Psycho Villanelle irresistibly good
THERE I was, quite happily settling in for Thursday’s new series of C4’s No Offence... Joanna Scanlan was on brilliant form as the cutting and hilarious DI Viv Deering. As the team approached an angry mob, she quipped: “There’s supposed to be a full moon tonight. And I’ve got my knickers on back to front. They’re usually both bad omens.” She was right. Within minutes an assassin tasked with killing a mayoral candidate burst in. Joy, Alexandra Roach, tried to stop him escaping and was shot. Dead. Yes, actually dead. Always a shock when a major character is killed off. But the fact that this drama takes risks is what makes it so brilliant. FROM the moment Jodie Comer tipped ice cream all over that little girl, I knew I was going to fall in love with BBC1’S Killing Eve. like Eve and her husband discussing if they’re “too knackered” for sex, or MI5 staff being horribly hungover.
One minute I was sniggering as Eve tried to furtively ram a croissant into her mouth during a meeting – haven’t we all tried to do that? The next I was slightly queasy as Villanelle stabbed her poisonous hair pin into her latest victim’s eye.
Or maybe it was a dart. She’d already locked his grandson in the bathroom and threatened to eat his head.
Mainly Eve provided the laughs, while Villanelle the thrill – but both actresses, perfectly cast, are incredible at both. And I don’t use that word lightly. The feminist answer to all those decades of spy thrillers starring middle-aged men, this centres on two fiercely intelligent women. How novel.
With a gripping plot and dark humour, not to mention a soaring eclectic soundtrack you’ll want to download, and scenes that luxuriated in decadent food and fashion, this feels like a fresh genre. In denim shorts and stunning turquoise blouse, Villanelle leaned on her motorbike in Tuscany, eating a sandwich any bloody way she liked.
Then the beautiful but deadly assassin scaled a drainpipe – Jodie’s own stunt – murdered her target, and made a note of an expensive throw she wanted.
Viewers fell in love with her. So she’s a psychopath, everyone has flaws.
Certainly I wanted her language skills – and her wardrobe. Note to producers: where can I get those boots?
Killing Eve aired on BBC America in April to rave reviews. It was renewed for a second season before it even started.
Fleabag writer Phoebe Wallerbridge, who adapted it, is beside herself with excitement over the show – a certified hit. I imagine her phone hasn’t stopped ringing. With the whole series now available, any viewer who doesn’t binge watch the lot by tomorrow has more will power than me. JUST when you thought TV bosses Channel 5 had run out of ideas, Turner, Professor locks up Anthea and Eddie Hall Green, Shazia Mirza Although, for our amusement. knit was hardly watching Anthea Solitary saw them riveting. Celebs In with no outside stuck inside cells and the Prof contact. But Anthea the staying quit. Where was without power? Five days being bothered by anyone? Bliss. ITV’S latest thriller Strangers married for three years.” Um, the Tureet, wins the award for most sum other bloke had been with her for 20. awkward scene. accummo dipsum ing quipit at, quis ea commy nos nim Another awkward pause. Simm John Simm, left, plays British alit doluptat, does tortured soul brilliantly. I can’t professor Jonah aliquamet, verosti corem dolore Mulray, whose imagine him ever cracking a smile. wife Megan, Dervla ncincilit veros digna te mincidunt Kirwan, is Some found this a slow burner, and killed in a car accident faccumsandio lobor acilit – or by the build-up of him finding a phone gunshot? – in Hong conumsa ndionsequi praesenim alit Kong. charger was hugely overplayed. But On arrival, Jonah erciduipit lorper sum v e r a u t wants to know there was just enough intrigue to lure who is the other man quis acilisit ipit landiamet at the police me back tomorrow. station. Er, he’s Megan’s augiat. Sum in ute husband. At the very least to watch Jonah “But I’m Megan’s husband.” meet his wife’s daughter. Now that Awkward pause. “We’ve been will be awkward.
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