Black Doves is a slick espionage driven series, which skillfully blends intrigue, treachery and convoluted character interactions into an engaging storytelling. Since the very moment I got engrossed in the world of Helen I was amazed by the fact that the storyline is so layered; her dual identity as a wife to a high-ranking official and a secret agent provides an amazing tension the series is run on. The mood and make of the show are dark and somber, and they perfectly portray the secrecy of the espionage world with the atmospheric camera work and the tense and wailing score that enhances every moment of excitement.
There are also very solid performances and the lead plays the role well by convincingly depicting the inner struggle of Helen between her outward image and the very real secrets that she has to maintain. The love affair between Helen and Sam gives it an emotional twist, rendering their partnership emotionally involving and suspicious at the same time. The themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity of spy work are presented as part of the story of the show, which is both thrilling and thought-provoking. It is done with a very fast pacing, and the twists are at the right time, keeping the audience guessing and wondering what happens next, and the production and photography design help to create the atmosphere of shades and tension that makes one lose sight of time and fully plunge into the world of spies.
The most compelling aspect to me was that this series deals with vulnerability through the veil of power–the human aspect of the spy game. It is an uneasy, ethically challenging, and the story that creates a sense of uneasiness and contemplation of trust and deceit. Though it is slick and stylish, emotional depth is not an issue with the show, which makes it a strong representative of a spy thriller genre. Black Doves is an adventurous film that blends together action and mystery with character oriented drama and leaves a great imprint long after the credits are over.
