Black Doves season 1 episode 4 “Go Bang Time” continues to ramp up the tension of it all, while giving us tender moments that show loving, fragile, and complex Helen and Sam are. It also gave us that confrontation with Michael that we’ve been dreading and dropped a big reveal as to how it’s not what it seems. None of it is. And I’m hoping that Helen and Sam don’t have to pay dearly to survive and make it to season 2.
Sam, Step Away from Michael
To be clear, I want Sam and Michael to have their happily ever after. I want them to make it and face this world together, especially because of the story we know so far, the looks they share, and because they’re dead romantic with each other. But it can’t happen. Or it shouldn’t happen. Because this isn’t a romantic spy thriller. People have died, even someone close to Helen. And there’s no doubt in my mind that Michael, and his daughter, will get hurt as a means of hurting Sam. That right there will destroy Sam.
But it’s not like I don’t understand. And in a way, I congratulate Black Doves for making me fall in love with these two in the span of 4 episodes. That’s a testament to the writing of the show and the abilities of the actors. And what Sam and Michael had, it was real, despite Michael saying he didn’t know Sam. Right now, there’s temptation brewing between them, the ghosts of their past reminding them of how good it felt to be together. But it also went bad. Oh so very bad to the point where multiple people had to be killed to keep Sam and Michael safe.
There are two ways that this is going to end, based on everything we’ve seen of this show so far. One: Sam is going to leave Helen to take care of their new CIA companion. Because Michael called. He has to answer. When he goes to Michael, the Clarks men follow him. They know everything. So they know about Michael. Sam and Michael have a beautiful and tender moment before the Clarks appear and everything collapses around them. Or… Sam never approaches them again, kills Hector to make Lenny happy, and protects them from afar.
MORE: Ready to dive into episode 5 of Black Doves season 1? Here you go!
What Helen is Willing to Do for Her Family
Black Doves season 1 episode 4 “Go Bang Time” sees the noose around Helen’s neck tighten. Because this started as revenge for Jason, a man she claimed to be in love with and who she was ready to leave her life for. But the more that she learns about Jason, the more she questions herself about whether it was all about her love for Jason or more of a need to finally find herself again. This conversation even coming up in Black Doves makes Helen an infinitely more interesting character.
This episode also marks a shift in what Helen is willing to do for her family. Because before this, it was more clearly defined as being revenge for Jason’s death. Now the show is putting more into focus on the fact that Helen is on the cusp of losing her family. She might lose it if the Clark’s get to her and kill her. But she’s infinitely more likely to lose it if the plant Dani gets her claws into Helen’s husband at the behest of Mrs. Reed. Because there’s obviously a backup plan no longer just sitting there in case something happens. It’s happening whether Helen wants it or not.
What comes next is a fight for what Helen is willing to do to protect her family. Jason’s gone and his loyalties are being questioned. Helen has to protect what is here. My fear is that Helen might sacrifice herself, after doing crazy things like breaking into a secured section of the U.S. Embassy and fighting military personnel in the elevator. And I don’t want that. I want Helen to stay and to fight for her family, with her family. With Black Doves consistently surprising me, I hope she finds a way to keep it all and survive the upcoming fight for her life.
Ok, Now I’m Interested in the Mystery
From the very beginning of Black Doves I’ve been adamant that the part I didn’t care about the most was the mystery of it all. Part of it was because it felt like every other political drama we’ve seen on TV. But part of it was also due to the fact that Helen and Sam have been such standouts that everything else pales in comparison. “Go Bang Time” saw both of our main characters get so tightly wrapped in this mess, that I want to know everything! Who are the Clarks? And how is Mrs. Reed involved in all of this?!
For Mrs. Reed in particular, I like how Black Doves has fleshed her out. She’s cold, calculating, but also quick with a flat joke. There’s also something about her that lets you know that she doesn’t need anyone else to take you down. She can do it herself. But she chooses to bring others in and keep her hands clean. But I do think that her character is built in such a way that there will come a moment where her and Helen have an explosive blowout. And I’m really excited about that.
I’m also really excited about the other moving pieces of this big mystery, even though I’m scared for their lives. For example, the assassins Williams and Eleanor. I’ve treated them as side characters who weren’t really going to get much screentime. But they went out to murder with Sam and are now protecting Kai-Ming. They’re dependable and a great way for the show to include more women characters whose entire storyline isn’t about a man. In “Go Bang Time” in particular they’re in a fight for their lives, and I’m hoping they make it out. Better put that rocket launcher to use, Eleanor!
MORE: We talk a little more about what comes next for Williams and Eleanor in our review for Black Doves season 1 episode 5 “The Cost of It All.”
Black Doves season 1 is now available on Netflix.
What did you think of Black Doves “Go Bang Time”? 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’
Very disappointed with the series. Who writes this garbage. Gives me another reason to cancel Netflix.