'Killing Eve' was very highly recommended by close friends and family (most with very similar taste to me), and the way it was advertised was so attention grabbing with the real potential to be binge watch worthy. Decided to watch it during lockdown when looking for new shows to get into and binge watch, and hopefully something consistently compelling and not one of those "not sure whether to continue" sort of shows (which has been known to happen).
For the first two seasons, 'Killing Eve' was hugely compelling and compulsive viewing and very quickly became one of the most addictive shows watched during lockdown. Had not been as addicted to a show since 'Gilmore Girls' and Showtimes' 'The Borgias' the previous year. Did enjoy Season 3 more than most, despite it being not being anywhere near as good as the previous two. Do agree that Season 4 was a massive disappointment, especially the final episode.
Starting with the positives, the acting was consistently good to wonderful even in the show's decline. Especially from the revelation that is Jodie Comer, incredibly chilling and showing real chameleon-like versatility as one of the most fascinating characters of any show in recent years. Sandra Oh shouldn't be overlooked though, she is commanding and committed and shows no signs of being taxed. She and Comer have wonderful chemistry together, sizzling at its best. Kim Bodnia steals every scene he's in and Fiona Shaw, one of the better things about Season 3, brings nuanced authority to her role. Adrian Scarborough and Harriet Walter make memorable contributions.
It is a very slick and stylish looking show, loved the thriller film like photography. The music is suitably haunting. The writing at its best was full of intrigue and entertained, chilled and moved. The storylines were extremely compelling and clever in the first half of 'Killing Eve's' run, especially in the excellent first season, with some great suspense, genuine creepiness and unexpected turns.
The characters were interesting, with Villanelle being an unforgettable creation.
As said however, Season 4 was a massive disappointment and felt like a different show. Gone was the suspense, creepiness and intriguing intricacy and was instead replaced by complete nonsense, repetition and convolution as well as a very rushed pace. Anybody that found any of the storytelling in Season 3 muddled and silly (and there were times where it was both) will find that season coherent and subtle in comparison. Also found the writing over the top in some places and phoned in run out of ideas like in others.
Particularly guilty of this is the understandably universally panned finale, which is for me the worst show finale since the US 'House of Cards'. Much too rushed, very anti-climactic and made no sense and even the cast seemed at sea.
Overall, really enjoyed 'Killing Eve' and found it really addictive but it is so unfortunate and anger inducing that a show that started off so great ended as badly as it did. 8/10.
