Upon first hearing about The Bondsman, my curiosity was piqued. The show’s unique concept struck me as highly entertaining, echoing themes reminiscent of the 2013 film R.I.P.D., which also featured Kevin Bacon. Although that film didn’t perform well at the box office, it left an impression on me, making me eager to explore this new series.
Another element that drew my attention was Erik Oleson, the show’s showrunner. My last encounter with Oleson’s work was through season three of Daredevil, a season that I believe is not only the finest of the series but also my personal favorite in superhero television. The cancellation of Daredevil season four due to Disney+’s restructuring plans was disappointing, so learning that Oleson was behind The Bondsman felt serendipitous, and my expectations were met with surprising delight.
Embracing Campiness: The Bondsman’s Approach
Humor: The Heart of the Supernatural Series
The series didn’t captivate me immediately; indeed, The Bondsman is undoubtedly a niche choice. Viewers who appreciate horror with a comedic twist—akin to the Evil Dead franchise or the Preacher series—will find much to enjoy in this Prime Video offering. It wears its campiness on its sleeve, unabashedly pursuing a tone that adds to its appeal. While there are several serious moments throughout its eight episodes, the comedic elements serve as the series’ backbone, and more often than not, they succeed.
The show is not shy about featuring grotesque deaths, some of which may not appeal to all audiences. Although the visual effects for the demons occasionally miss the mark, their overall portrayal aligns well with the show’s aesthetic. The graphic violence, while intense, felt right for the tone and story; after immersing myself for years in shows like The Walking Dead, I’ve developed a certain resilience to gory scenes. However, it’s worth noting that the level of gore in The Bondsman may be off-putting for some viewers.
Interestingly, despite embracing its horror elements, I didn’t find The Bondsman to be genuinely frightening. Rather, it leverages its supernatural foundations to weave an engaging mystery filled with exciting action sequences. The series plays like a B-movie adapted into a television format, and this charming execution gradually won me over, even if it took some time to establish a connection with the story and characters.
The Bondsman Features an Engaging Cast
The primary strength of The Bondsman lies in its diverse cast. Rather than presenting a one-dimensional action hero, the story revolves around a multifaceted protagonist who grapples with moral challenges while nurturing a profound love for his family.
As the season progresses, the main character’s family serves as his grounding force, unveiling his humanity. Kitty, played by Beth Grant, stands out as my second favorite character; while her son is characterized by flaws, she brings a charismatic and heartwarming presence to the series. Additionally, Jolene Purdy’s Midge shines in one of my favorite episodes. The dynamics with Jennifer Nettles’ Maryanne and Maxwell Jenkins’ Cade—who portray Hub’s ex-wife and son—further assist in uncovering the complex layers of Bacon’s demon hunter character. In contrast, Damon Herriman’s portrayal of Lucky provides an easy target for disapproval.
While I faced some challenges with The Bondsman during its initial episodes, the in-depth exploration of the characters in the latter half truly resonated with me. This development made the ultimate four episodes convincing, leaving me hopeful for another season. The series concludes with an intriguing cliffhanger that promises to escalate the supernatural narrative into a more urgent adventure if renewed. After becoming invested in these characters, I find myself reluctant to bid them farewell.