REVIEW: ‘Bodkin’ Fails To Reel Itself In

In a picturesque coastal town in Ireland, Netflix’s darkly comedic thriller, Bodkin lures viewers into a labyrinth of mystery and intrigue. Showrunners Jez Scharf and Alex Metcalf weave a tale that begins with the mundane investigation of three missing strangers but swiftly spirals into a web of deception and eccentricity. However, amidst its attempts to challenge perceptions of truth and delve into the human psyche,  Bodkin stumbles over its own weight, resulting in a narrative that feels formulaic and ultimately predictable.

In Bodkin, Gilbert Power (Will Forte) is a podcaster determined to revive the success of his once-popular podcast. Faced with the prospect of fading into obscurity like countless others in his field, Gilbert sees an opportunity to reclaim his former glory by uncovering the truth behind a cold case. Unlike some of his peers, Gilbert prefers a more personable approach, aiming to build trust and rapport as he delves into the mystery.

Joining Gilbert is Dove (Siobhán Cullen), a journalist with a disdain for true crime podcasts and a tendency for bending the rules to get her story. Despite her initial reluctance to work alongside Gilbert, Dove’s personal connections to Ireland draw her into the investigation. Whether she wants to or not, Dove is forced to confront her past while navigating the twists and turns of the case. However, Dove’s relentless pursuit of leads may land her in more trouble than she bargained for.

Completing the team is Emmy (Robyn Cara), Gilbert’s research assistant and a potential rising star in the world of journalism. As she straddles the line between emulating Gilbert’s affable approach and Dove’s more brutish style, Emmy grapples with her own identity and aspirations. Though she brings a likable and relatable presence to the group, Emmy’s journey is fraught with internal conflict as she struggles to reconcile her ambitions with her flaws.

As the series unfolds, Bodkin‘s narrative shifts focus onto the three main characters as they each embark on their own paths to unravel the central mystery. They navigate through the complexities of the investigation, occasionally crossing paths when the storyline conveniently necessitates it. Along the way, layers of secrecy are peeled back, exposing hidden truths not only within the main characters but also within seemingly ordinary townsfolk.

One of Bodkin’s strengths lies in its setting. Bodkin’s idyllic backdrop serves as a stark contrast to the darkness lurking beneath its surface. The show’s exploration of Ireland’s darker history and folklore adds plenty for viewers to learn about the country and its people. However, this ultimately feels underutilized amidst the chaos of the central mystery and attempts at character arcs.

Despite its small-town setting, Bodkin juggles an array of characters and mysteries, leaving little room for any significant character development. While Dove confronts her past, Gilbert struggles with his faltering career, and Emmy unravels the central mystery, the narrative often feels stagnant. Instead of meaningful arcs, the series tends to rely on repetitive conversations where characters rehash their one-note trait personalities.

Clues conveniently appear to push the mystery forward, but the predictability of this pattern makes it unnecessary to remember every detail. Each episode’s conclusion neatly wraps up loose ends, providing the exposition needed for the next “But wait, there’s more moment!”

While Bodkin initially explores the different approaches to journalism and the sacrifices made in pursuit of truth, it rapidly descends into a whirlwind of excessive plot twists. Unfortunately, the characters remain one-dimensional throughout, failing to inspire investment in their individual storylines. By the midpoint in the season, snippets of the history of Ireland and its people become far more interesting than the actual story Bodkin is trying to tell. By season’s end, I had a list of things to dive into a rabbit hole as soon as I was able to step away from the stories of these bearable main characters.

Bodkin mirrors the gradual suspense-building characteristic of many true crime podcasts, aiming to culminate in a shocking revelation. However, it ultimately succumbs to a common pitfall in podcasting—rambling. Through its numerous tangents, the series misses the opportunity to underscore the importance of storytelling in journalism and the quest for truth.

Instead, Bodkin leads viewers to a finale lacking the necessary emotional investment to justify the time spent. Most disappointingly, its slow build gives way to repetition that makes its own twists predictable leaving little excitement for a second season. For true crime enthusiasts, sticking to their favorite podcast hosts may prove more rewarding, while thriller fans could skip to the finale for a full experience.

Bodkin is streaming now on Netflix.