Netflix’s newest hit, Bodkin, offers a fresh take on the world of podcasting investigations, unlike its Hulu counterpart, Only Murders in the Building. While the latter opted for a lighter, more humorous tone, Bodkin takes a darker approach, showcasing a distinct difference in storytelling and character development.
The show follows a group of podcasters, led by Will Forte’s Gilbert Power, Siobhan Cullen’s Dovy, and Robyn Cara’s Emmy, as they investigate a mysterious 20-year-old double murder in the quaint Irish town of Bodkin. Their search for answers uncovers a sinister tale of secrets and lies, leading to a more complex and suspenseful narrative.
In contrast to Only Murders in the Building, the characters in Bodkin are decidedly more unsavory and unlikable. Dovy, a self-loathing and detached investigative journalist, is a far cry from the charming and affable Max, played by Steve Martin. Gilbert and Emmy’s folksy and friendly approach to investigation is also replaced with a more intense and erratic atmosphere.
A Still From Bodkin Show (Via IMDB)
The tone of Bodkin is noticeably darker, with a palpable sense of eeriness and haunting. The show’s reliance on morbid and melancholy tone sets it apart from the more lighthearted Only Murders in the Building. The contrast is most apparent in the show’s climax, where Bodkin’s more intense and suspenseful finale is a far cry from the comedic and campy murder mysteries of Hulu’s rival series.
As the first season comes to a close, a second season would provide ample opportunity for character development and further exploration of the show’s complex and flawed characters. The potential for growth and complexity lies in the characters’ troubled pasts and their struggles with depression, addiction, and personal demons.
Bodkin is now available to stream on Netflix in the U.S., offering a fresh and thrilling take on the world of podcasting investigations.
