Netflix's new crime thriller Bodkin grips you and spins Irish stereotypes on their head
Bodkin has landed on Netflix and it will have you gripped as it takes you through the mystery of an old disappearance in a small Irish town. The seven-part series was produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s company Higher Ground Productions.
The show is set in a fictional town, Bodkin, in West Cork. Weaving mystery and hints of comedy together, Bodkin certainly hits the nail on the head when it comes to vying for the title of Netflix’s next crime thriller hit.
It follows an eager American true crime podcaster, his energetic young researcher, and a sarcastic and cynical Irish journalist, Dove, who hasn’t returned to her home country in years. Dove is forced to join the podcasters in their hunt for the truth about the disappearance of three people at a Samhain festival in the town twenty years ago.
However, Dove’s own story is shrouded in mystery. Bodkin has the formula for a hit crime/thriller/comedy/mystery series.
Each episode presents its twists and turns, keeping viewers on their toes as they try to work out what is so off about this small, seemingly innocent Irish town. Throughout, we learn about how the folks from this unassuming town are connected to each other and how everything isn’t as it seems in Bodkin.
Will Forte as Gilbert Power, Siobhan Cullen as Dove, Robyn Cara as Emmy Sizergh in Bodkin
Bodkin presents an eager American person’s idealized version of Ireland and flips it on its head. We see the stereotypes and the tropes, but they’re done in a way that can almost be described as parody.
Over-the-top podcaster Gilbert (Will Forte) presents us with the American dreamer’s picture of Ireland and Dove (Siobhán Cullen) is the realist that brings him back down to earth as the story unfolds. However, as secrets come to light, the two find themselves having to meet in the middle and work together to uncover what has really happened and what still goes on in this small town.
Researcher Emmy (Robyn Cara), meanwhile, is the heart of the series, presenting us with an empathetic character who cares about both the truth and the people tied up in this web of mystery. Kudos need to be given to all three lead actors, with particular praise for Dublin native Cullen.
(L to R) Sean Og Cairns as Garda Eoin, Kerri McLean as Maeve, Siobhan Cullen as Dove, Robyn Cara as Emmy Sizergh, Will Forte as Gilbert Power in Bodkin
Her portrayal of Dove can sometimes be difficult to get behind and towards the beginning of the series, she comes across as necessarily mean to other characters. But as we learn more about her own troubled past and inner demons, and her dedication to the truth, our admiration grows.
David Wilmut also steals the show as the shady Seamus Gallagher. With every twist and turn, we struggle to work out if Seamus is the good or bad guy in this scenario, or if he is in a weird grey area between the two.
Bodkin, through the efforts of its townspeople with something to hide, is presented as an idyllic small Irish town with not much happening. We learn that this is far from the case, a plot that is sure to delight any fan of true crime podcasts.
Naturally, comparisons have been made to Only Murders in the Building since Bodkin was released. While the two series follow true crime podcasters, Bodkin certainly has less silliness and higher stakes.
The pace of the show is something the writers have done well. It can be a delicate balance when it comes to making a mystery series, trying not to keep suspense while also not dragging the story out for too long.
Bodkin has enough twists and events to keep you engaged while also still guessing.
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