The Bondsman

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CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD! The information below may reveal a couple of spoilers about “The Bondsman“. If you haven’t had the chance to watch this chilling new horror TV series that you can access with your Amazon Prime subscription, I strongly advise you to read further with discretion if curiosity compels you.

From the moment I learned that The Bondsman revolved around Kevin Bacon hunting demons, I was instantly intrigued. Surprisingly though, what drew me in even more was my unexpected affection for this Amazon Prime original series. It’s about a southern bounty hunter who receives an otherworldly assignment after a lethal confrontation – something I didn’t think I would enjoy as much as I do now.

Apart from being a thrilling horror ride, “The Bondsman” is also an unexpectedly heartfelt tale centered around compelling characters, with standout performances, particularly Kevin Bacon who solidifies his “Scream King” status from his roles in iconic horror films like “Friday the 13th” and “Tremors”. However, I must admit that the series is not perfect, and there’s one performance by a generally talented actor that, regrettably, started to grate on me.

Damon Herriman’s Boston Accent Is Atrocious

In “The Bondsman,” Damon Herriman, known for playing Charles Manson in both “Mindhunter” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” takes on the role of Lucky Callahan. This character develops a strong animosity towards Hub Halloran, portrayed by Bacon, particularly when he begins dating Maryanne (Jennifer Nettles), who was once Lucky’s wife. Interestingly, despite his Boston origins, Herriman’s Australian-born actor seems to portray Callahan with a Brooklyn accent instead of one that suggests any connection to New England.

It’s well-known that I hold Herriman in high regard, being an exceptional actor who mastered a flawless Southern accent as Dewey Crowe on Justified, and also convincingly portrayed more generic American accents through his Manson roles. This leaves me questioning why the human adversary in the show wasn’t another Georgian, sparing Herriman potential embarrassment. To be frank, it appears that the only reason Lucky is from Boston is to insert a few jabs at the Red Sox for comedic effect.

I Also Took Issue With The Bondsman’s Non-Supernatural Elements… At First

Initially, when I began immersing myself in the series “Bondsman,” I had other concerns besides Herriman’s underwhelming Boston accent. Frankly, I struggled to show interest in anything beyond Hub’s demon hunting exploits. His complex relationships with Maryanne and their son, Cade (Maxwell Jenkins), as well as his past endeavors in music, were aspects of his life that didn’t immediately capture my attention.

Initially, I found some aspects of the story in “The Bondsman” less appealing, specifically those unrelated to demonic possession. However, as the narrative unfolded, revealing details like Hub’s tragic mistake in killing an innocent woman and transforming into a touching tale of family reunion, my perspective shifted. I recognized that these character-focused elements, which I had initially found irritating, were crucial and emotionally impactful. In the end, I came to appreciate “The Bondsman” as a thoughtful and heartfelt work that rises above its B-movie classification.

Essentially, my main issue with this new 2025 TV show is Damon Herriman’s unconvincing Boston accent. Despite this, I truly hope the series gets a second season. To be honest, it might even be worth enduring that one drawback to watch The Bondsman on Amazon Prime, just as I did.

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2025-04-13 16:07