Black Doves season 2, the Netflix spy thriller starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, is a heart-shattering follow-up that delivers on the promise of its acclaimed first season. All six episodes are now streaming on Netflix.
The show, created by Joe Barton, returns with Helen (Knightley), a gun-toting spy leading a secret double life, her best friend Sam (Whishaw), an assassin, and Reed (Sarah Lancashire), Helen's spy boss who makes menacing threats without raising her voice. This season, Helen's husband Wallace (Andrew Buchan) is about to become Prime Minister, placing Helen in her most powerful but risky position yet.
New threats and deeper bonds
Helen's world is upended when Reed disappears and she is given a new handler, Mr Conteh (Babou Ceesay). Unlike Reed, who never lied to her, Helen does not believe a word Mr Conteh says. Wallace, aware of Helen's past affair, decides to keep the secret while the couple attend marriage counselling. For Helen, keeping the marriage secure is also vital for her role as a Black Doves agent, as it gives her access to government secrets from within No 10.
Sam faces intense personal turmoil this season. The writing allows the audience to witness him commit deplorable acts while still feeling the weight of his suffering. The friendship between Helen and Sam remains the heart of the show, with their need to protect one another never faltering, even when it leads to devastating consequences. One scene, in which Sam fires a shot with a single tear running down his cheek, is particularly powerful.
New faces and returning favourites
Ambika Mod joins the cast as Laila, a Black Doves agent with no filter and some of the best lines of the series. Her sardonic demeanour makes her an instant standout. Gabrielle Creevy and Ella Lily Hyland return as the chaotic assassin duo Eleanor and Williams, whose relationship gains more depth this season.
Other new cast members include Sam Riley as Patrick, Neve Campbell as Cecile Mason, Sylvia Hoeks as Katia Chernov, Goran Kostic as Alexi Chernov, and Samuel Barnett as Jerry.
Verdict
After two years of waiting, Black Doves season 2 does not disappoint. While the first half is stronger than the second, the show remains brilliant and deserves a future. The intricate action sequences are abundant, with a standout scene where Helen descends a staircase with Reed, using a gun and a knife held in one hand to incapacitate an attacker. The finale leaves viewers desperate for a third season confirmation.
