It has all come to this (violent) end.
The fourth and final season of Killing Eve, which airs its first episode this Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BBC America and AMC+ Season 3 begins shortly after an emotional exchange between Eve (Sandra Oh) and Villanelle (Jodie Comer).
This time, Eve is on a revenge mission, and Villanelle finds a new community in an attempt to prove that she is not a "monster". Caroline (Fiona Shaw), meanwhile, is still obsessed with pursuing The Twelve and the man who ordered the death of her son, Kenny.
Ahead of the new season, which BBC America promises to head toward "a messy, nuanced and utterly spectacular series finale", EW gets Oh and Comer to answer our burning questions about the evolution of their characters' relationships. Mila, on to keep an eye on new faces, and where is it all going.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: In the trailer, Caroline asks Eve what game she's playing. So let me ask you both the same thing. What games are you guys playing this season?
Jodie Comer: I almost feel like I'm not playing a game this season.
SANDRA OH: You know, it's interesting. This is actually the least amount of gameplay. The game is in some ways the outer, broad [hunt] twelve, which remains the game. The actual game between us becomes less important, but the relationship becomes more real.
Comer: And honest. I think it's the most honest we see of them together.
In Season 3, we were told that Kenny died, but it certainly felt like that wasn't the whole truth. Will we get more answers on his death this season?
OH: It's the driving force of Caroline's story this season. It takes him all over the world in his quest to, let's just say, solve or find Kenny's killer - but it delves into something very profound about his moral fiber.
What about Eve's husband Nico, who last season told Eve to "pee forever"—is it fair to say we're done with that story?
Oh yes. Time has passed, and Nico's story is wrapped up like we're separated. Then you also see, in some ways, a new person in Eve's life, Joseph [played by Robert Gilbert].
You mentioned Yusuf. Are there more new faces we should be keeping an eye on?
Oh: Oh, Helen [high-ranking member of The Twelve, played by Camille Coutin, who was cast as a series regular for Season 4].
Comer: Oh, yes. Always keep an eye on it.
Oh yes. Helen, she is a dangerous woman.
Comer: Sure. There is a new killer who is extremely dangerous in a very different way. There are really few people, and I feel that within this world, no one can really be trusted.
One of the most entertaining parts of the show in the past is the way Villanelle kills off in a creative way. Will we see a return to form for them in this regard? Any creative deaths you can tease?
Comer: Yes. Can't say [who] clearly, but there's definitely a moment in this season where I was like, "Oh, she's back." I longed for the artistry for which she really flourished. She used to be very careful and considerate. And then, you know, Villanelle is kind of settled, but there are definitely moments to enjoy within the season, in that sense. She uses her own initiative, and this one in particular, I was really impressed with.
One of the overarching themes of this show is questioning the extent to which people can change who they are. How does that manifest for Eve and Villanelle in particular this season?
Comer: When we open Season 4, Villanelle has found a church and is on this quest to be good. I think [she does this] to prove to other people that she is capable, and to herself as well. I think she finds it hard to believe that this is one thing she can't do, but actually copes with. And it develops throughout the season. I think what's so different about these characters is where you look at Eve, you see she's changed and evolved in a way that's so true, and you see the consequences of that. While Villanelle is acting from her place of inspiration, it's all wrong. it is not true. So, she can't really succeed in it, because I think Eve has such a clear sense of identity and Villanelle doesn't, the way she's lived her life. And I think she's really trying to deal with it this season.
Oh: I think the change for Eve is very physical at first. You look at her, she looks different; he is trained; He has all these different skills. In that overall question can you change your temper, I think Villanelle has changed Eve's nature, and that Eve didn't want to change at first. But inevitably, as they kept slogging against each other, I think Eve has really changed. And as for Villanelle, I think later, you can see something subtle that happens, because they're different characters, so it's not necessarily 50/50 or even.
Now that you're at the end, do you feel like you're happy with the way it sums things up? Do you think you told the story you wanted to tell?
Oh: That's a tricky question, because it doesn't really matter, I guess, what we think. [Laughs] We really want the audience to enjoy it.
Comer: Keep going. Yeah, I guess everyone will have their own opinion because everyone is so invested in it, and you can't argue. I think when I look at the work that we did, shooting it, I feel incredibly proud of what everyone did, and how everyone came together to do it.
Oh: I think the satisfaction is in making it, and then actually we've created this -- we've created this dynamic between these two characters, and we've created these two characters that haven't been seen before. I think it has been extremely satisfying.