Pop Culture Happy Hour Episode Summary: "Black Doves" (Released December 9, 2024)
Hosted by NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour team—Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris—with guests Roxanna Haddadi and Kristin Meinzer.
Introduction to "Black Doves"
In this episode, Glenn Weldon introduces Netflix’s new series "Black Doves," a stylish British spy thriller set in London during Christmastime. The show stars Keira Knightley as Helen, the wife of the UK Defense Minister who secretly feeds information to a covert spy network, and Ben Whishaw as Sam, her former partner drawn back into the espionage world to protect her amidst rising threats and violence.
Notable Quote:
Glenn Weldon [00:00]: “Black Doves may be for you if you like your holiday cheer spiced with British wit and a really surprising amount of gunplay.”
Guest Impressions and Reactions
Roxanna Haddadi on the Show’s Style and Action
Roxanna Haddadi, Vulture TV critic, expresses strong enthusiasm for "Black Doves," praising its departure from realistic spy dramas in favor of a more stylized, action-packed narrative reminiscent of "John Wick" and "Guy Ritchie" films. She appreciates the complex underground world and the chemistry between the leads, emphasizing the show's fun and engaging portrayal of espionage.
Notable Quotes:
Roxanna Haddadi [04:06]: “I have such a huge smile on my face because I am very tired. I think of spy shows that try to be realistic. I'm no longer interested in that.”
Roxanna Haddadi [04:19]: “I want, like, John Wick, Guy Ritchie style... It really made me think of Gangs of London. That is more fun.”
Kristin Meinzer’s Critical Take on Pacing and Plot Development
Kristin Meinzer, co-host of "Daily Fail," offers a more critical perspective, acknowledging the excellent cast and atmospheric setting but expressing a desire for more consistent action and plot surprises. She feels the series sometimes lags in delivering the nonstop excitement promised by its trailer, leading to moments that feel too subdued for a spy thriller.
Notable Quotes:
Kristin Meinzer [05:33]: “I wanted more action, I wanted more surprises, I wanted more intrigue... There are a lot of very slow scenes on this show.”
Kristin Meinzer [09:22]: “I wanted more revenge. I wanted more fire there. I wanted more of everything.”
Host’s Personal Reflections
Glenn Weldon shares his initial misconceptions about the show's tone, expecting something akin to "Slow Horses" or Jean Le Carre adaptations but finding a more pulpy and exaggerated style instead. He discusses the series' unrealistic action sequences and the consequence-free violence that ultimately enhances its entertainment value for him, despite recognizing its departure from traditional spy narratives.
Notable Quotes:
Glenn Weldon [06:03]: “Just shy of Bond. I think it's unrealistic in a kind of hilarious way.”
Glenn Weldon [07:27]: “She can slip off in the dead of night to do whatever the hell she wants... So this isn't Cozy Le Carre. It's Cozy Guy Ritchie.”
Character Analysis and Performances
The hosts commend the performances of Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw, highlighting their convincing portrayals of complex, emotionally resonant characters. Sarah Lancashire’s role as Mrs. Reed, the handler, receives particular praise for adding depth and intensity to the series, with Roxanna comparing her to iconic characters like Margo Martindale’s in "The Americans."
Notable Quotes:
Kristin Meinzer [10:34]: “Ben Whishaw is terrific in this role. I think that Keira Knightley is very convincing as a spy.”
Roxanna Haddadi [11:26]: “She’s perfect. Every spy series needs this sort of, like, no bs, very frank Handler figure.”
Setting and Stylistic Choices
The Christmas backdrop of "Black Doves" becomes a point of discussion, with Kristin appreciating the festive atmosphere but questioning its necessity. Roxanna, however, enjoys the stylistic elements it brings, such as the visual of a spy walking through snow and the unique lighting during action sequences, finding it enhances the show’s aesthetic appeal.
Notable Quotes:
Kristin Meinzer [15:04]: “Christmas was a nice backdrop for this show, but it wasn't necessary.”
Roxanna Haddadi [16:01]: “I love a forlorn spy walking through the snow. I like the sort of, like, garish red and green lighting that keeps popping up.”
Expectations for Season Two
Both guests express optimism for a second season, hoping it retains the emotional depth and high-stakes action that resonated in certain episodes. They look forward to further character development and more dynamic plotlines, anticipating that season two will expand the intricate world established in the first season without falling into narrative complacency.
Notable Quotes:
Kristin Meinzer [10:34]: “I just wanted the whole series to be like [episode three]. With those emotionally resonant moments combined with lots of killing and fighting.”
Roxanna Haddadi [12:07]: “I do hope it is another six episode because that means I don't think this show suffers from Netflix bloat.”
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Glenn Weldon wraps up the discussion by emphasizing the show’s unique blend of humor, action, and emotional storytelling. While he acknowledges some inconsistencies in the plot and pacing, he appreciates the overall entertainment value and looks forward to the continuation of the series. Kristin and Roxanna echo similar sentiments, highlighting "Black Doves" as a fun and stylish addition to the spy genre, albeit with room for improvement.
Notable Quotes:
Glenn Weldon [14:27]: “Next season will be more fun nonsense, and I won't believe a second of it, but I'll be there.”
Roxanna Haddadi [16:43]: “I do think that Christmas added a little flourish stylistically.”
Highlights from the Episode
- Chemistry and Performances: Strong on-screen chemistry between Knightley and Whishaw enhances character dynamics.
- Stylized Action: Over-the-top action sequences provide a thrilling, albeit unrealistic, viewing experience.
- Emotional Depth: Moments of emotional resonance, particularly between main characters, add depth to the narrative.
- Stylish Setting: The Christmastime London setting offers a unique and visually appealing backdrop.
- Character Development: Sarah Lancashire’s portrayal of Mrs. Reed stands out as a compelling and formidable handler.
Overall Assessment:
"Black Doves" is celebrated for its stylish execution, engaging performances, and blend of action with emotional storytelling. While it may not cater to all tastes—particularly those seeking a more realistic or consistently pulpy spy narrative—it stands out as a vibrant and entertaining series with the potential for further development in its second season.
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Pop Culture Happy Hour episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those unfamiliar with "Black Doves."