1 Topic by graybags (edited by graybags 2024-12-09 16:04:00)

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Topic: Black Doves

Anyone seen this yet?  https://next-episode.net/black-doves

I'm thorougly enjoying it.  I'm not normally a fan of Keira Knightley, but she's great in this.  Bit of a departure for Ben Whishaw too. 

At the start of it I wasn't sure, then I thought, "Whoa - yeah!"

Definite Slow Horses vibes, so if you're into that or British-espianage-spy-thriller-thingies-in-general give it a try.

2020.  Meh.

2 Reply by colinsp

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Re: Black Doves

graybags wrote:

Anyone seen this yet?  https://next-episode.net/black-doves

I'm thorougly enjoying it.  I'm not normally a fan of Keira Knightley, but she's great in this.  Bit of a departure for Ben Whishaw too. 

At the start of it I wasn't sure, then I thought, "Whoa - yeah!"

Definite Slow Horses vibes, so if you're into that or British-espianage-spy-thriller-thingies-in-general give it a try.

I agree I am enjoying it so far 3 episodes in.

3 Reply by colinsp

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Re: Black Doves

Just finished this what a great series and left open enough for a second one too.

4 Reply by graybags

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Re: Black Doves

colinsp wrote:

Just finished this what a great series and left open enough for a second one too.

A second series has already been confirmed.

2020.  Meh.

5 Reply by MadNomad

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Re: Black Doves

For anyone who doesn't know about the show, I discovered this article, interesting read ...
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/features/ … lack-doves

6 Reply by graybags

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Re: Black Doves

MadNomad wrote:

For anyone who doesn't know about the show, I discovered this article, interesting read ...
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/features/ … lack-doves

It was ok, kind of like a weaker Slow Horses.

2020.  Meh.

7 Reply by piraterepublic (edited by piraterepublic 2026-06-05 18:10:16)

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Re: Black Doves

half way through this very good show.

the gratuitous nude scenes annoy me as a waste of time.

absolutely NOTHING like slow horses.

i would call it Americaized  British spy story
or jhon wick with a british spin and more story then click bang, but not much more
lots of character interaction, but mostly pointless

light on story, high on violence, with a dash of liberal lgbqt2satnditmsuednag sex.
but even as its very light of story, it is progressing well and
very well acted...

really think the late 90's early 2000's  "lock stock and two smoking barrels" style uk action
( without the memorable original type characters )
black doves is a lot more predictable

enjoyable watch.

8 Reply by g371 (edited by g371 2026-06-05 18:17:40)

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Re: Black Doves

For me 6-7/10, easy could be way better, but had predictable UK side effects and convoluted/pulled by hair explanation. If/when there will be S02, for sure will watch it.

This one felt like half of writers are spot on and the other half or some management bs filters hit their heads. Like two different worlds mixed together.

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9 Reply by piraterepublic

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Re: Black Doves

i have one question to ask i need answered.

WTF is in it for the black doves? its not money, not nationalism,
so thrills ?  maybe?  how does that system work to keep them going?

10 Reply by g371

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Re: Black Doves

piraterepublic wrote:

i have one question to ask i need answered.

WTF is in it for the black doves? its not money, not nationalism,
so thrills ?  maybe?  how does that system work to keep them going?

Money + job security + can apply their skillset. If some gov counterintelligence won't hire them, here plan B. Not many other job opportunities for psychos/sociopaths with criminal history big_smile

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11 Reply by piraterepublic (edited by piraterepublic 2026-06-06 05:29:24)

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Re: Black Doves

g371 wrote:
piraterepublic wrote:

i have one question to ask i need answered.

WTF is in it for the black doves? its not money, not nationalism,
so thrills ?  maybe?  how does that system work to keep them going?

Money + job security + can apply their skillset. If some gov counterintelligence won't hire them, here plan B. Not many other job opportunities for psychos/sociopaths with criminal history big_smile

▼Spoiler

but the doves dont get paid ( never mentioned once in the show or even collecting back pay ( to pay for more killers for example)), and if they did, they are under cover for 15+ years where they cannot use the money as it would ruin their cover. only the triggermen and women mention getting paid in any way

12 Reply by g371 (edited by g371 2026-06-06 05:33:49)

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Re: Black Doves

piraterepublic wrote:
▼Spoiler

but the doves dont get paid ( never mentioned once in the show), and if they did, they are under cover for 15+ years where they cannot use the money as it would ruin their cover


▼Spoiler

Literally in the first ep she is offered a job not to join a non-profit NGO. You can use and launder money in many ways. Black dove does not mean a housewife, she can have 10 businesses. In fact, she must be opposite of a housewife - not much valuable information to gather in diapers management or groceries shopping.

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13 Reply by piraterepublic (edited by piraterepublic 2026-06-10 20:17:12)

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Re: Black Doves

g371 wrote:
piraterepublic wrote:
▼Spoiler

but the doves dont get paid ( never mentioned once in the show), and if they did, they are under cover for 15+ years where they cannot use the money as it would ruin their cover

▼Spoiler

Literally in the first ep she is offered a job not to join a non-profit NGO. You can use and launder money in many ways. Black dove does not mean a housewife, she can have 10 businesses. In fact, she must be opposite of a housewife - not much valuable information to gather in diapers management or groceries shopping.

▼Spoiler

they showed that they plan to kill off any " very successful " doves who ever plan to leave, so why get paid if you can never spend it?? why do well at a job that if successful, you can never leave?they cant spend it under cover, and they can never leave, it makes no sense why any intelligent woman would do the job. the only time the job makes sense is the first job... sex when stealing info... anything longer then a month or so and its a danger getting caught vs the boss killing you as a liability 


while the show was good, it had none of the dry british wit other shows like slow horses has.
it does try some levity, i think, in places.