Ep 1. Episode 1
- October 24, 2018
- 57 min
Bodyguard is a British political thriller television series, starring Richard Madden as David Budd, a war veteran who works for the Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch (RaSP) of London's Metropolitan Police Service. The first episode of the series, titled "Episode 1," was written by creator Jed Mercurio and directed by Thomas Vincent.
The episode opens with a tense scene aboard a train, as David Budd, returns home from duty in Afghanistan. He is introduced as a troubled veteran who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A young Muslim woman, Nadia, catches his attention and the two eventually strike up a conversation. However, the scene quickly takes a turn when Nadia pulls out a suicide vest, revealing that she is a suicide bomber and plans to blow herself up and everyone on the train.
In a nail-biting sequence, David uses his military training to disarm the woman and save the passengers on the train. He quickly becomes a national hero as the news coverage of his brave act spreads throughout the country. His new-found fame catches the attention of the Home Secretary, Julia Montague (played by Keeley Hawes), who invites him to join her security detail as her bodyguard.
Initially reluctant to take the new position, David eventually accepts, only to find himself at odds with the Home Secretary's policies and politics. David's military background is at odds with Montague's hawkish approach to national security, which includes strong military intervention in foreign conflicts. David's skepticism about Montague's character and policies stems from his first-hand experience of the consequences of military intervention in Afghanistan.
In addition to his professional challenges, David is also dealing with personal troubles that add complexity to his character. He struggles to maintain a relationship with his estranged wife, Vicky, and their two children. As he tries to navigate the complicated and dangerous world of politics, he also has to deal with the aftermath of his PTSD and his family's disapproval of his new job.
The episode is full of tension and suspense, with the plot constantly shifting and keeping the viewers on their toes. David's internal struggles, combined with the external threats he faces, make for a captivating narrative that keeps the audience engaged.
Overall, the first episode of Bodyguard sets the stage for a thrilling political drama that explores the complex issues of national security, personal ethics, and the sacrifices made by security personnel on the front lines of dangerous situations. With a strong cast, intense action, and intricate plotlines, the series promises to be a must-watch for fans of the thriller genre.