Helen and Sam might be the real love story in Black Doves season 1 episode 3 “The Coming Night,” but that doesn’t mean that other love stories don’t happen on this show. Sam and Michael were of particular focus this episode, the mystery of why Sam had to leave finally being revealed. At the same time, we also learned that Helen was going to leave, choosing a life outside of the Black Doves. But she stayed. For Sam. For Michael. And for the life they could’ve had.
Sam’s Love for Michael
Watching Sam fall in love with Michael was unexpected, romantic, and so tender. We’ve seen what they were in flashbacks, tender moments together in bed interspersed with violent moments where Sam was protecting Michael. But now we know. Sam fell in love with Michael at first sight, eyes locked across a smoky bar. It was dead romantic and something we rarely see for queer characters at all. But we got in Black Doves, with a healthy dose of moments that made me go “awwww” like Sam describing Michael’s eyes or them moving in together.
When those men came for Sam, it shattered his life with Michael. And as a viewer, it was interesting to see how close Sam held Michael. He wanted to protect him with his body, and keep him living. But Sam also told him not to look and to let him guide Michael. That tells us, the viewer, that he also wanted to protect Michael from the violence that was about to happen. And we were further put into Michael’s shoes when the camera locked on him as Sam helped them make their way down the fire escape. This was an unexpected move but shifted the perspective into something more relatable for me, a regular ol’ person who wouldn’t know anything about being a triggerman or spy.
In the present, Sam is doing what he’s doing because he loves Helen. But he’s also doing it because he loves Michael. And I fear a moment that Sam is forced to choose between Helen and Michael, something I think Black Doves is building up to. I also fear the moment that Sam reunites with Michael. You don’t tease Michael like they have, to not reunite them down the line. Either way, watching Sam and Michael’s love story was unexpected and something I would absolutely watch seasons of.
MORE: Ready to talk about episode 4 of Black Doves? We’ve got you covered!
Helen’s Love for Sam
I fear that Black Doves season 1 episode 3 “The Coming Night” has made me slightly unhinged for the relationship between Helen and Sam. Helen was going to leave. She told Mrs. Reed and we as the viewer saw her being surrounded by celebrating people and still looking miserable. And when Sam called, the smile on her face said everything. Sam is the person who makes her happy and she always looks forward to hearing from him.
When Sam asked for help, she didn’t hesitate. She went to him, armed and ready like he promised her all those years ago when she was on her first mission. And she shot that man multiple times because he hurt her friend. Even though they didn’t explicitly confirm it, I also think that that man was the first person Helen has ever killed. That’s why she looked so shocked. But does she regret it? No. Because this is for Sam. Helen will do what she can when it comes to him. Move worlds. Or more accurately, stay and live the life Mrs. Reed wants her to to get Sam out and protect Michael.
This event in “The Coming Night” also gives plenty of perspective on why Sam came back when he heard Helen was in trouble. She wasn’t a job for him. She was his friend. Probably his only family if we’re being honest. And just like she sacrificed her freedom for him and Michael, he will move mountains to protect her, those she loves, and get revenge for the death of Jason. It’s love. And I need Black Doves to protect these two with everything they’ve got.
MORE: Is Mrs. Reed the actual villain? Read our review for Black Doves episode 4!
The Real Villain of This Story
Even though we’re only in episode 3 of season 1 of Black Doves, I have a sneaking suspicion that Mrs. Reed is the real villain of Helen and Sam’s story. Think of it like this: you have a fresh and new asset. A risk taker that you know one day will cause you trouble. So what do you do? You pair her with someone who you also think will cause you problems down the line. In this business you shouldn’t get attached. But you let them, with each other, so when the very moment comes where one of them wants to step out of line, you use them against each other. That’s what she did with Helen and Sam.
Need more evidence? When Sam decided to become a triggerman, he couldn’t really work for Mrs. Reed anymore or be associated with her. But Sam kept training Helen and they were in contact with each other for years. And if there’s anything we’ve learned about Mrs. Reed is that she’s always watching, especially when you think that you’re being sneaky. We saw that with Helen’s affair and I’m convinced that she’s been watching both Helen and Sam, waiting for a moment to use them against each other to get what she wants. She is a businesswoman, after all, and this is a business.
In the present, I also think that Mrs. Reed is pulling strings and preparing for the end of Helen. Because her and the organization have spent way too much time working on getting her in this position. So they planted her husband’s assistant, something that could’ve happened when Helen started her affair. Mrs. Reed is always 10 steps ahead. And by the time Helen and Sam realize the true extent of her plan, it might be too late.
Black Doves season 1 is now available on Netflix.
What did you think of Black Doves “The Coming Night”? Let us know in the comments below!
Need more Black Doves? Read all of our reviews for season 1!
- Black Doves Season 1 Episode 1 Review: ‘To Love Then’
- Black Doves Season 1 Episode 2 Review: ‘A Little Black Dove’
- Black Doves Season 1 Episode 3 Review: ‘The Coming Night’
- Black Doves Season 1 Episode 4 Review: ‘Go Bang Time’
- Black Doves Season 1 Episode 5 Review: ‘The Cost of It All’
- Black Doves Season 1 Episode 6 Review: ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’
I really appreciate this analysis. The relationship between Helen and Sam seems genuine, particularly when he tries to arrange their next training session. You could tell he wants to see her and she would prefer to be with him.
Very good recap. I’m enjoying this show a lot — thank you for covering it.