# Black Doves cast shines despite far-fetched espionage plot

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/black-doves-review-ben-whishaw-keira-knightley-and-sarah-lancashire-are-spine-tinglingly-good/
- Published: 2026-11-05T08:01:57+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T08:12:46+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/nov/05/black-doves-review-keira-knightley-ben-whishaw
- Topics: Culture, Entertainment, Government, Politics, TV, UK, World

## Key points

- The spy plot is implausible, but the cast keeps it compelling.
- Knightley, Whishaw and Lancashire are singled out for praise.
- Series two mixes espionage, farce and poignant friendship.

## Summary

Series two of *Black Doves* follows spy Helen Webb as she searches for her missing handler, Reed, while trying to protect her cover and navigate threats around her husband, the prime minister. The review finds the espionage plot far-fetched and the violence consequence-free, but says the show’s main appeal is its compelling cast and friendships.

Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw and Sarah Lancashire are praised for their performances, alongside Gabrielle Creevy, Ella Lily Hyland and Ambika Mod. The new series brings in a mysterious figure who offers hitman Sam a way out of police custody in exchange for more killings, while an MI5 officer begins questioning Helen’s backstory.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.