Killing Eve season 4 episode 5 review: Carolyn’s past is dredged up, Villanelle turns unlikely hero

3/5

Story:

After Carolyn (Fiona Shaw) makes a shocking discovery on the identity of Lars Meier, she is forced to confront some painful memories of her own past. Villanelle (Jodie Comer) finds renewed purpose in her life, putting her murderous skills to use helping a close friend. Meanwhile Eve (Sandra Oh) goes to some unwise lengths to get Hélène’s (Camille Cottin) attention, while doubling down on her own investigation into Meier’s identity.

Review:

Killing Eve seems to have got back its mojo, with its final season turning progressively intriguing as it draws closer to its conclusion. The fifth episode, Don’t Get Attached, delves into a subject long-time viewers might have wondered about more than once – Carolyn’s interesting past – and it does not disappoint with the route it takes to do so.

Carolyn is by far one of the most influential and powerful characters in the series, with her gumption and authority giving her a magnetism that is hard to ignore. Of course, Fiona Shaw’s stellar portrayal plays a great role in making the character so beloved, and the actress’ skills are on full display in this episode as well. In this episode, we get to see a rare flashback sequence, something the show rarely explores. The episode takes a trip into 1979, where we are introduced to a young Carolyn and the origin story of the Twelve.

The makers have nailed the casting in this case, as the actors playing the younger versions of the series’ main cast bear an incredible likeness; so much so that one can accurately guess who they are supposed to be even before the big reveal. The latest episode sets the stage for some highly-awaited, exciting events in the show, where hopefully we get to see more of Carolyn’s savvy.

The casting and performances are coupled with some great writing, as the alternating sequences between the past and present are executed beautifully in a way that holds the viewers attention. Although Carolyn’s arc is definitely the highlight of this episode, Eve and Villanelle’s story also holds its own. After her strange encounter with Hélène, Eve’s demeanor becomes bolder and reckless, and she takes a rather unwise step to get Hélène’s attention, one that ultimately costs her dearly.

Villanelle also manages to channel what she does best into something good, sort of. Its refreshing to see how she manages to make a twisted use of her murderous expertise, in a way that screams ‘anti-hero’. This is made all the more better by how it also simultaneously brings out her ‘innocent’ intention to do some good.

Konstantin and Pam’s progress takes a backseat this episode, although the former gets his fair share of the spotlight in the flashback sequences.

Verdict:

The latest episode of Killing Eve takes an interesting ‘blast to the past’ way that offers some new insight to the characters we know and love, and the motivations that drive them. It also sets the stage for the chaos to come, hopefully leading the series to a strong and memorable ending.