Netflix’s Bodies: The Perfect Dark Replacement?

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Many consider to be the best time travel show ever made, and nothing has quite matched it since. But a new sci-fi miniseries on , released in 2023, came surprisingly close to capturing the same magic.

Even now, many science fiction fans consider Dark to be a nearly flawless series. It masterfully explored the unsettling idea that our lives are predetermined and the lasting emotional impact of trauma passed down through families. Unlike most time travel shows which often ignore plot holes, Dark built its story around a meticulously crafted, self-contained timeline, treating every cause-and-effect loop and paradox as an integral part of its design.

Another ambitious Netflix sci-fi thriller tried to tread the same path and did a fairly decent job.

Netflix’s Bodies Has Incredible Story Hook

BODIES, Shira Haas, (Season 1, aired Oct. 19, 2023). photo: ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

Netflix’s series Bodies is a complex mystery that unfolds across time. It starts with the discovery of a murder victim in Whitechapel, but the puzzle deepens when detectives in four different eras – 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053 – all find the same body, with the same gunshot wound and tattoo.

The series Bodies immediately grabs your attention with a compelling opening and slowly reveals a larger mystery as four detectives work to discover the identity of the deceased and the secrets surrounding their death.

While Bodies starts strong, feeling like a compelling mix of True Detective and Dark, it doesn’t quite live up to its initial promise. The show shifts from a thoughtful, atmospheric mystery to a more typical sci-fi thriller as it goes on, and the complex time travel story it sets up doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.

Honestly, what really grabbed me about this show was the acting – some truly unforgettable performances. Plus, it had this really cool, dark mood that just stuck with me. And I appreciated that they told the whole story in a single season – no dragging things out unnecessarily, which is a huge plus for me.

Netflix’s Bodies Is The Perfect Show For Fans Of Dark

It’s unfair to call Bodies the next Dark, given how expertly Dark handled its time travel narrative across three seasons. In fact, no show has quite matched Dark’s seamless and complete approach to time travel. Because of this, Bodies feels more like a strong show alongside Dark than a direct replacement.

Despite its flaws, Bodies should be recognized for its bold vision and originality, offering a fresh approach similar to Dark.

Time travel stories often fall into predictable patterns, and Bodies occasionally feels that way too. However, the show manages to put a unique spin on familiar ideas, creating its own distinct identity. This makes it a great choice for fans of Dark on Netflix.

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2026-02-22 06:38