I always thought that Sandra Oh deserved her own show. Don’t get me wrong, while she was tremendous as Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy, she always seemed charismatic enough to headline her own series. That time has finally come and what a show it is!
Killer Concept
The premise of Killing Eve is pretty simple: desk-bound MI5 Officer named Eve Polastri suspects that a woman is behind a series of high-profile assassinations across Europe, and will stop at nothing to bring her down. In the span of one episode, their cat and mouse game is already wonderfully twisted and thrilling. It helps that the pilot’s script is wickedly clever; there’s not a boring moment to be found here, and that makes for a solidly-paced opener.
Killer Cast
Not only is Sandra Oh perfect as the agent at the center of the story, but English actress Jodie Comer is deliciously entertaining as the psychopath causing so much havoc. The show’s opening teaser in an ice cream parlor (I won’t spoil it here), tells you all you need to know about the demented killer, and it’s certainly one of the most creative beginnings I’ve ever seen on a TV pilot. The rest of the cast is also top-notch with Fiona Shaw delivering a memorable performance as the head of the Russian MI6 section, and David Haig supremely amusing as Eve’s boss Bill. Their dynamic is packed with witty banter, and it makes for an amusing contrast to all the killings.
Killer Quips
Niko: How would you kill me?
Eve: I’d paralyze you with saxitoxin and suffocate you in your sleep. Chop you into the smallest bits I could manage, boil you down, put you in a blender, then take you to work in a flask and flush you down a restaurant toilet.
Konstantin: Three days ago, one of Moscow’s most controversial politician was found professionally murdered in a pretty street in Vienna. Very good. The murder took place in a CCTV blind spot. Also good. The politician’s girlfriend was reportedly with him while he died. Fine. And was not harmed. Not so good.
She is currently in London, where she will be interviewed as a principal witness to the murder. Bad. Which will take place tomorrow. Very bad.
Villanelle: Have you had a haircut?
Konstantin: Yes.
Villanelle: Hmm.
Bill: You could get in a lot of trouble if I was a serious man.
Eve: Trouble’s not interested in me.
Conclusion
A darkly humorous and captivating pilot. I never expected to be so impressed by Killing Eve. Highly recommended!