Netflix’s ‘Slow Horses’ answer: Black Doves Season 2’s Kestrel threat changed the game forever
Kestrel enters the conflict
Black Doves follows former agents drawn back into danger when their covers are at risk. Helen, played by Keira Knightley, and Sam, played by Ben Whishaw, must confront their own histories as well as their enemies.
Season 2 introduces Kestrel, a covert group described as having manipulated world events since the Cold War. Its members target the Black Doves and seek to disrupt political talks Wallace has begun with Russia. Wallace, played by Andrew Buchan, became Prime Minister after a scandal brought down his predecessor.
Reed’s past comes forward
A flashback episode follows a younger Reed, played by Lauren Moakes, working undercover in East Berlin alongside political extremist Franz. She has a daughter with him, and her attempt to leave the assignment with the child leads the Black Doves to try to eliminate Kestrel.
The history helps explain why Kestrel is seeking revenge against Reed and those loyal to her. Reed’s daughter Vita, played by Bailey Fines, later rises within Kestrel and fatally shoots Cecile Mason before dying in her mother’s arms.
Sam and Helen face pressure
Kestrel blackmails Sam with footage showing Helen carrying out a killing on Reed’s orders. The threat arrives after Sam has begun opening himself to healthier relationships and met Helen’s family.
Helen is also trying to save her marriage. Wallace raises the possibility that they could separate after his term, while the season portrays him as willing to make difficult choices in pursuit of peace.
A widening threat in London
Kestrel’s agents are presented as more dangerous than hired guns, and their campaign undermines Reed’s authority. The organization’s attack on London is intended to frighten Wallace’s circle and the surviving Black Doves.
Season 1 revealed Reed as the handler behind the protection of secrets. The new revelations challenge her position and link the present danger to her earlier choices. Black Doves has not been renewed, leaving the conflict unresolved.
Key points
- Season 2 pits Helen and Sam against the secretive group Kestrel.
- Kestrel seeks revenge on Reed and threatens the Black Doves.
- Sam is blackmailed with footage of Helen carrying out a killing.
- Black Doves has not been renewed.