"Bodyguard" season 2 will be a challenge to play out if it gets a renewal. Richard Madden, who starred as the bodyguard with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the BBC and Netflix political suspense drama, explained why it might not be possible to put his character, David Budd, back at his old job.
Speaking with The New York Times, Madden confirmed that he and "Bodyguard" creator Jed Mercurio have been discussing season 2 even if there hasn't been an official green light from the network. However, they've realized that they would have to carefully consider Budd's future career path since it will be hard for the character to be a bodyguard this time around.
As the first season showed, Budd's face and identity have become familiar to the public because of the bomb incident in the final moments of season 1. The character has been compromised since he was closely followed in the media. Thus, it would be hard for Budd to become a bodyguard if he is drawing attention. So, if there would be a "Bodyguard" season 2, Madden and Mercurio wondered -- where would Budd be since he can't effectively protect another person anymore?
"Bodyguard" featured Madden as a former Afghanistan veteran soldier who successfully disarmed a suicide bomber on a full-packed train. His efforts were recognized so he was re-assigned to protect the Home Secretary, Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes).
But working for Montague exposed Madden's character to a deep conspiracy in the government. Thus, he was forced to make decisions that not only exposed the truth and potentially harmed himself but also affected his relationship with the person he protected.
The show tantalized viewers for its high-tension dramatic scenes. Thus, it drew over 10 million viewers in the U.K. week after week and became one of the most binge-watched series on Netflix.
"Bodyguard" was originally supposed to be a stand-alone limited series with eight episodes. But after the success of the show's ratings and the award nominations, Mercurio has been eyeing to bring back the series for a second season, according to Deadline.
BBC has not yet made any official announcement regarding the renewal. Reports, however, speculate that it's going to happen in 2019. But it might be a while before the cameras roll again for "Bodyguard" season 2. Mercurio is still wrapping up "Line of Duty" season 5 in the U.K. and only when that's done could he get back to writing the new installment of "Bodyguard."
