[This story contains spoilers from season one of The Bondsman.]
In the thrilling narrative of The Bondsman, protagonist Hub finds himself grappling with four primary desires: safeguarding his devout mother, Kitty (Beth Grant); seeking reconciliation with his estranged ex-wife, Maryanne (Jennifer Nettles); earning respect from his teenage son, Cade (Maxwell Jenkins); and concealing a dark secret — a tragic mistake that haunts him.
The Devil’s Bargain
However, Hub’s path is complicated by an unexpected twist: the devil demands he capture and return demons that have escaped from hell, essentially dispatching these captured souls back to their eternal punishment. The catch? In exchange for this service, Hub may buy himself time on Earth before his own soul is condemned to hell as retribution for his earthly misdeeds. Refuse the task, and it’s straight back to hell for him.
Comedy Amidst Darkness
Kevin Bacon, who plays Hub, explains the intriguing hook of the show during a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. “When I read this script, I’d tell people, ‘It’s about a guy who comes back from the dead and learns he’s become a bondsman for the devil.’ Their reactions were priceless.” Bacon elucidates that the unique draw of The Bondsman lies in its blend of surreal elements with the heartfelt story of a family trying to mend its fractured relationships. “Hub’s journey is filled with vanity and stubbornness, mixed with guilt and regret. He’s battling inner demons, both literally and figuratively, while still managing to inject humor into his surreal situation.”
Creative Fusion
Creator Erik Oleson characterizes The Bondsman as a fresh take on the horror genre, emphasizing its inventive mash-up of themes: “The world feels like it’s spiraling out of control, and I wanted to create something that’s entertaining—fun to watch and to produce.” Oleson recalls the initial script, co-created with writer Grainger David, which attracted the attention of Blumhouse and Bacon. “The idea of having Kevin Bacon hunt demons was simply too compelling to pass up!”
A Blend of Humor and Horror
“While there are numerous demon-hunting series out there, what makes our show stand out is its unique concoction of family drama, Appalachian noir, country music, and of course, a little mayhem with chainsaws,” Oleson remarks. He aims for viewers to experience a rollercoaster of emotions — laughter, terror, and surprise — as they navigate the constantly shifting tones of the series.
Spiritual Undertones
For audiences who typically shy away from horror, The Bondsman offers unexpected moments that resonate with spiritual depth. Hub’s character reflects a sense of detachment from religion. “He admits, ‘I’m not the churchgoing type,'” Bacon explains. Hub’s mother, Kitty, represents the religious anchor that contrasts sharply with his struggles and skepticism. Bacon notes, “As the series progresses, Hub begins to grapple with his doubts regarding the existence of a higher power and his quest for redemption.”
Music as a Narrative Foundation
One thread that unites Hub’s family is their shared love for music. Bacon reveals how music serves as a central theme, highlighting familial bonds among Kitty, Hub, and Cade, as well as Hub’s relationship with Maryanne. Their musical connection culminates in poignant moments, particularly in the climactic episodes, where music breaks through the chaos to create a serene pause.
Bacon, who has performed alongside his brother Michael in the band The Bacon Brothers since 1995, expresses enthusiasm for the project’s musical element. Collaborating with Nettles, they produced an eight-song EP that underscores the series and elevates its emotional circumstances.
Complex Characters
Bacon is drawn to characters that transcend simple heroism. “I’m not interested in portraying a one-dimensional hero,” he affirms. “I gravitate towards complicated roles—individuals who have flaws, darkness, and weaknesses.” This complex character structure is a significant motivator for Bacon’s involvement in The Bondsman.
The Bondsman is currently available for streaming, with all eight episodes on Prime Video.