Bodies is based on the eponymous 2015 graphic novel written by Si Spencer (1961-2021). It is a police procedural “with a twist”.

The twist is that the same body is found on Longharvest Lane, Whitechapel, London in 1890, 1941, 2023 and 2053. The death is investigated by 4 different detectives.

At the heart of the time-travelling strangeness is Stephen Graham as Sir Julian Harker in 1890 and 1941, and Commander Mannix in 2053. A great-great grandchild of Harker’s is Elias Mannix (as a 15-year-old played by Gabriel Howell) who is also his own great-great grandchild.

Elias is born in 2008, taken into care at age 4, and later adopted. In 2023 he blows up London and becomes authoritarian Commander Mannix.