When the first episode of “Bodies” unfolded before my eyes, it left me with an initial impression – another solid cop drama, but with a Twist so significant it warrants a capital ‘T.’ In this extraordinary series, four detectives from different eras converge upon the same haunting discovery, the same lifeless body, in the same forlorn spot, separated by decades.
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It’s a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, challenging the boundaries of the genre. “Bodies” commences its tale in 2023, with the police presence at a far-right march in London’s East End, but then, it defies expectations by transporting us back in time, to 1941, and even further to 1890, before taking yet another audacious leap.
The modern-day storyline grips you with its intense and suspenseful narrative, while the historical accounts are imbued with a touch of the surreal and the whimsical. Yet, as the first episode concludes with a dramatic explosion, it’s impossible not to continue on to the next episode, and the next, and the next, and the next.
A Multifaceted Journey through Time
“Bodies” is an adaptation of the late Si Spencer’s graphic novel from 2015, and the series serves as a tribute to his memory. This homage is evident in the occasional use of split screens, reminiscent of the panels of a comic book, which divides scenes and eras in a captivating manner. As we delve deeper into the series, it becomes evident that Stephen Graham is the linchpin of this intricate mystery, with his appearances scattered through time, adding to the enigmatic allure.
Initially, the three intertwined narratives may seem to compete for our attention, yet the present-day segment, set in 2023, stands out as the most engaging. Detective Sergeant Shahara Hasan, portrayed brilliantly by Amaka Okafor, discovers a young man with a gun at the far-right march. Her pursuit of this individual leads her to the discovery of a lifeless man, shot through the eye and stripped bare. But the narrative doesn’t stop here; it catapults us back to 1941, where we meet the charismatic Charles Whiteman, a Jewish detective navigating a sea of prejudice within the police force, who, too, will cross paths with the enigmatic body.
The final temporal leap takes us to 1890, where the bearded detective Alfred Hillinghead, portrayed by Kyle Soller, ventures into the subcultures of Victorian Whitechapel, eventually encountering the same lifeless form in the same alley, arranged in an eerily identical manner.
A Visual and Narrative Feast of Bodies
The homage to its graphic novel origins is not just a superficial one. “Bodies” pays respects by incorporating split screens that beautifully mirror the visual panels of a comic book. The narrative is adorned with explosive moments, bizarre occurrences, and enigmatic appearances of Stephen Graham that leave us craving more.
While the various timelines may initially seem disparate, “Bodies” quickly finds its equilibrium, propelling the narrative forward and introducing us to Iris Maplewood, portrayed by Shira Haas, who adds yet another layer to the intricate web of detectives converging on the same mystery. The eras start to intertwine, revealing connections that are as complex as they are thrilling. It’s a narrative ambition that pays off handsomely. “Bodies” offers a cinematic smorgasbord, blending period drama, 1940s film noir, a gritty cop thriller, and a dash of experimental sci-fi.
A Time-Travel Renaissance in TV
Lately, time-travel has captured the imagination of television audiences, and “Bodies” joins the ranks of time-twisting narratives. Jamie Bell’s time-traveling serial killer in “Shining Girls,” Paapa Essiedu’s six-month jump in “The Lazarus Project,” and Peter Capaldi’s temporal acrobatics in “The Devil’s Hour” have left their mark. It was only a matter of time before Netflix entered the quantum physics playground, and “Bodies” holds its own, offering a unique and captivating twist on the time-travel subgenre.
In “Bodies,” you get a compelling story that spans time and genres, a mind-bending puzzle that keeps you hooked from the first episode to the last. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend the boundaries of time, space, and genre.
So, if you’re in search of a cop drama that’s not just another run-of-the-mill crime series, “Bodies” is your answer. It’s a riveting journey through time, an enigmatic puzzle, and a testament to the boundless possibilities of storytelling. Dive into this captivating narrative and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through time and intrigue like no other. “Bodies” – a cop drama that defies expectations and delivers on every front.
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