'The Bondsman' Review: A Killer Show About Redemption, Family, and Demons

Think you have a job to die for? Well, whatever your line of work, I can assure you it is nothing compared to the killer responsibilities of Hub Halloran, aka The Bondsman — antihero and central character in the latest supernatural series from Amazon Prime Video that follows one man’s journey to stay out of Hell by doing killer ops for the devil. No need to go over that one again, you read it right the first time!

Hub Halloran is a small town bounty hunter who gets a second chance at life when he is unceremoniously murdered trying to collect a bounty. Resurrected by the devil to trap and slay demons who have escaped from Hell, Hub is in a race against the clock to collect the wayward evil spirits, and prevent the end of times, before he is sent back, himself, to live out his eternity in the underworld.

Created by Grainger David, the limited run horror action series premieres exclusively on the streaming giant April 3, bringing Golden Globe winner Kevin Bacon back to the small screen as the titular character.

What starts out as Hub Halloran’s revenge story on the men who attempted to kill him, quickly devolves into a supernatural one as he is forced to serve as a henchman for Hades, all while struggling in his personal life with unresolved feelings for his ex-wife, as she moves on with both her love life and the music career they once shared. Added to the mix is his teenage son with his own musical aspirations, and his mother who is worried about saving her son’s soul.

Though the premise is eerily similar to the short-lived ‘90s Fox TV hit, Brimstone, The Bondsman’s mix of supernatural drama with real-world issues makes it surprisingly relatable, and the lead character’s growth as the season proceeds hints at a chance for redemption. It brings a modern edge and just enough twists to make it somehow feel new.

The Bondsman blends action, horror, and drama with a dose of humor, with each episode typically featuring Hub encountering mythically-named spirits of the underworld who embody unsuspecting residents of the small Georgia community of Landry. The consequences of which often lead to climactic confrontations for the bounty hunter and his no-nonsense, Bible-loving mom and business partner. Hell hath no fury like a woman with GOD as her guide.

Nevertheless, to be skeptical of such a fate would be the understatement of the century, and, yet, Hub takes it in stride as much he does finding out he is has to take his marching orders from his quirky hellbound handler, Midge, (Jolene Purdy), Landry’s resident Martha Stewart wannabe.

It doesn’t take long to recognize that Hub will not be alone in his fight. Supported by his tough-as-nails mother, Kitty Halloran, played by Beth Grant, the fight to keep Hub aboveground, himself, quickly becomes more of a family affair. After all, when it comes to bounty-hunting, like mother, like son. 

In the role of Kitty, Grant proves, herself, once again an exceptionally versatile actress with her ability to seamlessly transition between a wide range of emotions, from the dramatic to the comedic, at times, all in one scene, as she does so effortlessly in The Bondsman. With her distinctive voice and engaging presence, Grant brings a unique depth to Kitty, portraying yet another strong, memorable woman. 

Bacon’s equally charismatic performance as the hardened bounty hunter with the self-deprecating swagger creates such a naturally believable character persona for Hub that makes demon-hunting on the regular something that does not give the rest of us pause for concern. But, did we ever doubt it would? 

Bacon has been adept in delivering on implausible storylines as only Kevin knows how — after all, he gave us the cult classic, Tremors, back in the day. He’s got this. Regardless, it is just fun to watch both the witty repartee and vulnerable moments between Bacon and Grant, as mother and son. 

As the show explores a variety of demonic threats to Hub and his neighbors, it also dives into the characters' personal lives, relationships, and struggles, particularly, Hub having to come to terms with the circumstances of his own demise and the reasons for being sent “down under,” himself.

The bounty hunter-turned demon slayer’s musical past also gives Kevin Bacon fans a double dose of the star’s talent as we get to experience his music and acting talents, as they intersect for the first time together onscreen.

Jennifer Nettles plays opposite Bacon as Hub’s ex-wife and former singing partner, Maryanne, whose regular performances at the local watering hole have Hub nostalgic for what could have been, both personally and professionally — whether he would allow himself to admit or not.

Of course, watching his ex with her new beau, Lucky O’Callahan, played by Australian actor Damon Herriman, does not help matters. Particularly knowing that Lucky, the Yankee bar owner with a questionable past and the thorn in Hub’s side, believes he knows better than the bondsman how to care for Maryanne and their son.

Nettles, best known for being one-half of country music duo, Sugarland, made her transition to acting with her Broadway debut in 2015, starring as Roxie Hart in the musical "Chicago."  No stranger to television, Nettles has also had a recurring role in the hit series "Nashville.”

As one who has never been a superfan of supernatural horror, The Bondsman had me locked in — less for the blood and guts and fantastical concepts, of course, but more so for the underlying “a-ha” that almost gets lost in all the series’ theatrics. It is the idea that flawed individuals can and do have the capacity to be extraordinary in doing their part for love, life, and humanity, even if it is only to selfishly stay away from Hell’s fury.

Season 1 of The Bondsman, streams on Amazon Prime. Join the hunt, beginning April 3.