Killing Eve‘s debut season was an undeniable success. Every episode oozed creativity and wit, and featured tons of twists and superb character development. Unfortunately, the show’s sophomore season simply can’t compare.
Maybe it’s the fact Phoebe Waller Bridge is no longer running the show (Killing Eve is her baby after all), but the show’s cat and mouse game loses a lot of momentum this season. What felt organic and dynamic in season one, suddenly feels forced. The season would undoubtedly be more effective if Villanelle and Eve were paired together from the start instead of being forced apart for the first half. That’s why the last stretch of the season is infinitely more successful and intriguing. What’s the point in having Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer if they’re not going to play off one another in every scene?
It’s also worth noting that Jodie Comer is extraordinary this year. She was special in season one, but season two allows the actress to elevate her hysterical psychopath Villanelle to crazy new heights. Every single one of her scenes is a gem – a masterclass of funny mannerisms and hilarious line delivery. Comer truly makes the most out of every moment and if Sandra Oh won every award last year, there’s no reason that Comer shouldn’t get all the acclaim this coming awards season.
SPOILER SECTION: SKIP IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE FINALE.
I also have a major issue with the cliffhanger. Villanelle shooting Eve is a nifty reversal of the season one finale, but it’s also far from suspenseful because you know the show doesn’t have the guts to kill off Sandra Oh. That makes this development a seriously uninspired ending to the season. That’s a real shame after an absolutely stellar finale that culminates with Villanelle basically manipulating Eve into brutally killing someone for the first time. Ugh.
SPOILER SECTION: SKIP IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE FINALE.
Conclusion
It’s still mightily entertaining, but Killing Eve‘s second season is certainly nowhere near as impressive as its debut year. That’s a real shame.