The final episode of Killing Eve culminated in a profoundly divisive moment: after finally acknowledging and acting upon their mutual love, Eve and Villanelle were moments from embracing a future together on the Tower Bridge when Villanelle was shot and killed by a sniper, orchestrated, it’s heavily implied, by The Twelve. The abrupt and seemingly senseless death left viewers stunned, angry, and grappling with the implications of a romantic narrative seemingly punished for its queer love story.
The Bloody End of a Cat-and-Mouse Game
The series finale, titled “Hello, Losers,” began with Eve and Villanelle embarking on a mission to eliminate the remaining members of The Twelve. This mission served not just as a narrative closure device but also as a catalyst for the characters’ evolving relationship. As they hunted down targets, they grew closer, their connection deepening beyond obsession and into genuine affection.
Their success in dismantling The Twelve, a global network of assassins, felt like a significant victory. It signified not only the end of a dangerous era but also the possibility of a new beginning for Eve and Villanelle. However, this fleeting moment of triumph was tragically cut short. Standing on Tower Bridge, sharing a kiss, Villanelle was targeted. Eve frantically reached for her, but it was too late. Villanelle bled out in Eve’s arms, her death mirroring the violent world they desperately tried to escape. Eve’s anguished scream, echoing across the Thames, marked the end of their tumultuous love story and sparked widespread controversy amongst fans.
Unpacking the Disappointment: Why the Finale Failed
The backlash against the finale stemmed from several factors. Primarily, viewers felt robbed of a happy ending after investing years in Eve and Villanelle’s complex and captivating relationship. The “bury your gays” trope, where LGBTQ+ characters are disproportionately killed off in narratives, was heavily cited as a reason for the disappointment. The perception was that their love story, finally consummated, was immediately punished, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Furthermore, the manner of Villanelle’s death felt abrupt and unearned. After overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds throughout the series, she was killed by an unseen sniper, a rather anticlimactic end for such a dynamic character. The ambiguity surrounding the orchestrators of the assassination (though heavily implied to be affiliated with remnants of The Twelve) also left viewers feeling unsatisfied.
Many felt that the finale prioritized shock value over narrative coherence and character development. Instead of allowing Eve and Villanelle to find solace and peace, the show opted for a bleak and ultimately unsatisfying conclusion, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of many fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Killing Eve’s Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the controversial final episode of Killing Eve, addressing common criticisms and providing a deeper understanding of the decisions made:
H3: Was Villanelle Really Dead?
Given Killing Eve‘s history of near-death experiences and dramatic twists, many initially questioned whether Villanelle was truly dead. However, based on the series’ official statements and the unambiguous nature of the scene, Villanelle is definitively dead. The showrunners have confirmed her demise, emphasizing the finality of her death. The intention, they state, was to create a lasting impact, though the execution clearly missed the mark for many.
H3: Who Ordered Villanelle’s Assassination?
The show never explicitly names the individual or organization behind Villanelle’s assassination. However, the context heavily implies that remnants of The Twelve were responsible. With Eve and Villanelle successfully dismantling the core of the organization, those who remained likely sought revenge, seeing Villanelle as the ultimate threat. While the lack of explicit confirmation is frustrating, it aligns with the series’ penchant for ambiguity.
H3: Why Did the Show Kill Off Villanelle?
The showrunners’ explanations for Villanelle’s death have been met with skepticism. They claim that her death was necessary to “protect” Eve’s character and allow her to move on. This justification suggests that Villanelle’s darkness and violence were inherently incompatible with Eve’s potential for a “normal” life. Many view this rationale as a weak attempt to justify the “bury your gays” trope.
H3: Was the Ending Always Planned This Way?
It’s unclear whether the ending was always predetermined. There have been conflicting reports regarding the writing process and the evolution of the story arc. Some speculate that the ending was altered during production, potentially due to external pressures or creative differences. However, without concrete evidence, it’s impossible to definitively say whether the final outcome was the original vision.
H3: What Was the Significance of Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge, a famous London landmark, holds symbolic weight within the narrative. It represents a threshold, a point of transition. Eve and Villanelle stood on this bridge after seemingly destroying the forces that bound them, poised to cross into a new chapter. However, the bridge also became the site of their tragic separation, underscoring the impossibility of their escape and the inherent dangers of their world.
H3: Did Eve and Villanelle Get a “Happy Ending” Ultimately?
The finale undeniably denies Eve and Villanelle a traditional “happy ending.” However, some argue that their brief moment of intimacy and mutual understanding on the bridge constituted a form of closure. They finally acknowledged their love and acted upon it, even if only for a few fleeting moments. This perspective suggests that their connection, though tragically short-lived, was ultimately a transformative experience for both of them.
H3: What is the “Bury Your Gays” Trope, and How Does it Apply Here?
The “bury your gays” trope refers to the recurring tendency in media to kill off LGBTQ+ characters more frequently than heterosexual characters, often denying them happy endings or portraying their relationships as inherently tragic. Critics argue that Killing Eve’s finale perpetuates this trope by killing off one half of a queer couple immediately after they express their love, reinforcing harmful stereotypes and denying representation.
H3: How Does the Ending Align with the Show’s Overall Themes?
While controversial, some argue the ending aligns with the show’s overall themes of obsession, violence, and the impossibility of escaping one’s true nature. Eve and Villanelle were drawn together by a dangerous connection, and their world was inherently chaotic and destructive. Their ending, though tragic, could be interpreted as a reflection of the corrosive nature of their relationship and the impossibility of finding peace within their circumstances.
H3: How Did Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh Feel About the Ending?
While both Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh have expressed gratitude for their roles and the show’s impact, they have also hinted at reservations about the finale. While neither has openly criticized the ending, their responses have been interpreted as suggesting a degree of discomfort with the narrative choices. Their nuanced perspectives highlight the complexity of the finale and the diverse interpretations it has elicited.
H3: What Could Have Been a Better Ending for Killing Eve?
Numerous alternative endings have been proposed by fans, ranging from Eve and Villanelle escaping to a remote island to starting a new life under assumed identities. Many favored an ending where both characters survived and found a way to coexist, either together or apart. The common thread among these alternative endings is a desire for a more hopeful and less punitive conclusion to their love story.
H3: Will There Be Any Spin-offs or Sequels to Killing Eve?
While there have been discussions about potential spin-offs or sequels, no concrete plans are currently in development. The immediate backlash against the finale has likely dampened enthusiasm for continuing the Killing Eve universe. However, given the show’s popularity, the possibility of future adaptations cannot be entirely ruled out.
H3: What is the Legacy of Killing Eve Despite the Controversial Finale?
Despite the disappointment surrounding the finale, Killing Eve has left a significant legacy. The show is lauded for its stylish visuals, sharp writing, and compelling performances by Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh. It also broke ground in its portrayal of complex female characters and a nuanced queer relationship. While the ending may have tarnished its reputation for some, Killing Eve remains a significant contribution to television history, sparking conversations about female representation, queer storytelling, and the nature of obsession.