Netflix has become synonymous with mind-bending science fiction series, such as Stranger Things and Dark. These shows captivate audiences with fresh perspectives and grand marketing campaigns. Yet, amidst the fanfare, a quiet release introduced a series that deserves to stand tall among these giants. Bodies, adapted from Si Spencer’s graphic novel, takes the time-travel genre to new heights.
Four Detectives, Four Eras, One Enigmatic Mystery
In Netflix Bodies, four detectives from different time periods stumble upon a mysterious body, stripped of its left eye and devoid of bullet wounds. Shahara Hasan (Amaka Okafor) in 2023, Charles Whiteman (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd) in 1941, Alfred Hillinghead (Kyle Soller) in 1890, and Iris Maplewood (Shira Haas) in 2053 all encounter this perplexing corpse. However, in Iris’s case, the body is not lifeless.
This premise’s complexity doesn’t hinder Bodies; it excels in weaving together four distinct mysteries. A discovery in 2023 influences a man in 1941, and a message from 1890 lingers in 2053. Despite separate investigations, there’s a single overarching mystery that binds every character.
In the thrilling climax of the last two episodes of Bodies, a mind-bending revelation unfolds. It turns out that the teenage Elias Mannix is, in fact, the younger version of the enigmatic Stephen Graham we encounter in 2053. This older Mannix, shaped by a childhood deprived of love, devises a plan to create a society where everyone is cared for, though it veers into an authoritarian dystopia more than anything else. To execute his scheme, he employs a mysterious time-travel device called “The Throat,” which remains shrouded in mystery, beyond its existence.
Mind-boggling Twist Continues
With The Throat at his disposal, Mannix sends himself back in time to set his master plan in motion. He creates a covert network of cult members over decades, manipulating them to further his vision. The Elias Mannix we encounter in 1890, 1941, and 2053 are, astonishingly, one and the same individual. They collectively work to ensure that the Elias Mannix of 2023, who is still part of the natural timeline, ultimately sacrifices himself to pave the way for the ascension of the alternate future Mannix. This intricate time loop adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative.
Chapel Perilous, the clandestine society operating in 2053, determined to prevent this entire sequence of events from happening. Chapel Perilous is led by an older Detective Hasan, embittered by the tragic loss of her son in the 2023 bombing, and Gabriel Defoe, the very body that sets this entire web of intrigue in motion.
A Genre-Defying Odyssey
Netflix Bodies wears multiple genre hats at once, effortlessly shifting between a period piece, police procedural, dystopian tale, conspiracy thriller, family drama, and cult story. While this might seem daunting, the series seamlessly incorporates each element into its segmented plot. As the action shifts between eras, the tone resets seamlessly. One moment, you’re caught in a chase, and the next, you’re transported to a different time, witnessing unique character dynamics.
Subtle Time-Travel Revelation
One of Netflix Bodies‘ strengths lies in its gradual incorporation of science fiction elements. These elements remain nearly unnoticed until the final episode, where events change, and characters embrace their future selves. The series’ stellar cast is instrumental in maintaining a balance of tone. The transition from “detective show acting” to “science fiction acting” remains seamless, showcasing the seriousness of each performance.
Perhaps the reason Bodies hasn’t received the same attention as its Netflix sci-fi predecessors is that labeling it as a time-travel series doesn’t do justice to its full scope.
Paul Tomalin, the mastermind behind the series, has openly acknowledged that he left that last ambiguous ending, ready to untangle the narrative further if Netflix greenlights a second season. However, the initial mystery, which had viewers scratching their heads, is at least neatly resolved in a complex, time-twisting fashion.
Ending Notes
So, if you’re seeking a genre-defying time-travel thrill ride that combines the best of the past, present, and future, watch Bodies on Netflix. It’s a hidden gem that will leave you in awe of its storytelling prowess.
