Black Doves Season 2 Review: Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw Return with Crackling Chemistry and Bittersweet Netflix Thriller Thrills

A playlist before the mission

On the way to a deadly assignment, four operatives argue over what music to play. Williams and Eleanor, young assassins played by Ella Lily Hyland and Gabrielle Creevy, favor loud party tracks, while Sam opts for a slow piano and a low voice.

Helen, played by Knightley, is less invested in music and proposes familiar pop instead. The disagreement captures the show’s mix of humor and melancholy, with each character bringing a different mood to the scene.

Tone drives the series

Barton’s drama combines irreverence with a sadder undercurrent, while remaining broadly accessible. The review describes that balance as the show’s defining strength, supported by witty dialogue, strong performances and effective action.

That tone also helps the series move past narrative shortcomings, though it does not always prevent them. The result is a spy thriller that can be funny and sad while retaining an appealing charm.

A return after a long gap

Viewers need only remember the basic setup to follow the new episodes, rather than every earlier plot detail. The season also features Sarah Lancashire, Ambika Mod, Andrew Buchan, Hyland and Creevy alongside Knightley and Whishaw.