Episode 3 of Killing Eve's Season 4 commences with a striking scene, where Villanelle is introduced, quite literally, as she toils as a maid in a luxurious hotel, her identity underscored by a colossal on-screen caption: "VILLANELLE." This recurring motif throughout the episode, whether intentional or not, left me feeling somewhat patronized, as if the audience couldn't possibly recognize Eve, Carolyn, or any of the other intricate characters without such a blatant reminder. Nevertheless, let's move on.
Eve enters the hotel room where Villanelle, having shed her bloodied attire, stands vulnerable, seeking aid. Yet, Eve's demeanor is eerily indifferent, as she nonchalantly dresses and exits, leaving Villanelle with a stark command: be gone by her return.
Later, attired in a crisp suit, Villanelle seeks solace and guidance from Martin, her therapist. She confesses her dissatisfaction with her current state, her words betraying a descent into a depressive abyss. Desperate for a way out, she implores Martin to "fix that" within her.
Martin posits that Villanelle might be in the midst of a transformation, a metamorphosis that explains her present turmoil but promises something better on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Eve's quest leads her back to Yusuf, both determined to unravel Helene's enigmatic role in their intricate web. Their investigation leads them to the Fitztovia Garage, where they decide to stake out, patiently waiting for a clue.
While in hiding, Eve overhears a conversation about Helene and expertly orchestrates a pity play, casting herself as a hapless underdog in an attempt to charm a potential ally. Her tactic proves fruitful as Fernanda, her name boldly declared in a neon pink banner, is swayed by Eve's false vulnerability, agreeing to forge a bond.
The afternoon stretched into a marathon of drinking sessions, with Fernanda sinking deeper into inebriation as she poured her heart out about the betrayals of her ex-husband and his infidelity. Eve, attentive to every word, discreetly snagged Fernanda's ID while the latter was occupied in the lavatory, uncovering vital information. Additionally, a newspaper tucked away in her bag served as damning evidence, confirming Villanelle's double homicide.
Meanwhile, Pam toiled away in her mundane job, preparing yet another body for a sorrowful family's farewell. Her supervisor and unsupportive brother, Elliot, relentlessly belittled her, mocking her existence and lamenting her birth. In a fit of power, he plunged the morgue into darkness, leaving Pam in a metaphorical and literal shadow.
Determined to break free, Pam confronted Helene, the enigmatic boss, pleading for a chance to prove herself as a capable assassin. However, Helene's lingering distrust from Eve's pursuit clouded her judgment, deeming Pam exceptional yet unripe. Spurred on by a need to demonstrate her worth, Pam defied Elliot's authority, ultimately ending his life in a gory spectacle. Unabashed, she even boasted of her deed to Helene, who was horrified and enraged by this flagrant disobedience, ordering her immediate departure.
As Helene grappled with Pam's actions, a shocking call revealed that one of her victims, Rustem, had miraculously survived.
In a parallel narrative, Carolyn persisted in her investigation, unraveling the intricate web behind the murders of The Twelve's members. Her perseverance paid off when a crucial lead pointed her towards Scotland.
Eve, on her own quest, unearthed that Fernanda's estranged husband was Lars Mayer. Returning to her hotel room, she found Villanelle's absence replaced by a tablet loaded with messages intended for Martin. Impelled by curiosity, Eve ventured to Martin's abode, only to arrive as Villanelle rendered him unconscious. Eve's intention, however, was not to confront Villanelle but to ensure Martin's wellbeing. The two women eventually converged, revisiting their shared metaphor of the scorpion and the frog, finding eerie parallels in their own complicated dynamic.
Their tranquility was abruptly shattered by a cacophony outside, alerting Villanelle to her strategic blunder. The police descended upon the scene, handcuffing Villanelle and carting her away amidst the chaos.
