TV shows we love: Bodkin

Gilbert is not welcome in Bodkin, Ireland. Especially as an American podcaster poking his nose into affairs the locals have for years swept under the carpet.

Flanked by English researcher Emmy and Dublin-born investigative journalist Dove reluctantly sent to lie low, the unwilling trio embark on a quest to create the best podcast ever to pull Gilbert out of financial ruin and ultimately save his marriage, while also keeping their careers afloat.

Seven episodes of pure black comedy.

Gilbert’s podcast is about Samhain and three mysterious disappearances during the festival 25 years ago.

Not particularly popular with the locals – or among themselves for that matter – the three try to pry stories out of the residents over heavy boozing, miles of walking, tanks of eels and pulling cars with dead bodies out of ponds.

Although the story takes its time to latch itself onto the viewer, the humour and awkwardness keep you giggling until the first local is found dead.

Amid trying to befriend old codgers and follow leads, the three are starting to bond as they find themselves in sticky situations, breaking into houses, swimming with slithering creatures, dodging the authorities and criminals, and telling each other to go forth and multiply.

And then there is the wolf that apparently only Dove can see, which suggests there is more to her Irish background than she lets on.

Guinness and whiskey could not be missing from an Irish setting, neither nuns, of course, albeit living the life in a de-sanctified nunnery by running a wellness retreat.

A plot with as many twists and turns as the rural roads. As it gradually unfurls, secrets are revealed.

Dove, the only one who seems to be seeing clearly – when sober – uncovers interlinked mysteries, giving hope to Gilbert and a lesson or two in toughness to Emmy.

Bodkin (available on Netflix) gains pace as it goes along, with gems of humour to keep the drama light.