"Black Doves", Netflix's newest drama series, is a gripping tale about Helen, a prim and proper wife of a rising government minister, who also happens to be a covert spy. The series explores her intriguing lifestyle – a blend of political events, personal relationships, betrayal, and an underlying somber theme of Christmas season.
The plot goes into an unexpected trajectory when Helen's visitor reveals himself as an assassin. Helen's secret career as a member of Black Dove, a private intelligence-gathering operation, is highlighted, her worth significantly magnified by the information she could acquire through her husband, tipped as a future prime minister.
The intimate dynamics of personal and professional relationships form the core of the series. From Helen’s relationship with her husband, Wallace, strained by artifice yet not void of affection, to her complex alliances in the cutthroat world of espionage where capitalism dominates - as is represented by her employer, Reed, a woman of authoritative presence.
Furthermore, the series emphasizes the impacts of a clandestine lifestyle on relationships – specifically between Helen and her partner, Sam, as well as the ties between the hired assassins, Williams and Eleanor. The series' depth is elevated by conversations that reveal the psychological and emotional truths of the characters & the circumstances surrounding them.
Netflix's "Black Doves" also dares to spotlight the ascendance of women within a brutal and transactional sphere, as represented by Reed and another boss, Lenny. Whether they indeed are at the zenith of their organizations is left ambiguous, enhancing viewers' curiosity.
Despite certain lapses, "Black Doves" manages to capture viewers' attention with an unexpected blend of political intrigue, the lingering effects of violence, and a touch of Yuletide redemption. Remarkable performances by the star cast, especially Knightley and Whishaw, add depth to the multifaceted characters they represent. Amid the darkness of the plot, the series strives to strike a balance with elements of humor and meta-references.
"Black Doves", an ambitious undertaking of creator Joe Barton, leaves viewers excited for its already planned second season, hoping for answers to the mystery that shrouds this dark Christmas drama.
