Should You Try It: Black Doves on Netflix

We’re rapidly closing in on the end of the year, meaning we’re getting a final push of new series to help fill some of that free time. But how do you know if a show is worth your time to check out? That’s why this series is here, to help give you all the details you need to make an informed viewing decision. Today, it’s a Netflix spy drama set in London.

Series: Black Doves

Where to Find It: All six episodes are now streaming on Netflix.

What’s It About: This is a new spy series from Joe Barton, who worked on previous projects like Giri/Haji and the series The Lazarus Project. This one is six episodes and centers on a secret spy organization, the Black Doves, who ply their craft to keep the world in working order without aligning to any one specific government. Among their assets is agent Helen Webb (Kiera Knightly), who is under deep cover. She’s been married to the British Defense Minister for nearly a decade, maintaining her role as wife and mother to the couple’s two children.

But lately, she’s grown bored. That led to an affair with a low-level state department official, Jason (Andrew Koji). When he turns up dead, it turns up the heat on Helen. Her handler, Reed (Sarah Lancashire), shows up to try and manage the potential damage. Worried about what Helen might have stumbled into, she recalls a hit man named Sam (Ben Whishaw). Sam and Helen have a history and a deep friendship. But returning to London recalls some painful memories and events for Sam.

Soon, Sam and Helen are thrown back into the deep end together. They have to get to the bottom of a series of events and make sure to handle the issues before either their covers or lives spin out of control.

You Should Try It If: You’re a fan of spy dramas, are a fan of action-oriented series, or are a fan of the talented cast.

One Man’s Opinion of Black Doves

This is a gift to end the year. Each of the six episodes is around 55 minutes, making for a quick binge. It’s also set near Christmas time, giving the season a very seasonal feel. Those are just some of the trappings that will hook you quickly and take you on a ride.

I try a lot of new shows, but they don’t always grab me. This one did. I loved the pilot, the set up and the journey to the point that I binged all six episodes in one day. In addition to a well-crafted story and episodes that move at a good pace, this is a showcase for the cast, particularly Knightly and Whishaw. They are great together and really work well to sell the story and action.

I liked the blend of backstory that helps tease out the past as we move through the present situation. The story comes together beautifully at the end and sets up what could be a fun, ongoing series as a second season has already been ordered. This is well worth diving into and is one of my favorite series of the year so far.