I must confess, my initial encounter with the inaugural season of Killing Eve left me somewhat unconvinced. The narrative seemed to lose its footing, veering off course, and the initial whimsical undertones gave way to a darker, albeit intriguing, drama that inadvertently exposed glaring plot flaws. However, the series has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, becoming one of the most delightful surprises of the year for me.
This week's episode opens with a confrontational yet charged encounter between Niko and Eve, the latter having stabbed Villanelle in Paris. Their subsequent, fiercely passionate encounter only serves to underscore Niko's inability to cope with Eve's current state of mind, ultimately leading to his departure.
At her workplace, Eve is confronted with mounting evidence against Aaron, forcing her to once again seek the aid of Villanelle in order to gain closer access. Jodie Comer's mesmerizing performance as Villanelle showcases a masterclass in acting, effortlessly switching between accents and personas. The duo are then briefed by Carolyn, followed by the arrival of a man bearing a briefcase filled with gadgets, signaling the commencement of their intricate operation.
Eve takes on the role of the silent observer as Villanelle adopts her new identity, Billie, a persona she employs to ingratiate herself with Aaron's sister, Amber. The operation kicks off with Villanelle attending an AA meeting, where she cunningly weaves a tapestry of half-truths, drawing from her own tumultuous experiences with Eve. Initially, the group remains skeptical, but Villanelle's second attempt, laced with a touch of honesty, begins to win them over and draws her closer to Amber.
However, a setback arises when one of Amber's advisors warns Villanelle to stay away. In a sudden, impulsive act, Villanelle hugs the woman tightly in the street, all while keeping Eve firmly in her gaze. And in a chilling display of her dual nature, she literally throws the woman under a passing bus, her eyes locked with Eve's, leaving no doubt about the depths of her commitment to the mission and the complexity of her relationship with Eve.
As Niko and Gemma's bond deepens, Eve's descent into the abyss becomes ever more profound, exemplified by a fiercely emotional confrontation at Gemma's abode, preceding our return to the heart of the operation. Within this intricate web, Villanelle masterfully weaves her way into Amber's confidence, inviting her to share a meal with Aaron, her mark. Yet, her incessant inquiries ignite Aaron's suspicions, prompting him to probe her academic background in philosophical studies. Alas, Villanelle's earlier folly of ingesting the eavesdropping device renders her unable to respond, transforming the conversation into a toxic exchange. In a fit of frustration, she lashes out, striking Aaron across the face with a book, leaving him bloodied and stunned as she swiftly exits the scene.
The internet abounds with theories, one particularly intriguing one suggesting that Carolyn is meticulously grooming Eve to mirror Villanelle's path as an assassin. This hypothesis gains credence with each passing episode, posing provocative questions about the future and the dynamic between these two formidable women. One thing is indisputable: when these two remarkable actresses share the stage, magic ensues, and I eagerly anticipate this trend to persist until the season's triumphant conclusion.
