast maker who needs another succes to stay relevant, a journalist who will do everything to get to the truth and a woman who is just starting out and needs to learn the ropes.
That would be enough to make some story arcs where the podcaster learns that staying true to yourself is perhaps the best story, a journalist that learns that the truth sometimes isn't worth everything and a assistant who learns from the mistakes of both the others and discovers her own strength.
But allas, these story arcs are drowned in the pilling on of characters, their backstories, their schemes and relations to eachother.
Then there are backstories that don't really add to the story or are use in a way it doesn't add anything to the story. For example the wife of the podcaster travels to Ireland from the US to get some divorsepapers signed. She is there for one scene to talk about something the viewer already knew from the circumstances.
Towards the end it is just one plottwist after another to create a feeling of suspence.
Whodunnits are based on the idea that the viewer can figure out who did it for themselves and go 'i knew it!' when the big reveal is done. Or at least the viewer is given the chance to fantasize about how it all fits together.
With all the characters, storylines and plottwists available in Bodkin i was surprised that actual spirits from the Samhein festival weren't dragged on as potential suspects.
It wasn't all in all bad but i was glad it was over when the last episode ended.
twisty
SnoopyStyle15 May 2024
American true-crimes podcaster Gilbert Power (Will Forte) is doing the cold case of three missing persons some twenty years ago in a small Irish town. Emmy Sizergh (Robyn Cara) is his accompanying researcher. Hard-nosed investigative journalist Dove Maloney (Siobhán Cullen) finds her government whistleblower source having apparently committed suicide. Her boss forces her off the case and join Gilbert despite her objections. Gilbert gleefully does his interviews while she digs deep into local mysteries.
I like a lot of this, but there are some minor issues. I really like Will Forte and his off-center comedic style. Siobhán Cullen is a great straight woman partner. I'm fine with the mystery initially until there is just one twist too many. By the time of the nuns, I throw my hands up and stop trying. While one can follow the mystery, I don't think that I want to. I would have wanted the show to do more comedy and simplify the story.
I like a lot of this, but there are some minor issues. I really like Will Forte and his off-center comedic style. Siobhán Cullen is a great straight woman partner. I'm fine with the mystery initially until there is just one twist too many. By the time of the nuns, I throw my hands up and stop trying. While one can follow the mystery, I don't think that I want to. I would have wanted the show to do more comedy and simplify the story.
Interpol agents ... again
kovesp115 May 2024
Are the writers of this series just as ignorant as so many others? Or are they just counting on audience ignorance? Interpol field agents with guns again. So annoying.
What part of There is no such thing as an Interpol field agent do you not understand? There never was such a thing.
Interpol is an information exchange organization that national police forces use to shunt information between them. And that's all they do.
More interesting is the evolution of Interpol and the fact that at one time its director was the infamous Reinhardt Heydrich. That was because the original headquarters was in Austria. It was moved to Lyon after WW2.
What part of There is no such thing as an Interpol field agent do you not understand? There never was such a thing.
Interpol is an information exchange organization that national police forces use to shunt information between them. And that's all they do.
More interesting is the evolution of Interpol and the fact that at one time its director was the infamous Reinhardt Heydrich. That was because the original headquarters was in Austria. It was moved to Lyon after WW2.
I Don't Get What the Beef's About
waddupwoman12 May 2024
This was a solid show: funny, smart, and binge worthy. I read the criticisms and I don't get it. We couldn't stop watching; Siobhan Cullen is great in this, I already watched Obituary and liked her in that as well. Each character fed the story line and did their job well. The way the show poked fun at podcast series, and in turn, at itself, while comparing it to real journalism was appreciated; and it did a good job of exemplifying the relevance of both. This was not a slow series at all, every scene propels the story; it would help if more reviewers watched all episodes before criticizing. I hope there are more shows like this coming soon.
Great potential - but too much pointless profanity
dalboyne13 May 2024
I really looked forwards to this series, as it appeared to follow in the footsteps of other great productions based in rural Ireland. And it most ways it didn't disappoint - a cast of misfit characters whose back stories gradually unwound as the series progressed, a murder-mystery plot that twisted and turned with each episode, and of course the glorious and very well-observed setting in the Irish south-west.
So this should have been a no-brainer, this should have earned a much higher rating! I'd have liked to rate it higher....but I found the constant assault of profanity too wearing, and needless. It's OK to swear a few times, for effect, but when it's incessant, it's wearing, and feels like poor script-writing?
So this should have been a no-brainer, this should have earned a much higher rating! I'd have liked to rate it higher....but I found the constant assault of profanity too wearing, and needless. It's OK to swear a few times, for effect, but when it's incessant, it's wearing, and feels like poor script-writing?
Dark Comedy
mark-115211 May 2024
As usual for such a series so many marmite ratings 1/10 .......some middle ground 5/10........ And like me 10/10. If you like dark comedy you will love this. Have come to the conclusion not surprisingly our brains are all wired differently and hence the ratings. If you liked Triangle of Sadness you will get on very well with Bodkin. I am really enjoying Bodkin. Am four episodes in and it gets better and better. Laughing out loud frequently. The characters are all different with unique angles. There are graphic scenes too. Love interests and absurd scenes abound. Looking forward to the last three episodes . Am sure a treat awaits. Give it a watch!
A bit slow but definitely watchable!!
sanjubhat18 May 2024
Web Series Review: Bodkin streaming on Netflix!!
The story is set in the idyllic fictional Irish town of Bodkin . Two Podcasters - Gilbert & Emmy who are desperate for a hit, team up with Dove, a journalist on the run, to investigate a cold case involving the disappearance of three locals during the Samhain festival ( somewhat like Halloween!!) 25 years ago!! In the course of their investigation our podcasters find out that the people of Bodkin have secrets to hide. A lot of skeletons from the past ( literally 🙂) will tumble out. Will our heroic trio be able to uncover the truth ?
This series is a mix of genres actually , a well crafted murder mystery coupled with a generous dollop of dark humour !! Not the fast paced adrenaline rush kind of a murder mystery, but fear not amigo , the truth will be revealed to u in due course .
Every episode of the web series reveals more & more of the cold case in bits and pieces with the final episode revealing the true picture and providing answers to questions that the people of Bodkin have been searching for years 😱!!
The protagonists at times themselves are not the most likable characters around , but u will definitely cozy up to them in the end !!
The series has 7 episodes with each episode having a runtime of ard 45 mins. If u have watched and enjoyed the web series "Only Murders in the Building" streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, you will definitely enjoy this one.
A great watch for this weekend!!
Going with 3/5 for this one !! Adios 🙂!!
#sanjuzzreviews #Netflix #netflixindia #netflixseries #webseries2024 #webseriesreview #bodkin.
The story is set in the idyllic fictional Irish town of Bodkin . Two Podcasters - Gilbert & Emmy who are desperate for a hit, team up with Dove, a journalist on the run, to investigate a cold case involving the disappearance of three locals during the Samhain festival ( somewhat like Halloween!!) 25 years ago!! In the course of their investigation our podcasters find out that the people of Bodkin have secrets to hide. A lot of skeletons from the past ( literally 🙂) will tumble out. Will our heroic trio be able to uncover the truth ?
This series is a mix of genres actually , a well crafted murder mystery coupled with a generous dollop of dark humour !! Not the fast paced adrenaline rush kind of a murder mystery, but fear not amigo , the truth will be revealed to u in due course .
Every episode of the web series reveals more & more of the cold case in bits and pieces with the final episode revealing the true picture and providing answers to questions that the people of Bodkin have been searching for years 😱!!
The protagonists at times themselves are not the most likable characters around , but u will definitely cozy up to them in the end !!
The series has 7 episodes with each episode having a runtime of ard 45 mins. If u have watched and enjoyed the web series "Only Murders in the Building" streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, you will definitely enjoy this one.
A great watch for this weekend!!
Going with 3/5 for this one !! Adios 🙂!!
#sanjuzzreviews #Netflix #netflixindia #netflixseries #webseries2024 #webseriesreview #bodkin.
Peculiar mix of dark humour and adventure
vmihaj-0016215 May 2024
This might not be everyone's cup of mushroom tea, but for those who come from cultures where dark humour is a way of life like Ireland here, this show will be incredibly entertaining. Unlike many murder mystery shows, its not taking the direction of only focusing on presently evolving situation but rather diving into and re-living the past events. Ofcourse it also revolves in the present and I was as curious to see what happened 20 years ago as much as whats happening in the present. Im sure this show is not the only one to do this (Archive 81 comes to mind) but i really enjoyed that. The location, town of Bodkin in is a perfect setting for mystery, it adds to the atmosphere so much, the small coastal place far away enough to be perfect hiding place for some people. The characters are ok, i didnt really like Gilbert as much as Dove or Emmy but they delivered as a team, very obviously not from Bodkin as many locals will have no problem pointing out and referring to them as "the podcasters". Locals were my favorite characters anyway. Anyway, if you like dark humour adventure-murder mystery you will love this.
WARNING:NOT FOR KIDS!!
patcal13 May 2024
I can't believe a reviewer here said this series is "safe for kids". It most certainly is not. No child should be exposed to most of the scenes contained in this otherwise middle of the road series.
Some of the black comedy is truly hilarious and is one of the saving merits of the production.
Viewers are kept guessing at the end of each episode as something new is revealed. There are cameos from a few well known (and not so well known) Irish actors. I was half expecting to see Brendan O'Carroll turn up along the way.
The main female character (brilliantly played by Siobhán Cullen) must be one of the most hateful I've ever witnessed.
Bad language can often be very funny but here, while initially funny, it is completely overdone and eventually becomes tiresome.
I think overall "Bodkin" probably deserves a 6 out of 10.
Some of the black comedy is truly hilarious and is one of the saving merits of the production.
Viewers are kept guessing at the end of each episode as something new is revealed. There are cameos from a few well known (and not so well known) Irish actors. I was half expecting to see Brendan O'Carroll turn up along the way.
The main female character (brilliantly played by Siobhán Cullen) must be one of the most hateful I've ever witnessed.
Bad language can often be very funny but here, while initially funny, it is completely overdone and eventually becomes tiresome.
I think overall "Bodkin" probably deserves a 6 out of 10.
Just boring
ccchesser13 May 2024
I found this series just plain boring. It starts slow and stayed there. The first episode attempt at humor - "people will listen to that?" - was mildly amusing until it was repeated over and over. Siobhan Culen is tediously grim and unlikeable, badly in need of a quirk to make you even care she's even there. Will Forte, while likable, is dopey to the point of being cringey. Only Robyn Cara is amusing enough to be tolerated. Ireland itself is parodied and stereotyped to the point of being culturally insulting. I love crime shows, but found this one too dull to bear watching all the way through.
Excellent writing but...
michaelmaxlibert16 May 2024
Excellent writing and the story is well thought out; however, the choice of actors must have been rushed, because this could have been a 10/10 if the producers chose a better cast. The lead character Dove was a bright spot though, I must say, but that is it. The choice of music is also silly, or I would describe it as bumbling. The story is very good, very current, and the script is excellent. I could see that it was originally meant to have a Wicker Man (1976) vibe but the playfulness and buffoonery took away from what should have been an award winning show. All in all I enjoyed it though, 7/10.
Some Good Dark Comedy And Action But The Pacing Is Off.
Pairic16 May 2024
Bodkin: Set in Bodkin, a village in West Cork this black comedy thriller falls between two or perhaps even three stools. The pacing is off and it doesn't really pick up until the third episode. The Red King shows how a story like this should be done. Three podcasters arrive on Bodkin to investigate the mystery of the disappearance of three people during the Samhain Festival 20 years before, A local entrepreneur, he runs a server farm, is now organising the first Samhain Festival to be held since then. There are secrets in Bodkin, some are kept by nuns who run yoga workshops and drink pints in pubs, others are kept by smugglers but no one will talk about the disappeared. To add to the mix one of the podcasters, investigative reporter Dove (Siobhán Cullen) has been sent by her editor to cool her heels in Ireland after a source "commits suicide". There is a lot of humour in Bodkin, Dove perhaps having the best lines but there's also some serious criminal business going down. INTERPOL, MI5 and the troubles rear their ugly heads. It might also be a bit too clever for it's own good with the plot twists but it is worth watching. You might think some of the locals are unbelievably weird but this is West Cork. Created by Jez Scharf. Seven episodes on Netflix. 7/10.
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