Killing Eve regales viewers with yet another exhilarating episode, albeit one marred by a frenetic pace of location shifts and puzzling temporal leaps. Echoing the freewheeling globetrotting of Game of Thrones' controversial Season 8, the characters of Killing Eve traverse the world with abandon, their journeys marred by disjointed editing that fails to enhance the narrative. Konstantin's particular journey, darting between Moscow, Scotland, and England within the blink of an eye, serves to muddy the waters of a plotline that delves into the darker recesses of Eve's psyche.
Season 3's Episode 7 kicks off with Villanelle elegantly striding into a museum, where she confronts Hélène, proudly displaying her wounds. Elaine's scathing remark, labeling her a beautiful monstrosity, only fuels Villanelle's resolve, as she embarks on a new assignment: the assassination of Dasha.
Meanwhile, Konstantin's journey to Moscow's Detention Centre to visit Irina takes a sobering turn. Confronted with Irina's emotional detachment and disturbed state, the guards refuse his bribe, urging him to confront the gravity of the situation. Vowing to return soon, Konstantin's narrative abruptly shifts to a surprise dinner with Geraldine, where her revelation of his true nature culminates in a fiery confrontation and a scathing finale, wishing him a fateful demise.
Eve, on the other hand, embarks on a scavenger hunt through trash bins, discussing the enigmatic cake from Villanelle with Bear and Jimmy. But as she steps indoors, she's met with a shocking sight—the place has been ransacked. Eve and Bear team up to unravel the next clue, leading Eve to the picturesque locale of Aberdeen and, more specifically, Castle Stuart.
Fatefully, Villanelle and Dasha are already there, and tensions escalate swiftly in the confines of an elevator, where Dasha reveals a hidden truth—she has a son. The next morning, their game of golf turns into a psychological battleground, with Dasha goading Villanelle and mocking her loss of touch. When push comes to shove, Villanelle's long-suppressed fury erupts, not towards the intended target but at Dasha herself, delivering a stinging blow that shatters the fragile equilibrium.
The golf player frantically scurries off, ultimately stumbling upon Eve in her taxi, where Eve unravels the harrowing tale. Eve, driven by urgency, rushes to the scene, only to find Villanelle long gone, whisked away by Konstantin's intervention. Amidst the chaos, Eve discovers a gravely injured Dasha lying helpless on the ground. With darkness creeping in at the edges of her vision, Eve valiantly applies pressure to Dasha's chest, her face contorting in a powerful display of emotion that transcends mere dialogue, cementing itself as a pivotal moment in the series.
Just as Eve prepares to give one last push, the wail of police sirens cuts through the air, forcing her to abandon her efforts and flee in search of Villanelle. Konstantin's fate takes a dramatic turn at the train station, collapsing from a heart attack as Eve barrels in hot pursuit. Yet, fate deals her a cruel hand as Villanelle boards a departing train, leaving Eve to gaze longingly after her.
Back at base, Carolyn's world shatters with a call from Hugh, informing her of Mo's brutal murder. Earlier shadows hint at Rhian, the Twelve's newest assassin, trailing Mo, leaving little doubt about her culpability. Meanwhile, Geraldine's emotions boil over, labeling her mother an unfeeling iceberg before unleashing a furious tirade, shattering vases and storming off.
The episode concludes with a chilling phone call from Villanelle to Eve at Liverpool Station, her voice echoing through the air with a dire ultimatum: they must cease this endless chase. The stark realization dawns that Killing Eve is not content with tying loose ends but rather, meticulously sets the stage for a thrilling new season. The intricate web of The Twelve's machinations and Villanelle's wavering allegiance to the program, her inability to kill with the same ruthlessness as before, presents an intriguing narrative, albeit one that's been slightly marred by a lackluster execution thus far.
The crux of the matter lies in the abrupt transitions between nations, weaving a narrative tapestry riddled with unexplained leaps. Characters seamlessly teleport from one locale to another, accompanied by a haphazard dose of explanatory text—sometimes clarifying, often leaving us baffled. Konstantin's journey serves as a prime illustration. He commences in Moscow, by Irina's side, only to materialize in the same abode as Geraldine, sans a definitive cue. Are we in the heart of London or still immersed in the Russian ambiance? Without a grounding shot or clarifying text, the editing borders on chaotic, a puzzle left unsolved until later revelations of Villanelle's scathing reproach for Konstantin's protracted journey from London to Aberdeen.
This Game of Thrones-esque Season 8-style of narrative contortion undermines the story's integrity, jerking us out of the immersive experience. It's a testament to the strength of Villanelle's solo Moscow chapter, standing tall as the season's most compelling segment thus far. Nevertheless, the tale retains its captivating charm, fueled by Killing Eve's signature dark humor—its lifeblood. From the miniature chair gag to Eve's forced endurance of a taxi driver's monologue, the show maintains its comedic prowess, delivering laughter amidst the intrigue.
As the season finale looms, the stage is set for the unexpected. One certainty remains—a tidy conclusion to this intricate narrative seems unlikely. The future holds limitless possibilities, and we eagerly await what twists and turns await.
