‘Black Doves’ Is Brilliant, but It Wastes Sarah Lancashire’s Talent

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As a devoted admirer of Sarah Lancashire’s exceptional talent and rich acting history, I must express my disappointment with her portrayal of Reed in Netflix’s Black Doves. While the series offers a captivating plot, intriguing characters, and an engaging narrative, it seems to have overlooked the potential depth of Reed’s character.

The latest Netflix spy thriller, titled “Black Doves,” has earned a nomination for a Golden Globe, thanks to Keira Knightly’s captivating performance alongside Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire. In this series, we follow Helen (Knightly), the wife of a high-ranking UK government official, who also secretly works for an enigmatic group called the Black Doves. Over the past decade, she has amassed secrets for her employer to sell to the highest bidder, making her an indispensable part of their covert activities. After her lover, Jason (Andrew Koji), is assassinated, Helen’s superior, Reed (Lancashire), enlists Sam (Whishaw), a former associate and old friend, to protect her, uncover the truth behind his death, and determine if Helen herself could be in danger next.

As a film enthusiast, I must say that “Black Doves” is an outstanding series with numerous surprises, captivating plot twists, and characters brimming with life. Almost achieving a flawless viewing experience, this show keeps you on the edge of your seat. Throughout the series, Helen finds herself ensnared in a broader conspiracy, yet she still interacts periodically with Reed. These encounters, whether they’re flashbacks or post-Jason’s demise updates, always present Reed in a very distinctive light. Compared to the show’s other main and even minor characters, Lancashire’s portrayal of Reed doesn’t delve too deeply into her complexities. Undeniably intriguing and powerful, Reed is sadly not given enough room by the series to truly flourish as a character that could soar.

‘Black Doves’ Wastes Sarah Lancashire’s Talent

Known for her roles in “The Paradise”, “Last Tango in Halifax”, “Happy Valley”, and “Julia”, Sarah Lancashire is an exceptionally skilled actress, and her performance as Reed in Black Doves was a standout feature of the show. However, it might have been even more impactful if Reed’s character had a bit more substance. Unlike Helen or Sam, Reed’s character doesn’t offer the same depth, instead, presenting a one-dimensional figure that could potentially be reduced if needed. In contrast to how compelling Helen and Sam are, Reed seems less vibrant. This isn’t a criticism of Lancashire’s performance, but rather a suggestion that the viewers could have been given a more complex character for her to portray.

Right from the start, Helen and Sam are provided with detailed backgrounds that allow viewers to connect deeply or recognize aspects of themselves. Unlike Reed, there are nuances in their personalities and interactions that add layers to their characters. The dialogues between them and the way they look at each other suggest a rich history, which is skillfully introduced through the script. While the storytelling in “Black Doves” is impressive, Reed’s spirit seems to be missing, and Lancashire’s performance couldn’t fully compensate for this lack. It’s possible that something got lost in translation or was edited out. In any case, it feels like Lancashire’s talents were underutilized in Netflix’s latest spy thriller.

Reed’s Character Remains a Mystery in ‘Black Doves’

It’s understandable that after the show ended, Reed still seems enigmatic to the audience. At first, it seemed like more about Reed would be unveiled as the story unfolded. However, her character remained largely static and hard to grasp. The role doesn’t seem intended to reveal much, but focusing only on her interactions with Helen and Sam left a shallow impression. It would have been interesting to catch glimpses of Reed in more casual settings outside the Black Doves context. Brief instances of her involvement in entertainment after meetings with Sam were shown, but these moments didn’t provide enough depth for viewers to fully understand the complex character of the elusive spy boss.

In a particular instant during their phone conversation, Reed observes Helen meticulously wrapping a Christmas gift, a habit suggesting her character, however, viewers aren’t provided with additional insights about her. Similarly, when Reed initially meets Helen, she emphasizes that she should be addressed as “Mrs. Reed” instead of “Ms. Reed,” an action intended to hint at something significant for the audience, but it only sets the stage in that initial moment.

At the finale of the series, viewers get a fleeting look at a woman who might be Reed’s wife, but there’s no solid evidence to confirm her identity – could she be a spouse, a child, or just a friend? The truth remains elusive for the audience. Reed himself remains an enigma throughout the series. Despite Lancashire’s acting prowess, it seems as though the creators of Black Doves might not have intended for viewers to fully understand Reed in the first place. Currently, all episodes of Black Doves are available on Netflix.

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2024-12-15 04:03