A quiet kind of intensity radiates throughout the British crime show “Bodyguard”. With a plot centered around terrorist threats in the UK, the show reaches into the actual fears of terrorism we face in today’s society, allowing real emotion to build in fictional circumstances. Each episode is filled with slow-building action that leaves every moment laced with tension. While watching the series there was a constant feeling of dread that seemed to ooze from my pores because of the subtle way in which the story flowed.

Centered around David Budd, who is both a powerful portrayal of masculinity and emotional vulnerability, the show captures a character that you can both sympathize and root for. Budd is a veteran who is clearly facing the effects of PTSD but refuses to seek help. Ignoring his issues he continues work in high stress situations on the police force as a bodyguard for the Home Secretary.

Not only is there the constant threat of terrorism to keep you on edge, but there is also the secrecy in closed door political meetings to leave your mind reeling for answers. However, while the political games and threat of danger may leave you with a quickened pulse, its the emotional struggles Budd is constantly facing that really reach you as a viewer.

Because of his PTSD, his personal relations are troubled and he can’t seem to mend them. All of the stress and struggles Budd faces emotionally resonated with me and my eyes shone with tears as I watched him battle all by himself for a sense of control.

At first glance the series, which is only six episodes long , seems like another short lived attempt to capture viewers innate interest in crime shows. But after viewing all six episodes, I can say with certainty that’s not the case. Bodyguard is a profound television experience that truly captures every facet of a storyline creating a hauntingly realistic story that has you questioning where reality ends and fiction begins.