Bodies (2004–2006) User Reviews

Not for the squeamish...

[ba2 · 8/10 · 16 April 2019]

If you are young and fancy a career in medicine sit through a season of this before you make your decision. This warts and all drama really hits home without compromise. Being set in an Obstetrics ward some of the scenes are incredibly graphic, they server to counterpoint what it really must be like working in a UK NHS hospital environment.

The acting is top notch as is the writing. A particular nod to Max Beasley and the excellent Patrick Baladi. Keith Allen also delivers his usual styled misogynist character to one of the roles.

I can not highlight enough this is not for the squeamish I couldn't watch certain scenes because of their graphic nature.

An excellent UK (home grown) masterpiece.

Why have I never seen this before?

[jakebullett-66868 · 9/10 · 10 November 2020]

What an absolutely brilliant series. Great story lines, great cast and really well put together in a realistic way. It maybe over fifteen years old but it's definitely stood the test of time. This show should have been raved about so much more. I just wish they'd made more than 2 series!

Blood sweat and vadge

[peterrichboy · 8/10 · 1 May 2019]

Being a fan of Line of Duty I thought I would check out Jed Mercurio's first hit series Bodies. Set in a gynaecology department at an NHS hospital the show focuses on the trials and tribulations of working with financial pressures and the trusts targets. Make no mistake this no Call the midwife, it's extremely graphic there are hysterectomies Caesarean sections and lots of blood. For those who remember This Life the programme is shot very much in that style and the very good looking senior staff members spend so much time shagging each other it's wonder any babies get born! There are moments of dark humour and Kieth Allen excels as the repulsive sex mad consultant. This is not your normal medical drama and may not be for everyone, but Mercurio's writing and the fly on the wall style camera work gives the show a very real feel about it. 8/10

Outstanding, riveting stuff - a far cry from the vapid dross which often passes for drama in the UK

[bicuser · 14 December 2006]

The finale of Bodies has just aired in the UK and I can say without doubt that this is the most compelling and tense drama to come out of Britain for a very long time. Combining an acting and shooting style both muscular and assured in execution; a brave, gripping, convincing script and appropriately realistic prosthetics, Bodies is hard to beat in its genre. With all the colourless, vapid dross being churned out on British TV nowadays, it seems almost unbelievable that the BBC in its wisdom saw fit to axe it.

Max Beesley brings a riveting, pinched intensity in his outstanding portrayal as hard-done-to doc Rob Lake struggling in a sea of incompetence, dishonesty and sheer managerial mediocrity. His central, career-defining role in tandem with oleaginous Dr Whitman (Keith Allen), comely foils Donna Rix (Neve McIntosh), Polly Grey (Tamzin Malleson) and his nemesis, the pusillanimous, dangerous Roger Hurley (Patrick Baladi), provides the viewer with an at times uncomfortable but undeniably unmissable experience.

There is no sentiment at work here, no shirking away from numerous, unpalatable aspects of the British NHS or dilution of the viscera involved in child delivery. Bodies is destined to remain a classic TV series; a far cry from the cloying sloppiness and user-friendly mollycoddling of, say, the BBC's Casualty. Closer in concept to ER yet far superior in the sheer quality of the conflict on screen, Bodies packs a bloody punch as a tremendous watching experience which has yet to be unsurpassed in medical drama.

Highly. highly recommended.

simply the best medical drama ever

[aniasalk · 10/10 · 24 November 2011]

I work as medical doctor at emergency department in a little town in Poland. For me, watching this series was very important experience - I realized that people who work in medical field all over the world are always the same : greedy and thirsty for power,revengeful, cowardly etc. Hospitals are full of bureaucracy, statistics,nasty people, procedures and doctors who sometimes want just to treat patients good -and they have to fight with management, insurance companies etc Other doctors are interested only in money and brilliant career, not particularly caring for their patients. All of this is shown in "Bodies" and also seen in real life.

Watching this series I've felt like being in my own hospitals...very weird

to summaries : "Bodies" is the most realistic and breathtaking medical drama I've ever seen. anna salwierz, MD, Lesko

Only just found this treasure

[anonatsmokeybacon · 10/10 · 12 February 2020]

I'll keep this short and sweet...ish. I only watched this recently (Jan-Feb 2020), after finding it on one of the steaming services. Despite it being nearly 15 years old it has been the most enjoyable medical drama I have ever seen. Brilliantly written and brilliantly acted, it portrays a gripping and realistic depiction of the lives of doctors, nurses and management staff at a British NHS hospital, wrapped up in drama.

This drama does not hold back from showing some truly difficult and tragic scenes at times (such are the realities of life), but this is done in such a well constructed way that only top quality writing and acting can carry off. The darker aspects of this drama are well counter-balanced by the comedy, there are some very entertaining interactions between the characters that bring the audience out of the morbid depths and back into positive territory, I rarely see a show that does this so well.

As with all good dramas, virtually every character is essentially good but flawed in some way (I won't say who or what, you can find out for yourself), these flaws get tested. I found myself rooting for one character and disliking another in the beginning but then going full circle as the show progressed and finding good cause to sympathise with all of them by the end. These are not paper-thin characters that you get in so many dramas, over just a few episodes the layers are built up and they all become relatable (for good or for bad). The audience is left to make up their own mind, we are not fed a good vs evil story and this approach makes for a far more rewarding viewing experience.

Finally, the cinematography and medical prosthetics are very realistic, the visuals feel real and gritty, this is not a polished US drama where no hair is out of place, its like watching a documentary where nothing is edited out.

Well I tried to keep it short, just go and watch it. I'd love to see a follow-up but I think it is long dead. Such a shame.

The most realistic medical drama I've ever seen.

[mazunderscore · 10/10 · 12 February 2007]

'Bodies' is a realistic and riveting medical drama set around the gynecological and labor ward staff of a London hospital.

Personally, I haven't been this taken with a British drama series in years, or any drama series for that matter. A medical drama is especially hard to do. To balance the medical procedures with the lives of the hospital staff is a very difficult thing to achieve.

'Bodies' not only uses realistic medical situations and procedures to keep you watching, but also uses the personal and professional relationships between the doctors and nurses. Both of which will make you want to come back over and over again.

The characters aren't black and white, they have layers and the audience finds them selves responding to them differently at different times.

The acting is absolutely perfect, most notably Max Beasley and Neve McIntosh as the torrid lovers Rob and Donna, Patrick Baladi as the enigmatic Dr. Hurley and of course the wonderful Keith Allen as Mr. Whitman. The direction is flawless and the cinematography is edgy and poignant, using a hand held camera and lots of close ups.

Despite the odd cringe worthy medical scene, this show really is worth watching. I'm waiting for the DVD to come out in Australia so I can watch it all over again.

One of if not THE finest medical TV series ever!

[thefatman · 10/10 · 28 June 2004]

One of if not THE finest medical TV series ever!

I should perhaps quantify that by saying I'm not really a fan of medical dramas. I used to watch Casualty back in the late eighties/early nineties but I've never had much time for ER or Holby or Chicago Hope or any of the seemingly endless programmes about pathologists...

BODIES on the other hand is a real treat! It's darkly comic, actually realistic [so some doctors have told me, all be it a endlessly the worst day ever], superbly written, acted and directed.

Why oh why isn't there more British Drama like this!!! This excellent programme does go to show BBC THREE is worth it's chunk of the license fee!

Exceptional

[neilsharp-03115 · 10/10 · 20 April 2019]

I'm writing this review from the perspective of someone who has worked in the medical profession for 38 years, the medical procedures, characters, medical, managerial and nursing are incredibly accurate, anyone who has spent a reasonable length of time in a comparable situation will recognise the characters portrayed, a superb insight into the workings and machinations of the NHS, the storylines and situations are totally reflective of how management, medical and nursing staff interact, an exceptional piece of television, Jed Mecurio is a genius.

Shocking And Disturbing.

[martimusross · 10/10 · 18 May 2019]

Bodies

When you consider this drama was made over 15 years ago it is just incredible and just way ahead of its time on every level.

Even at a casual glance the writing style is instantly recognisable as coming from the pen of Jed Mercurio. Whose key tricks are maintaining the sweep of the drama over 8 hours, professional corruption and the unbelievably convincing relationships, we have seen nothing like this since Prime Suspect.

It is so shockingly real of hospital reality it is a very difficult watch indeed, (if your squeamish stay away) and in marked contrast to any of the other main hospital dramas that rely on emotional contexts to support the drama rather than medical procedures.

Having seen nearly all of this writers work thus far his application to detail and process creates near perfection in his dramas.

With regard to the acting it was just unbelievably good, without doubt this began the golden age of television. The ability of the writer, and Director of this drama at the apotheosis of this series to muster the various dramatic forces is astounding. This whole series was deeply disturbing and had this been a movie would have swept the board at the Oscars.

Realistic

[polite-45692 · 7/10 · 25 October 2021]

Realistic, in the sense that the well-being of patients is the last priority. Societies who idealize medical doctors deserve what they get. The only remotely ethical individual in the hospital--Maria--is marginalized, although it would have been better had she been given a bigger role.

addictive

[vickiswanson · 10/10 · 31 January 2022]

This is the best medical series I have ever invested so much time in. The acting is wonderful, British shows always do it best, including their Crime shows. Very little glamour and blow dried hair, makeup etc. Just pure reality (for fiction) - I did get emotional and angry at the fact some of this is probably based on some true life stories. Well worth watching even now, when it is 15 years Old.

Good or great?

[ozwillb · 7/10 · 24 October 2021]

How did this one fly under the radar. In 2004 I was probably in the pub. Well wrtten, well acted, and I'm not sure I ever want to go to a hospital again (that last comment is in no way any reflection on the wonderful NHS). My only criticism is that there were far to many unnecessary sex scenes, and way way too many gory muff shots. With regard to the muff shots, the effects were shockingly good, but unfortunately always coincided with my dinner!

Interesting, but.......

[simoncoram-06766 · 2/10 · 25 April 2023]

This show started out well. I'm not sure if we're supposed to like the Rob character, but it's not long before he comes across as just as unlikeable and amoral as the rest of them. He has sexual relationships with a number of women, but it's clear he only loves himself, and quickly becomes a thoroughly revolting man

The series is a miserable conglomeration of medical failures from start to finish, I'm afraid.

Starting out with interesting stories that are graphic in their depiction, there becomes a definite element of sameness as the episodes go on.

I wanted to like this show, as I've liked Mercurio's other stuff, but it's certainly not something I'd ever watch again.

Gripping

[milliek1983 · 10 December 2004]

I have been following this fantastic drama over the last few weeks. It was gripping. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Every week I kept thinking of a very small swear word to describe Dr Hurley.

I read the book and as Jed Mercurio rightly points out his book taken straight from page to screen would not have worked. I am pleased with the way in which he has handled the transition and made it real in a way that only television and the screen can do.

I felt that by making Donna Rix and Rob Lake older than their characters in the book (21 and 24 if i remember rightly) their lives held a better realm of realism. Max Beesley was far more believable as a doctor rather than trying to find a younger actor to play the part. When he makes mistakes you feel as though as an experienced doctor he should have known better.

All in all bodies was a fantastic piece of drama and my only point of criticism is that the ending of the series was a little abrupt, especially if this is to be a one off drama. I hope not as the doors have been widely left open. I hope to see a DVD release and a new series.

What a series

[stefitz · 10/10 · 11 February 2020]

Why did I miss this

Brilliant from one minute in

If you need s binge watch ,this is your series's

Why oh why did this series Not have s third season

Familliar but intense

[paul2001sw-1 · 9/10 · 4 May 2019]

The cliches of a certain sort of medical drama are all there in Jed Mecurio's 'Bodies': the handsome, concerned junior doctor hero, the ghastly consultants and the worse management, the constant air of crisis, and alternating acts of brilliance and incompetence. In fact, Mercurio himself pretty much wrote the template with his own predecessor series, 'Cardiac Arrest', but there's an intensity in 'Bodies' that was lacking in the earlier work. As anyone who's seen his more recent series, 'Line of Duty' and 'The Bodyguard', could attest to, Mercurio is a master of tricksy plotting: there's some of that here, and I sincerely hope the script exaggerates (rather than playing down) Mercurio's own experiences as a doctor, but mainly it proceeds as a sequence of short stories, the everyday routine of a doctor's life. Much as I love 'Line of Duty', there's a sense in which it feels decreasingly grounded in reality; no-one could say the same of this series.

Just caught this - it is exceptional

[cathyannemoore-66196 · 10/10 · 22 October 2023]

I found this series by accident when searching for the 2023 mini series of the same name. It is such compelling viewing I binge watched all 17 episodes over 2-3 days. The acting is superb and because it was made nearly 20 years ago it's interesting to see many actors in small roles who have gone on to appear in other dramas and bigger roles. Max Beesley is cast well as Rob Lake the Manc doctor with torn loyalties to the patients he treats and his often inept boss. None of the main characters are stereotypical good or bad which makes the writing believable. The make up and special effects were deservedly award winning. Very graphic and holding back no punches as to what giving birth is like especially difficult births, I have given 10 stars but deliberated about knocking one star off because of the series 2 finale episode 11. I felt this one changed Rob Lake's character too much and I no longer had as much sympathy for him. Perhaps that was the whole point to show what fighting the 'system' does to a person over time?

Brilliant series / Finale a big let down

[bergy123 · 8/10 · 3 June 2019]

OK, so I get the jump forward by three years, but Rob and Polly? Really? Where were the clues it was going to happen? Apart from Rob telling her she was fit way back when there was never a hint they might get together, let alone be living together with a kid on the way.

And Whitman still suspended for stealing a cup of coffee? Come on!

Then when Donna tracks down Rob, who he's clearly got over, instead of telling her about Polly he lies so Donna thinks she might still have a chance with him. Silly!

The icing on the cake though was Roger. So he split from his wife, even though in the last episode of the series it looked like they were going to stay together, and she's now denying him access to his kids because he urinated in the street. LOL!

That's not all though, because, surprise, surprise, he's also going to work at the same Hospital as Rob, and unbelievably he doesn't know Rob works there and Rob has no idea he's coming to join him. Seriously? Farcical's being kind.

I switched off at that point, and having read the synopsis, I'm glad I did.

Sorry for the negativity, but after the brilliance that's gone before I just feel that the finale was a complete mess and not thought about in the slightest.

Sooooo realistic and gripping!

[kellyhalbert · 10/10 · 24 September 2019]

I love a good hospital drama but this is like being in the hospital and listening in to what's going on around you.

I hope Tony gets his pool 😆

Excellent - fun and though provoking - a timely examination of corruption.

[peter-1850 · 9/10 · 1 September 2012]

We're really enjoyed the BBC series 'Bodies' (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398427/).

'House' was an excellent platform for Hugh Laurie's wonderful acting skills, with a pleasant little medical mystery woven in, particularly in the early episodes. 'Bodies' seems much more like the real thing.

It's, naturally for a BBC series, got the standard political stance - elective caesarians are seen as sins against the Holy Ghost, though, to be fair, even there the episode makes the proponents of both sides of the (very simplistic) debate such unlovely characters that the BBC opinion isn't shoved too firmly down the throat. It is a little heavy-handed to have the pro-elective party also the hysterically litigious one, but, there you are, the laws of the BBC universe can only be bent so far.

What I like most is its examination of complicity, camaraderie and their insidious conversion into corruption. It looks as if the rest of the series will be examining corruption, and it's always an important matter - humans can never be rid of corruption, it can only be dealt with by constant vigilance.

I am, and always have been, a huge fan of the whistleblower - one of the few genuine heroes, in my opinion. This series makes it clear just how much honesty of this sort is hated and how difficult it is for even brave, principled and intelligent people to blow the whistle - even on corruption with extremely grave and wide-spread consequences.

I enjoyed the scene of the 'golden corridor' - the enclave of the administrators. It is interesting that the decision to wrest hospital administration from the dead cold hands of the Lancelot Spratts, of Richard Gordon's delightful fictions, was both the most obviously sensible, and the most clearly barmy decision one could imagine. Naturally the corruption simply passes from the medical to the administrative - without, of course, removing the opportunities for medical corruption so ably depicted here.

The acme of corruption is where the self-interests of both the medical and administrative staff coincide - I look forward to a good battle with, one hopes, humanity winning over the Kafkaesque Leviathan of the NHS.

The humour isn't quite up to the level of Jo Brand's 'Getting On', but it's getting on for being as good in places.

It's a dramatisation, and a good one, so you can't expect too much complexity, but the stark line between medical incompetence and administrative error is badly drawn. There seems to be no room left for the genuine and real possibility of misadventure through pure chance. The slimy, incompetent surgeon is seen to make a mockery of the judgement that 'nobody is to blame' - but, often, that simply is the case.

I look forward to the treat of watching the rest of the series!

Too much sex, just isn't needed.

[raven_guest · 6/10 · 22 June 2022]

I could really do without all the graphic sex. It just feels excessive and unnecessary and honestly just gets in the way of the interesting drama and patients. I have had some serious 'OH MY GOD NOOOOOO' moments during some of the birth scenes, but it has definitely solidified my desire to NEVER have kids lol. Really interesting drama and seems to be true to life in the ridiculous 'target centred' way hospitals are run now.

Who'd be a doctor? 😩

[stephaniecoxon · 10/10 · 2 November 2022]

Even less faith in doctors now than before, which wasn't a lot, particularly now (2022), post pandemic, when it's practically impossible to see a doctor and the NHS is failing catastrophically. At best a GP is a gateway to a specialist or hospital, but what awaits is hardly encouraging. Most individuals in the profession are obviously good people, but the system is against them. Acting is good, and the story lines. Surprised I missed the original screening - big fan of medical dramas - but this is probably the best, most realistic that I've seen. Thoroughly recommend and disappointed that there's no further series.

Realistic medically mediocre story wise

[roxmewild · 7/10 · 16 September 2022]

The whole series is based around a Labour/ gynaecology ward. The cast is good storyline pretty average obviously centred around lots of baby deliveries inbetween what seemed to be sexual encounters with 2 of the staff on the ward.

The one thing that stood out for me was how realistic the surgeries were quite incredibly done so much so it has put me off hospitals and natural childbirth . Those scenes are outstanding, the story of the competitiveness between the consultants was a bit crazy in as much as they took it to the level they did ! Hard to imagine a consultant would be ok to let a patient die just so he can set up/blame another consultant .

I was very disappointed in the last episode which seemed like it was done in a rush to try and finalise it the way it jumped forward with no explanation of how relationships changed were made etc Also the hysterical choice that a top consultant was supposedly suspended for 3 years for theft of a cup of coffee ! Surely they could have come up with a more believable reason that actually had me in hysterics! Then the other consultant whom got caught drunk having a pizz in an alley. Getting arrested for sexual deviancy and loosing his job . Many flaws but still watchable just don't expect much of an ending because there isn't one!

Not bad

[jasonbuckley-02962 · 4/10 · 18 April 2021]

Pretty good but a very slow story. And far too many sex scenes that need to be fast forwarded as they add nothing to the story.

Quite bloody in places.