Bodyguard (2018) User Reviews (801)

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.

Disappointing ending

[chitza · 6/10 · 9 February 2019]

In the last minutes of the last episode everyone confesses for no reason at all.

Disappointing.

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

Good show ruined by really bad last episode

[tablemountain1912 · 6/10 · 23 September 2018]

Very disappointing ending which ruined the whole show for me. The last episode was disappointing for these reasons: How does Budd manage to run away from the crack police services after he disarms the bomb? Why does everyone suddenly have the need to confess and give up the conspiracy? Why does the crime kingpin not disappear after he sees Budd prancing around with a suicide vest all day - surely he must've reckoned that Budd would tell the police of his involvement. How did Budd get into the ex assistant's flat and how does her crime kingpin boyfriend not notice that he's being followed by her car? Why does the crime kingpin go to his police source's home to confront her at the front of her house? Why did Nadia reveal all at the end - she would've probably been released if she would've kept stumm but she brags about being a jihadi engineer who saw an opportunity with Budd when he talked her down from blowing up the train. Somehow she deduced that he could be used to create greater havoc (like killing the home secretary) even though she had no influence over his assignment or anything else. Aaargh!

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.

Knocked a star off for the dumb ending

[auzzymoose · 8/10 · 25 September 2018]

Excellent, tense and certainly gripping right from the start. Well acted and with a feel of realism that is maintained well, right until the final episode in which things get silly. Budd manages to escape the suicide belt scene with absolutely no issue, despite apparently being surrounded by thousands of police. He then makes his way straight to the corrupt police commander's home (again with no issue, despite being Britain's most-wanted) and catches her red-handed with the organised crime boss in which she subsequently admits everything, and he goes on to live happily ever after with his wife. It's really, really silly and poorly written. Something which is unfortunately becoming a theme with BBC spy dramas which start of great and descend into stupidity (London Spy).

Gripping, but flawed

[neonblade-2 · 8/10 · 18 March 2020]

The first episode is amazingly good. Pacing is excellent, great actors, interesting characters. The flaws? 1) Killing Julia off. She was such a crucial character that the episodes after her demise were lacking. 2) The final episode. As other reviewers have said, it was full of plot holes. I'd agree with many of other reviewers statements regarding a talented bomb-maker blowing herself up, and the sudden urge to confess by several characters just didn't ring true. Still, ignoring those flaws, I really enjoyed this series and hope they make a second series.

Oh and I nearly forgot to mention, Keeley Hawes is HOT!

[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...

Starts as Whitney ends as Alexandra Burke

[charlesbrian-03440 · 8/10 · 2 December 2018]

The first half of the series was some of the best television you will ever see. The initial train scene was about as tense as you can get. Then we have the attempted school bombing and the he attempt on Julia's life. Probably some of the strongest scenes you will ever see. Then the mid series shock the bombing. It pulls the rug from under us. The third episode understandably picks up the pieces and sets the scene.

However then there's the finale. It was absurd compared to the great work prior. The suicide vest walk to his house was farcical and then he manages to escape, even more absurd.

The acting though is largely very strong. A lot of snakes, but some with less venom than others. Madden and hawes both give great performances. Hawes genuinely ruthless, but with a Glint of compassion. Madden plays the tortured vet extremely well. The supporting cast is largely very competent as well.

All in all a must watch, but when the bar is raised so high at the start it's a shame it drops towards the end.

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.

Started well, and ended poorly!

[a-b-c-x-y-z · 6/10 · 18 October 2018]

I watched all six episodes in one day, hoping that it would make the plot easier to follow, as opposed to waiting a week between each instalment. I was wrong. The first three episodes were thoroughly enjoyable to watch. There were some great moments, such as the totally out-of-the-blue shooting from the office block. Sadly, after Julia had finally been killed, the quality dipped and the plot became convoluted. First it was the Government who killed her, then the Secret Service, then some crime ring, then the Secret Service, and so on... I finished the series not really sure which parts of the murder the Government, Secret Service, and gang each contributed to. The last episode was really quite boring, and I found myself checking how long was left a couple of times. The final confession of the Jihadi woman was hard to understand. Why couldn't she go ahead with the train bombing, but was more than happy to blow up a school?

6/10 - And it would've been lower had I not enjoyed the first three episodes.

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.