Helen, who embarks on a passionate affair with a man who has no idea what her secret identity is. Caught in the crosshairs when her lover falls victim to the dangerous London underworld, Helen's employer's call in Sam to protect her.
Well, folks, it’s that time again—time to dive into another British drama series that has more twists than a Rubik’s Cube on speed. Let’s talk Black Doves, the new show starring the ever-dazzling Keira Knightley, the soft-spoken intensity of Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire, whose presence feels like she’s judging you for every bad decision you’ve ever made—and somehow, you’re grateful for it.
First off, let’s address the plot. Helen (Knightley) is your typical British drama heroine—poised, mysterious, and carrying a secret so big that her therapist probably has her on speed dial. She embarks on a steamy affair with a guy who, like most of us on first dates, has absolutely no idea who she really is. Things go from hot to hazardous when her lover gets tangled up in London’s criminal underworld. Enter Sam (Whishaw), a man whose job is to protect Helen, which is the polite way of saying he’s there to keep her from royally screwing things up.
It’s got all the hallmarks of a juicy mystery: clandestine affairs, shadowy figures in the underworld, and more double-crosses than an X-Men reunion. And yet, there’s something about Black Doves that feels like it’s trying to reinvent the wheel but ends up just painting it a darker shade of gray.
What I Liked
Ah, the classic whodunit vibes. This show keeps you guessing—just when you think you’ve got it figured out, BAM, another betrayal. It’s like the writers got a bonus every time they made you audibly say, “Oh, come on!”
And let’s not forget the action sequences. Sure, they’re sprinkled rather than served in heaps, but when they hit, they hit hard. Nothing like a well-executed chase scene through London’s foggy streets to make you feel like MI6 should give you a call.
And the Britishness. Oh, the Britishness. There’s something inherently delightful about a show where every insult sounds like a Shakespearean sonnet, and even the criminals seem to have impeccable manners.
What I Disliked
Here comes the inevitable “but.” First off, can we stop checking off the “woke” checklist, Hollywood? It’s not that same-sex storylines are bad, but when they feel as subtle as a jackhammer, it detracts from the plot instead of enhancing it. Also, do we really need graphic sex scenes? I mean, sure, I get it—passion! Love! Lust! But do I need to feel like I accidentally wandered into an HBO after-dark lineup? No, thanks.
The pace could use a Red Bull, to be honest. There are moments where you’re left wondering if they slowed it down just to stretch that sweet runtime.
And the characters… oh, the characters. For a series packed with intrigue and danger, you’d think I’d have at least one person to root for. But nope, they’re all varying shades of morally ambiguous, which leaves you feeling like a guest at a dinner party where everyone forgot to bring the wine.
Final Thoughts
Black Doves is like a gourmet meal that’s missing a pinch of salt—it’s good, but it could’ve been so much better. The betrayals are delectable, the plot twists are satisfying, and the performances are as sharp as Keira Knightley’s cheekbones. But with a slower pace, overdone tropes, and characters who don’t quite make you care, it doesn’t soar as high as it could. Still, if you’re a fan of British drama with a side of intrigue, it’s worth a watch.
Ranking: 7.1/10
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