Introduction

Bodies is a British crime/science fiction limited series primarily written and created for Netflix by Paul Tomalin.

It is based on the 2015 DC Vertigo graphic novel of the same name, written by Si Spencer and illustrated by Dean Ormston, Tula Lotay, Meghan Hetrick and Phil Winslade.

Also known as Project VI (working title, UK).

Outline

• In 2023, Detective Sergeant Shahara Hasan of the Metropolitan Police chases an armed teenager, Syed. Reaching Longharvest Lane in Whitechapel, Syed escapes but Hasan finds the body of a man with an apparent gunshot wound in one eye and an enigmatic tattoo on one wrist. She further investigates and meets a distraught Syed, who cryptically says she was meant to find the body, and says “know you are loved” before committing suicide.
• In 1941, Detective Sergeant Charles Whiteman faces antisemitism from his colleagues during World War II. He also works for a mysterious organisation that sends him orders by telephone, ending each call with “know you are loved”. They instruct him to retrieve an identical body from Longharvest Lane. Transporting the body, he is stopped by DI Farrell, who suspects him of corruption. However, Farrell is killed during a German bombing raid before he can search the car. Whiteman escapes, leaving the body, and is later put in charge of investigating it and Farrell’s death. The organisation, who wanted the body, demand he sabotage the investigation and destroy all records.
• In 1890, Detective Inspector Alfred Hillinghead attends Longharvest Lane when the same body is discovered. He obtains photographs taken of the body from local journalist Henry Ashe, who he also arrests for gross indecency upon discovering his homosexuality. In one of the photos is a window reflection of a man hiding near the body. The coroner, Ladbroke, becomes scared on recognising the man. He warns Hillinghead to burn the investigation.
• In 2053, Detective Constable Iris Maplewood’s vehicle detects an electromagnetic anomaly originating from Longharvest Lane. She investigates the now abandoned area and discovers the body of the same man, who is still alive.

Bodies Series

You can find a full index and overview of Bodies here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 19 October 2023 (internet).
• Running Time: 60 minutes.
• Rating: 15.
• Country: UK.
• Language: English.

Video Link(s)