Before I watched the first episode of 'Killing Eve' series two, I was warned by BBC iPlayer that the programme may be unsuitable because it contained 'violent scenes.' Perfect. The explicit nature with which humans were willing to harm one another, whether because of their employment or to defend others, was one of the many reasons I adored series one. After watching the first three episodes, series two does not disappoint.
People always had huge expectations for 'Killing Eve' after the phenomenon that was series one. This was partially due to the BBC America production, vast locations, exceptional script by Phoebe Waller-Bridge and incisive character development. It was extravagant, bold and personal. Emerald Fennell taking over the writing helm for the current series had a big task on her plate. I liked how the beginning of episode one began exactly (well, 30 seconds) after the end of series one. Often, episodes left on cliffhangers are immediately resolved by the start of the next episode. Not the case here. The show used very long camera shots, with Eve (Sandra Oh), having just shot the vanished Villanelle (Jodie Comer), trying to escape successfully from her Paris apartment. The one shot captures effectively Eve's stress. We discover her hiding spot while 'paramedics' rush upstairs and shoot the innocent old neighbour. Boom. We're back in action. The story, like many great books, is based around a dual narrative of character perspectives following the same events. This convention continues from series one. We follow Eve as she rushes back to the UK, while Villanelle recovers from her stab wound. I did wonder watching whether, biologically, someone could really traipse around Paris for that long without collapsing. Of course, she did resort to doing whatever any of us would do if we couldn't flag down a taxi and gets run over by one. Back in the UK, neither Eve or Villanelle has anyone to speak to (apart from a hilarious moment when Eve is on the phone to Carolyn casually stating her belief that Villanelle is dead in front of a marriage proposal). This means music is often used to capture their moods as they intensely move around locations. While this can be effective at times, I did feel it was slightly overused and actually distracted from the main plot. It dragged on for too long as they looked around each corner, fearful for who could be there. Of course, as ever, 'Killing Eve' had its funny moments. In a second it can go from the scariest thriller to a marvellous comedy. Eve enjoying just a few too many sweets at the Gare du Nord stuck in my mind. This was topped by, just as she was entering security for the Eurostar, realizing she had the knife used to stab Villanelle in her pocket. Whoops! To the toilet she went, blaming her sudden departure from the security area on a dodgy oyster. Haven't we all been there? That is one of the continual strengths of the programme. While the vast majority of viewers are probably not MI6 spies or (hopefully) assassins, we are able to relate to the personal challenges, dreams and emotions of each protagonist. They each have their own personalities, fearing the consequences of meeting again after their fateful engagement at the conclusion of series one. Eve tries to distance herself from her actions in Paris by suddenly becoming a cooking Goddess. Like Keller in Miller's 'All My Sons', she tries to avoid responsibility for the quite literal wound she inflicted. This, of course, is unsustainable and is emotionally explored by the conflict with her husband. Villanelle meanwhile, retains her cunning and scheming nature. As a person, she has changed not just her name but her full identity. We cannot tell who she really is. Whether it's through her physical look, voice, posture or attitude, she is able to adopt new personas if it means getting her way. In reality, it is just a distraction from the lack of meaning in her own life. Again, there are points where she easily manages to become a persona who has authority with little challenge, a slightly unrealistic prospect. But, though I am less than halfway through series two, I feel I have been effectively taken back into that wondrous, but ever so dangerous world. 'Killing Eve', it's good to be in your company again!
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Author:Noah enjoys writing a blog and drinking tea Archives
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