Eve: Review: Series 1 Episode 6: Things That Go Beep in the Night

A Halloween party would seem a perfect time for Eve to get to know about human behaviour…

There’s a very important moment in Eve’s development towards the end of the episode that isn’t massively flagged or given disproportionate attention by the characters: for the first time, Eve sheds tears. It opens up all sorts of questions about exactly what she is – after all, tear ducts aren’t something you’d necessarily put into your marvel of scientific engineering – but more to the point, it shows that she is developing emotions, as she processes Zac’s behaviour. Will and Nick note it, but almost dismiss it – perhaps not the wisest of moves.

Writer Joe Williams provides a fun episode, counterpointing Eve’s behaviour at the party and her flirtation with Zac, with the increasingly desperate attempts by Nick to put Katherine off the scent. His final recourse opens up some very interesting possibilities (and a possible conflict of interest) as I think Katherine is protesting a bit too much about the kiss… Rhona Croker’s performance is more controlled in this episode, which increases her threat level considerably.

I’m not sure yet what to make of Billy Ashworth’s Zac: he seems very young to be “Alpha 1” and he got that fancy dress on incredibly quickly if he was sent into the party when Alpha Team arrived… I did wonder if it was misdirection, and it wasn’t actually him that Katherine was talking to, but it definitely is.

It’s not just Eve and Katherine’s emotions that get played with in this episode: there’s a touching moment with Will and Lily (and a very nice reaction shot from Eubha Akilade), and Abe getting rather too many scares for his liking.

Verdict: Strong performances across the board help sell this pivotal episode. 8/10

Paul Simpson

Click here to read our new interview with Eve star Poppy Lee Friar

and our interview with co-creator Emma Reeves