Bodyguard (2018) User Reviews

Never Show Your Weakness!

[ahmetkozan · 8/10 · 22 December 2018]

I think the British are usually successful in thriller genre. And I've seen that they are really successful with this series. The series made an excellent beginning with the opening scene. I can say that, the first 20 minutes of Bodyguard are arguably one of the best thriller scenes. From that moment onwards, I knew I had to watch all of episodes as quickly. At some moments the tension was so high that I could feel the excitement.

Action scenes were very successful, directors and cinematographer did well. The scenario is not unnecessarily extended, the series has a realistic fiction in general, and you get excited while watching. The action is so good so that you can't talk about some scenes being stagnant because there is a team that reflects emotions very well. What's really impressive about this series are the breathtaking action-packed scenes. It's here where it really deserves. As with most dramas, it skews dark, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for the world it is portraying.

There are two things that make Bodyguard stand out from a lot of the other similar series in this genre and the first is the way it good manages thriller. The first twenty minutes of the first episode is a really good example of this. The second one is acting. The entire cast is giving very good performances, in what are at times really difficult roles. The acting, particularly from Richard Madden, is outstanding. Best known for his role as Robb Stark in Game of Thrones (2011), Richard Madden has an incredibly difficult job of playing someone whose world is starting to fall apart. 8/10

Pretty Entertaining!

[Rob1331 · 9/10 · 28 September 2022]

Bodyguard is deserving of all the awards nominations it got including all the big award shows like Golden Globes, Emmy's, etc. Richard Madden was so good in this that he won the Golden Globe for best lead actor! Bodyguard is a great action thriller that will grab you from the first episode and keep you on the edge of your seat through to the last episode. It was suppose to be a one season limited series but it got such great reviews and great word of mouth from fans of the show that they are now planning on doing another season which is just phenomenal news! If you're looking for a new series to binge watch over a weekend then give this a chance. You won't be disappointed.

Edge of your seat thriller!

[Supermanfan-13 · 9/10 · 19 May 2020]

Bodyguard actually surprised me by how good it was. It was so good I binged all six episodes in a day. If anyone was worried if Richard Madden could star and carry a series they shouldn't be anymore. He was great in this and I'm sure it will lead to even bigger things for him. Madden plays former war veteran David Budd who is now a police sergeant with Landon's Metropolitan Police Service. He is given the assignment of protecting the controversial Home Secretary who he doesn't share the same beliefs. He's also dealing with PTSD from his time in Afghanistan. What follows is an action packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire season.

Extremely good show

[Herbalicious_690 · 10/10 · 16 December 2018]

Strong acting, well written dialogue, strong acting and direction. The show is strong enough to be either binge watched and hold your interest throughout, or to watch in a series of mini-binges (e.g. two at a time instead of a movie). I am not sure I could leave it a full week between episodes, each episode had me wanting more. The length of the series is short but perfect, not overly drawn out, nor rushed towards the finish line. The cast is well chosen, and they do way more than just deliver their lines, a result that draws you in and keeps you guessing. The directions and mis-directions to keep you guessing do not under-estimate the intelligence of the audience, nor try to spell out every detail so it does require some attention, but is all the better because of this. A very very strong show, and I really hope they can bring a second series to air with a different bent to it, but a second series would be a really big challenge to top or equal this first. I highly recommend this as a must-watch.

Absolutely gripping!

[nemo-06159 · 10/10 · 24 September 2018]

This show was a roller coaster from the beginning till the end. Great characters, superb acting, and most of all, the storyline was awesome, with twists and turns that you wouldn't expect. Best show I've seen in years! Really hoping for a season two.

Brilliantly tense, exciting and entertaining - best from the BBC in a while

[fournilwrittenalloverit-96331 · 10/10 · 28 August 2018]

The best from the BBC in a while, Bodyguard leaves you with no fingernails after 20 minutes of the first episode, and you'll be craving the next episode as soon as the one you're watching ends.

The tension is far more believeable as this drama is circulated around the times of today with terror attacks imminent and frequent on the streets of the UK, as most of us can remember seeing a situation like this unfold on the news in recent years.

Every shot leaves you wondering just what is going on inside of the characters heads, and stomach churning moments of realisation during the storyline give you a feeling like no other. One or two characters are played slightly weakly and don't help the story on its way but the main leads are fantastic.

Yes it is the route that most crime/police dramas go down but for entertainment purposes this is the best show to grace our screens in a while, definitely worth the watch.

Excellent series - enthralling, intriguing and action-packed

[grantss · 9/10 · 18 November 2018]

After an act of heroism which prevents a terrorist attack on a train, Police Sergeant David Budd is assigned to protect the Home Secretary, Julia Montague. Budd is the consummate professional but finds himself conflicted. He served in Afghanistan and saw many of his comrades killed or maimed in a war which Montague was to a degree responsible for. In addition, he soon finds himself a pawn in a political power struggle. Moreover, terrorist activity is on the rise and he finds himself in the centre of it.

Excellent series. Very intriguing: the machinations, the plotting, the twists and who's behind certain actions and events. Some really good red herrings - you really don't know the culprits until the very end. Incredibly enthralling - once you start watching, it's hard to stop.

Some good action sequences too. Decent character depth, which is rare for an action-thriller.

Only negative is that, in trying to be complex, the plot does have one or two minor holes. Not glaring ones and more a case of having to think quit deeply about an event or situation to spot them.

Will be interesting to see if there is a Season 2. It will be difficult to follow up on Season 1 - it works perfectly as a mini-series.

You won't take a break till you finish it

[JigarPatel11 · 10/10 · 17 December 2020]

One of the best thriller series I have watched lately. It grips you right from the first 20 minutes till the end. Lots of twists and turns and no matter how much you try to calculate what is going to happen next, the show shocks you each time.

I now have an ulcer.

[philneil · 8/10 · 27 August 2018]

Fantastic opening episode. I can't believe some have rated this lower than a 5. My stomach was in knots, especially for the first 20 minutes. The best way I can describe it is that it has the holding one's breath suspense of 'The Night Manager' mixed with an uneasy, on-edge feel of 'Spooks'.

I can't wait to see the next episode.

Seminal drama

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 28 October 2018]

Most drama serials are enjoyable, but pass by like the Summer, they're nice while they lost, but quickly pass by. I think Bodyguard is a drama that will linger for some time. It starts off as it ends, explosive, gripping, unexpected, and full to bursting with twists and intrigue. I can think of only positives, the writing, superb, Jed Mercurio in recent years can do no wrong, he's followed Line of Duty up in some style. The acting is off the scale, Richard Madden in particular delivers huge performance after huge performance, quite incredible, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee and Paul Ready are fantastic throughout. I love how it's full of twists and turns, over the span of the series I imagined numerous outcomes, I felt sure I'd thought of everything, obviously not, I can't believe what he pulled off. There are so many highlights in the Series, I think I perhaps found the opener the most powerful, truly heart in the mouth viewing.

I'm one of those people that's always desperate for follow up series to shows I've loved, something is telling me to just leave this show as a one off, a gripping, captivating drama that received viewing figures most shows can only dream of.

BBC you've done it once again! 10/10

Strong start...awful finish

[reaver80808-552-7999 · 5/10 · 29 January 2019]

The series opens very strong. Great characters, tough subject matter, intrigue and affairs. What could go wrong....

Everything apparently!

From the mid point of the series, it all falls to pieces. The plot holes are so enormous the entire cast falls into them, never to be seen again.

I won't go into spoilers, for those who haven't yet given it a go, but to be honest, if you like a solid thriller, you won't like this. It's just silly towards the end.

The acting is solid by the leads, but the supporting acts are a little weak at times, mostly due to some lazy, cliched dialogue. The effects and action are all handled well. It was so close to great at the start.

It's just those plot holes!!!! Possibly the worst I have ever seen in a series or movie, or book even! It totally ruins what could have been a real winner.

How this ever got above 8/10, I will never understand.

[9.4] Superior on all accounts

[cjonesas · 9/10 · 15 May 2020]

When you start watching a series and it grabs your attention since its early minutes, intensity and nail-biting thrill reaching a powerful crescendo in its first twenty minutes, you can be pretty sure that you have a valuable gem before your eyes and Bodyguard doesn't disappoint a bit in that and continuously keeps viewers' expectations high with quality after quality.

• The screenplay, plots and sub-plots are full of intricacies and intrigues in the high British Standard.
• The suspenseful atmosphere and cinematography beautifully unfolding and never tiring.
• The acting marvelous, quite believable (I mean it) by every one of the cast, with outstanding performance by Richard Madden and emotional, believable acting by Sophie Rundle.
• The action sequences and thrilling sensations superb, fast-paced and the job of a professional team backed by superior direction.
• The compact 6-episodes series is in point, develops really well, episode by episode, and is free of lagging sequences and scenes.

I was quite surprised and impressed by this masterful British series and recommend it to every Thriller/Drama lovers. You can be sure that by the end, not only you'll be nearly begging for a second season to come, but the successful and deep British films and actors will have you as a new fan, if not already one.

Best BBC drama for years!

[angelaedmonds-89636 · 10/10 · 3 September 2018]

Yes some might say it reeks of propaganda but suspend all political views and just enjoy a damn good gritty drama! Keely Hawes is a class act always and does not disappoint but top marks to her 'Bodyguard'. Thoroughly enjoyed - well done to the BBC. Now what was in that briefcase...

Surprisingly intriguing in a world filled with crime TV

[DesolateIdentity · 8/10 · 10 May 2020]

It's important to note that this show makes choices you shouldn't expect it to make, keeping you on the edge of your seat. It's incredibly well acted and laid out, although the first half of the first season carries more intrigue than the second half, where things fall off to a degree. It presents likeable characters and complex storylines.

Disappointing ending but for the rest a good show.

[deloudelouvain · 7/10 · 12 September 2019]

What could have been an excellent show ended up just being a good show. I have to agree with some reviewers on here, the show started promising with quite a bit of suspense and intrigues but the final episode was a bit of a letdown to me and I'm obviously not the only one thinking like that. It clearly could have done with a better ending. But apart from that this series is enjoyable to watch, with good actors, and plenty enough of action and suspense. Once you start watching it you want to know what will happen next, that's a good enough indicator for me for a good show.

A glorious ship slowly sinking through the season

[ChrisIhao · 5/10 · 26 October 2018]

I loved the first few episodes. Then everything suddenly started falling apart a few episodes in. So many ridiculous «magical solutions» and purely illogical and nonsensical things start happening, and the cliches are so thick that you can use them as pillows. Episode 5 is bad, but compared to the «grand finale» its nothing. I basically cringed more than a dozen times during those 75 minutes or so.

Suffice to say. Extremely disappointed in this show. The only reason I'm giving it a 5/10 is because... well, half the series was good. Would probably have been a 8 or 9 if it kept the feel and the flow throughout the season.

Lastly, I dont get why people review a series after one or two episodes, especially when its only six episodes in total. I can bet my life a lot of those 10/10 grades wouldnt stand if the reviewers saw the whole series before writing. Anyhow, I for one hope there wont be a second series. Nothing more to see here.

More than just a 6 Episode Mini Series!

[rroncevic · 10/10 · 8 October 2022]

We all know that feeling when we see there's only going to be 6 episodes in a series. We instantly know that if it's any good we're going to want more.... We're going to need more. Such is not the case here.

Bodyguard was excellent. Every episode was jam packed as to leave me feeling like I'd watched 2 or more for each hour. I had to keep checking back to see what episode I was on, as it felt like I was so much further along. I will simply leave it at that.

Great mini series that I highly recommend. You will not end it feeling you need more of the series. Instead you'll end wanting a new series to watch that is just as fulfilling to binge.

Absolutely gripping

[rikmayall-53524 · 10/10 · 4 September 2018]

Got my attention from the off. So tense and brilliantly acted. It's good to see Richard Madden playing such a multi-faceted character. Does it to perfection. Loving the plot, trying to work out where all the true allegiances lie. Really good cast and story line. Can't wait for the next episode. Hoping already there will be another season. Love it.

Surprisingly great

[jedlickova-20299 · 8/10 · 17 May 2020]

To be honest, I didn't really expect anything out of it at first. I began watching it just out of boredom. I thought it would be one of the tv shows that is full of difficult words that I won't understand it and will have nothing out of it. I was wrong!

This series is awesome! From the first episode, from the first few minutes the tension is crazy. Something the tension is so high, that I yell at the tv, squeeze my fists and gasp for my breath basically (hope it makes any sense). Such words as "No no no..." or "Oh my god, Oh my god, Oh my god..." came out of my mouth more than often while watching this.

Richard Madden's acting skill are remarkable in Bodyguard. He handled the character of David Budd very well. It seemed very real, it had to be difficult. Also I still can't get over the way he pronounce "Ma'am" as "Mum" hah.

The last episode was probably the best one of all. The tension was INSANE, although I have to agree with the kind of disappointing very end of it.

A high suspense political thriller

[liamshirazi · 9/10 · 19 July 2022]

Bodyguard is netflix most satisfying political thriller shows on the platform. With its high performance by Richard Madden and deep tight shootouts and problems filled with secrets and undercover work makes it must watch. Though being a limited series it should have gotten a 2nd season.

One of the most amazing shows of all time

[katdav-73761 · 10/10 · 13 April 2020]

Well,I have to say one thing,everyone must watch this series,so many characters to love,the actors/actresses did their jobs,And what can I say about the actor on the leading role,Richard Madden, the future is yours...AMAZING!!!! And I have to say that IF I COULD HAVE A CHANCE TO RATE THIS SHOW WITH 100/10 I WOULD

Excellent

[atmydesk-15449 · 10/10 · 28 August 2018]

Great characters, interesting plot that will probably get deeper and darker, well made/filmed/directed and altogether a real treat from the Beeb, it probably won't be enjoyed by the soap opera brigade as can be witnessed by some of the negative reviews ('The audience know what to expect and that's all they're prepared to believe in'). Recommended.

Beware: once you start watching this, you won't want to step away

[nancyldraper · 10/10 · 26 November 2018]

Don't start watching this unless you have the time to finish the all six episodes, because once you begin you won't want to quit. Compelling story. Fabulous acting (Keeley Hawes is at her best in this role and Richard Madden gives a brilliantly multilayered, accessible performance). A great political drama. I think this might be one of the best Limited Edition TV Series of the 2018. (It's available on Netflix) {Political Drama}

Absolutely amazing & interesting.

[Jemae · 8/10 · 16 May 2020]

This one will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat for the 6 episodes it has.

I was hooked watching the first episode, I didn't realise just how good it was going to be. Tension, excitement and good writing, really made this series enjoyable.

It's about an man who went to war and came back and a job as security for a politician, which also involves terrorism. The writing is simple in a way, you aren't left watching the episodes feeling heavy, it's rather easy to watch and exciting.

I highly recommend you watching this, currently as of May 2020 it's available to watch on Netflix. You won't be sorry for watching this wonderful Tv series.

Mercurio is the best there is...

[morganpedwards-15420 · 10/10 · 27 August 2018]

Excellent episodes 1&2. The pacing is masterly. The action is gripping. The surprises are, er, surprising. The performances are all outstanding. Even better than Line of Duty 3. And that's saying something.