#SeriesInFocus: UK's obsession with 'Bodyguard' isn't wrong; the show's remarkable
'Bodyguard' catapulted itself to a throne not many series have been able to do in the UK. The BBC One show, having six episodes, was watched by 11 million people, and the channel's programming chief Charlotte Moore said, last month, it continues to break records. On October 24, the series debuted on Netflix, and now we know why the Brits fell in love with it.
A war veteran is made the bodyguard of a minister
'Game of Thrones' alum Richard Madden (who played Robb Stark) is a war-veteran David Budd. His successful attempt to foil a terrorist attack gets Sgt. Budd the job of personal security of British Home Secretary Julia Montague played by Keeley Hawes. The thriller centers around Julia's thirst for power, conspiracies in the Parliament, PTSD, a palpable romance and a broken man.
Unsurprisingly, Julia and David are attracted towards each other
Scarred by the war, David dislikes politicians who send soldiers to faraway land. But for Julia, iron decisions are in 'national interest'. Though he doesn't agree with Julia's brand of politics, David is attracted to the powerful woman. The feelings are mutual, though. Their explicit relationship lays the foundation for the series. Both stay conflicted but never does their admiration for one another falter.
While romance blooms, conflicts keep their minds occupied
A woman in a powerful position, hell-bent to pass a law which she believes would protect the nation from terrorism, Julia naturally has many enemies. The police term her 'dangerous' and David is forced to spy on her. He gives in to pressure but Julia's well-being stays his number one priority. Divided by ambitions, Julia and David unite on the bed and that calms them.
David Budd is the man who tries hard, yet fails
His time in Afghanistan inflicts David with PTSD, and it's hard to not sympathize with him. With whatever resources he has, he tries to iron out differences with his wife Vicky (Sophie Rundle), though she is adamant to throw their relationship under the bus. Madden, sheds his GoT image (and royal clothes and beard) effortlessly and gives us the perfect bodyguard look.
That's how you represent women, people!
What sets 'Bodyguard' apart is that it normalizes women in powerful positions. Julia is never apologetic about her ambitions, and she is fully aware this makes many insecure. The same goes for Anne Sampson (essayed by Gina McKee), who heads the counter-terrorism department of police. While cursing her male colleagues, she doesn't mince her words. The series aces women representation brilliantly.
The episodes pass but the thrill is maintained
Right from the first few minutes, 'Bodyguard' catches your attention. The failed terrorist attack in the first episode sets the pace right, and directors Thomas Vincent and John Strickland don't let it vanish ever. There are guns, conspiracies, fast-paced action, unpredictable twists, and actors who are amazingly convincing. In just six episodes, an experience worth remembering is delivered to viewers.
You don't want to miss out this one
While the climax of the miniseries wasn't quite liked by many and was a letdown as compared to the exhilaration of the other episodes, 'Bodyguard' deserves to be binge-watched. If nothing, watch it for Madden and Hawes who make for a remarkable pair.
