Killing Eve (Series 2)
Want to make sense of Killing Eve, Series 2 (and of this review) ? I highly recommend that you watch Series 1 first.
Series One Characters Who Return
The main characters of Series 1 are back in Series 2. This includes the protagonists, Eve Polastri, the MI6 agent played by Sandra Oh, and Villenelle, the psychopath everyone has come to love, portrayed by Jodie Comer.
Also back are Fiona Shaw, as the eccentric veteran MI6 agent Carolyn Martens, and Kim Bosnia as the charming Russian spy, and Villenelle’s handler, Konstantin, return in Series 2.
In series 2 we see a lot more of Owen McDonnell as Niko Polastri, Eve’s long suffering husband (Owen McDonnell) and Kenny (Sean Delaney) a member of Eve’s team, and Carolyn Marten’s son.
The New Faces
The show’s new faces include Nina Sosanya as Jess, a MI6 agent working with Eve Polastri, and Edward Bluemel as Hugo, the young, rich, brash, and Oxford educated member of Eve’s MI6 team.
Reviews of Series 2 have been largely negative, or at best neutral. Yet, virtually all, including this review, conclude that the second series is still a cut above most other offerings, and undoubtedly worth watching.
In What Ways is Series 2 Different
Series 2 is simply a different show to Series 1. It is no longer a tightly scripted psychological thriller. It has broadened its scope. Maintaining the sexual tension between Villenelle and Eve, the show contrives a plot twist that sees the two working together.
It has also expanded its focus to encompass the supporting characters. In this respect, it feels more like other police/intelligence series. Some of the sub plots are interesting in themselves. However, at times they seem to distract from the main game between Eve and Villenelle. Consequently, some episodes are also a little slow. Even in these, twists such as the bus and plastic bag scenes remind us of what is at the core of this show.
Onward to Series 2 (and Series 3)
While lacking some of the first series’ focused suspense, and foreboding, series 2 still has much to offer.
And, a third series is on its way.