Considering where Killing Eve left off in season 3, season 4 held a lot of promise but ultimately failed in coming through on seasons of work. If anything, it felt like “Just Dunk Me” was backtracking, acting like that scene on the bridge didn’t happen. And that feels like a slap in the face to fans who saw season 4 as a time when Eve and Villanelle would finally define their relationship. But no, Killing Eve decided that they would separate Villaneve and tell us nothing about how they got to that point in 4×01.
Before we dive into why “Just Dunk Me” failed its characters and their journeys, there were some bright spots in this premiere. First off, the opening sequence. Eve was absolutely a badass and it was wonderful seeing the immensely talented Sandra Oh playing a more confident version of her character. Then there’s the actual dunk me scene with Jodie Comer. Just as talented as Oh and somehow made this scene work. When both actresses were brought together, if only briefly, they showed why they are some of the best in Hollywood.
That is unfortunately where the good ends when it comes to Killing Eve 4×01.
Our biggest gripe with this premiere is that there is no context for what happened between Eve and Villanelle. Yes, Villanelle has done plenty of terrible things in her past. And yes, some of them involved Eve indirectly. But Eve always found a way to move past that because of her fascination with Villanelle, which absolutely bordered on love. But now we’re supposed to believe that the unhealthy obsession Eve had for Villanelle is gone? It just doesn’t feel right for a show that is twisted and not meant to be a moral tale.
If anything, Eve seemed annoyed with Villanelle. And kudos on Eve for standing her ground, finding a new life, and being a badass. But did you forget about your obsession? Did you forget about that moment on the bridge where you and Villanelle looked back at each other like some romcom but queer? Because from where we’re standing, Eve has absolutely forgotten about Villanelle and thinks of herself as not needing her past obsession with a lead on The 12 being her main focus. And it seems out of character and like we’re missed a whole season worth of development to get her to this point.
Villanelle in comparison is still obsessed with Eve to an unhealthy degree aka the reason why we watch this hot mess of a show and why we miss Eve’s part in this. Yes, Villanelle is trying to better herself. And that’s great and all. Go find God or Jesus. And if he manifests as you as a means of guiding you, then even better. (Amendment: This part was glorious, should be included in the things of “Just Dunk Me” that worked, and we need more of this drag.) But at the core of her, Villanelle is still the curious, dangerous, and possessive assassin many have come to love.
On another show, this turn of events where Eve doesn’t give two shits about Villanelle anymore, this would be celebrated. It’s not a healthy relationship. But this isn’t another show. Killing Eve is a show about two women, their obsession with each other, and how it brings them together to do terrible things. And right now, it feels like Killing Eve is reinventing itself once more for reasons no one can understand. And our only hope is that they find their way back to each other and finally define what they mean to one another.
Killing Eve airs Sundays at 8/7c on BBC America.