Killing Eve gracefully reemerges this week, promising another captivating episode that propels the narrative forward while artfully weaving a tapestry of creativity through shifting narrative perspectives among its intricate characters. While the concept itself sparkles with ingenuity, its execution, unfortunately, stumbles at times, marred by abrupt transitions and jarring shifts in scenery. Nevertheless, the climax is a tantalizing tease, piquing anticipation and paving a grand avenue for the unfolding drama of the season ahead.
Episode 4 of Killing Eve commences with Niko finding his footing in Poland, his phone buzzing with texts from Eve, inquiring about his wellbeing. Meanwhile, Eve finds refuge on the creaky sofa in Kenny's office, her slumber disturbed by a message from Niko, yearning for a conversation. For the moment, though, this longing hangs in the balance as Eve immerses herself in work, her birthday surprise arriving in the form of a bus-shaped cake from Dunn Bakery. Its origin is instantly recognizable to her—a mischievous gesture from Villanelle.
As night falls, Jamie extends a heartfelt invitation to Eve, offering the warmth of his home as a respite from the coldness of the office couch. Over a meal of take-out delights, they engage in profound conversations about life's choices, inadvertently leading Eve's thoughts to Poland.
Meanwhile, Konstantin traverses to Moscow, his steps echoing through the city as he collects his daughter from school. The scene abruptly shifts to France, where he engages in a delicate dance with Charles' widow over finances and the fate of a file destined for the afterlife. Konstantin, however, intervenes, insisting that the file be rerouted to him instead.
In the vibrant streets of Barcelona, Villanelle's hands are deep in flour, crafting a cake for Eve's delight. But her solitude is soon interrupted by Dasha, bearing news of a promotion and a summons from their superiors. As she embarks on a shopping spree, Konstantin materializes, slipping an envelope filled with secrets about her family into her hands. Yet, this gift comes with a caveat—a task she must undertake before she can unravel its mysteries.
As the narrative unfolds, an ominous event transpires where a mysterious entity lures her target to Lyon, orchestrating a fateful encounter with Charles' consort. This confrontation culminates in a brutal chokehold, leading to the tragic demise of the woman. Meanwhile, Carolyn remains ensnared in the throes of grief over Kenny's loss, while Dasha confronts the scrutiny of her superiors. They interrogate Villanelle's erratic behavior and issue a stark command: to reignite her professional pursuits. Dasha's mission is further refined, as she's tasked with sowing discord between Eve and Villanelle.
To execute this scheme, Dasha cunningly exploits Eve's vulnerabilities, sending her a photograph of Niko, secretly stationed in Poland as a watchdog. This provocation lures Eve into a trap, where she finds herself face to face with a ghastly sight—Niko, impaled through the neck by a pitchfork adorned with a sinister ribbon bearing the words "still got it." The episode comes to a cliffhanger, leaving viewers reeling from the shocking revelation.
The strategic time leap between the episode's opening and closing frames serves as a masterful stroke, elegantly weaving the characters' diverse predicaments into a cohesive narrative. However, the editing at times detracts from the experience, with jarring transitions that disrupt the flow. Konstantin's rapid-fire travelogue from Moscow to Lyon and then Barcelona, accompanied by the disorienting shifts in character perspectives, creates a sense of disarray.
The climactic murder of Niko stands as a harrowing turning point, undoubtedly fueling Eve's quest for vengeance against Villanelle. Yet, the question lingers—why did Eve not immediately rush to Niko's aid, instead collapsing to her knees in shock? The answers to these questions and the myriad possibilities that lie ahead remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: the stage is meticulously set for a breathtaking second half of the season, teeming with drama and unpredictable twists.
