Killing Eve’s Impact: 7 Years Later and Its Reversal of a Common TV Trope

Seven years post its debut, Killing Eve continues to stand out for its innovative approach to storytelling, particularly in how it subverted the commonly criticized fridging trope. At the heart of this acclaimed series are British intelligence officer Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh) and the enigmatic assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer). Their intricate and obsessive relationship evolves throughout the show, offering a unique dynamic that captivated viewers. While the series finale sparked debate among fans, season 1 remains widely celebrated for its bold storytelling choices.

One of the hallmark achievements of Killing Eve was its intelligent reversal of the fridging trope, which typically victimizes female characters for narrative gain. Fridging, a term coined from comic book contexts, often sees female roles killed off to ignite the hero’s journey, as evident in films like Christopher Nolan’s Memento and Inception. Superhero narratives, such as the demise of Peter Quill’s mother in Guardians of the Galaxy or Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, also illustrate this unsettling pattern. In contrast, Killing Eve cleverly flipped this script.

Killing Eve Season 1’s Bold Reversal of the Fridging Trope

Bill’s Death: The Inciting Incident

In a striking twist, Killing Eve season 1 subverted the fridging trope by having Eve’s MI6 partner, Bill Pargrave (David Haig), become the victim. His shocking murder at the hands of Villanelle in a nightclub serves as a catalyst for the entire series. Rather than resorting to a female character’s death to deepen Eve’s motivation, the show chose to eliminate Bill—a significant character—just three episodes in.

Despite the refreshing nature of this reversal, it is crucial to recognize that it also introduced another troubling trope. Earlier in the episode, Bill indicates his queer identity, stating, “I just fall in love with whoever I fall in love with.”His death unfortunately aligns with the “bury your gays”trope, where LGBTQ+ characters suffer demise to propel the plot. While this aspect is concerning, it’s important to note that his death effectively challenges traditional fridging norms associated with female characters.

Setting a Tone of Empowerment: Killing Eve’s Reversal of Fridging

Establishing Strong Storylines for Female Characters

From its inception, Killing Eve distinguished itself by highlighting that its female characters would not be mere pawns in a plot-driven narrative. This empowered storytelling ensured that Eve and Villanelle remained central figures, receiving the character development they deserved without being sidelined by male counterparts. This nuanced portrayal extended to Carolyn Martens (Fiona Shaw), who emerged as a powerful and influential character, indicative of the show’s commitment to strong female representation.

In many other series, character arcs for Niko and Kenny could overshadow the female leads, but Killing Eve consistently kept its focus on the primary women. Niko Polastri, Eve’s husband, can be viewed through the lens of Skyler White in Breaking Bad: a character perceived as nagging while cautioning Eve about her dangerous infatuation with Villanelle. This obsession ultimately led to the disintegration of their marriage. Moreover, season 3 showcased the continued avoidance of fridging with Carolyn’s son, Kenny Stowton (Sean Delaney), whose death serves as the season’s narrative catalyst without detracting from the main storyline involving Eve and Villanelle.

Disappointment in the Series Finale: A Contradiction to its Strengths

An Unsatisfying Conclusion

Initially, when Killing Eve premiered, many viewers, including myself, may have overlooked its clever subversion of the fridging trope. However, upon revisiting seasons 1 through 3, such insights have become increasingly evident, heightening my disappointment with the series conclusion. The most significant letdown in the finale revolves around Villanelle’s abrupt death. Her end felt unearned and left the series’ central relationship in ruins, effectively diminishing the agency of its leading women.

Killing Eve Season	Tomatometer Score	Popcornmeter Score
Season 1	96%	90%
Season 2	92%	89%
Season 3	80%	81%
Season 4	52%	30%

This conclusion has left several mysteries from Killing Eve unresolved, further complicating the emotional development of Eve and Villanelle. The series’ ending becomes increasingly frustrating, particularly when one reflects on the compelling way it subverted the fridging trope throughout the majority of its run.

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