Is ‘The Bondsman’ Just a Rehashed Version of ‘Brimstone’?

by

After a three-year break from scripted roles, actor Kevin Bacon has returned as the lead in Amazon Prime’s “The Bondsman.” He portrays Hub Halloran, a backcountry bondsman who is betrayed, slit in the throat, and left for dead. Miraculously revived by The Devil, Halloran is now compelled to expel Earth’s demons and send them back to their origins. However, it’s intriguing to speculate if this narrative mirrors an earlier event, a secret that series creator Grainger David might not have wanted disclosed. Perhaps the 90’s FOX show served as inspiration rather than a reprise. Nonetheless, if you enjoy the new Prime Video series, you’ll likely appreciate “Brimstone” too.

Approximately three decades prior to “The Bondsman”, a 1998 television series emerged featuring another man bound by a pact with the underworld’s ruler. Instead of taking place in the woods, this story unfolds in the grimy backdrop of New York City. Peter Horton’s character, Ezekiel Stone, replaces the bounty hunter role as an ex-NYPD officer. After his wife was violated, Stone tracks down and exacts brutal revenge on the perpetrator, leading to a life that sends him to Hell upon death. However, this punishment is short-lived, as he’s summoned to retrieve 113 souls that escaped during one of Hell’s massive breakouts.

In both series, characters like Halloran and Stone face hidden demons. But what sets “Brimstone” apart from “The Bondsman” is its unique portrayal: it shows us The Devil himself.

The Devil in ‘Brimstone’ Makes a Difference

Read Our Review

Starting from the first episode and carrying through each subsequent one, this mischievous villain is vividly portrayed by John Glover, renowned for his villainous characters. He serves as an ideal contrast to Horton’s character and delivers a presence that matches or even exceeds Bacon’s screen portrayal at times. It seems like The Bondsman may be using the absence of the main character to generate anticipation for a possible second season, but having this same character consistently present adds a level of drama (and entertainment) to an otherwise fantastical scenario.

In Glover’s portrayal of The Devil, filled with humorous remarks and quips, there are similarities to Peter Stormare’s depiction of the fiend in the 2005 Constantine film. Unlike the Pot O’Gold corporation in Kevin Bacon’s series, which strictly adheres to rules when it comes to demon retrieval, the antagonist mentor in Brimstone often operates outside of established boundaries. While he aided Halloran in capturing the escapees, he also enjoyed tormenting the protagonist, adding an unusual element to this supernatural series with its buddy-cop dynamic.

As a connoisseur of horror-comedy, I found myself drawn to “The Bondsman” with its eerie resemblance to the beloved “Tucker & Dale vs. Evil” and the thrilling “Ash vs. Evil Dead” TV series. The movie is not shy about its gory and brutal scenes, but it masterfully intertwines these horror elements with a sharp wit that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

While the banter between Stone and The Devil occasionally lightens the mood, the heartwarming narrative of a resurrected cop yearning to be reunited with his wife takes center stage. This emotional core transcends any brutal violence or shock humor, providing a deeper resonance. The visual style of “The Bondsman” further enhances this thematic depth by casting everything in an ominous, shadowy hue, as if Stone is constantly navigating through darkness.

‘Brimstone’ Goes Deeper Than ‘The Bondsman’

In the series Brimstone, the setting – whether day or night – is subtly indicated through its color scheme, hinting that this tale about a man’s relentless fight against evil is shrouded in secrecy. Unlike The Bondsman, the 1998 show never lightens the mood with humor after each episode’s ominous peril. All of Stone’s adversaries have intricate backstories that intertwine with significant religious (and historical) events. Though both shows share similar narrative foundations, Brimstone’s dedication to character and world-building suggests it was prematurely canceled. It’s intriguing to compare their receptions among critics and audiences.

Eight years post its cancellation, reruns of the show “Brimstone” were still being aired on the cable network Chiller, which specializes in horror themes. In fact, this series has been broadcasted worldwide as well. Interestingly, on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score for “Brimstone,” starring John Glover, is higher than that of “The Bondsman”! Although critics seem to prefer the newer show, it’s worth noting that the man who portrays The Devil in “Brimstone” recently shared a still from the series on Instagram last year, and the response from fans was overwhelmingly positive. Will “The Bondsman” enjoy the same enduring popularity? Or will it fade into obscurity once the next horror-comedy release comes along? Only time can answer that question.

The complete series of Brimstone is available for streaming on Prime Video, even though it hasn’t been officially launched on DVD yet. Alternatively, individual episodes can be found on Dailymotion.

Read More

2025-04-17 05:02