Helen Webb is the protagonist of Netflix’s Black Doves. The spy thriller series, which premiered on December 5, 2024, has been earning praise for its gripping storyline and various twists and turns.
At the center of the narrative is Helen Webb, played by Keira Knightley, a spy who works for the Black Doves organization, and passes on her defense minister husband’s secrets to them. When her lover dies, Helen’s identity is at risk of being exposed, and her old friend and assassin Sam Young arrives to help her.
Though the story largely revolves around Helen, a significant aspect of her character remains shrouded in mystery. In episode 2, the series finally delves into her backstory, revealing how she took up the name Daisy Bradshaw before joining the spy group.
Helen Webb's backstory is explored in Black Doves episode 2
In the Black Doves episode A Little Black Dove, Helen Webb’s past is revealed when she goes for an interview for a translator job. To her surprise, the interviewer knows a little too much about her history.
Helen introduces herself as Daisy Bradshaw; however, this name also seems to be an alias. It is disclosed that Daisy comes from a troubled home as her mother was possibly killed by her stepfather.
The show hints that Helen might have killed her stepfather, but the blame falls on her stepsister, Bonnie Weir. Bonnie is sent to prison for life, while Helen escapes from the country and does not return for 10 years.
She then travels the world and does small jobs while learning languages like Russian, German, and French. When she finally returns to London 10 years later, Helen applies for a job as a translator at Weston Montgomery.
The interviewer, Andy, observes Helen’s cleverness and survival skills and recommends her to Mrs. Reed, the head of Black Doves. Mrs. Reed offers her a new life, and Helen begins her double role as a Black Dove agent and the wife of politician Wallace Webb.
Helen's dark family history in Black Doves
Helen's dark past continues to haunt her in Black Doves. Her mother and her stepfather’s death still remain a mystery. The series suggests that Helen and Bonnie may have worked together to kill him as revenge for their mother’s death.
It is also possible that Helen framed Bonnie for the murder so she could escape, or that Bonnie took the blame to protect Helen. Though the show does not directly show her stepfather’s actions, it is hinted that he was abusive and responsible for her mother’s death.
How does Daisy Bradshaw get married to Wallace Webb in Black Doves?
Following her father’s death, Helen gets an acceptance letter from Cambridge University; however, she chooses to reject the offer and leave her life behind. She flees the country and keeps a low profile for 10 years, working in bars and managing to avoid drawing any attention.
When she finally returns and comes across Mrs. Reed through Andy, her life changes once again. Mrs. Reed sees potential in her due to her sharp instincts, a love of danger, and a knack for lying. She gives Daisy Bradshaw a new name, Helen Dawson, and turns her from a fugitive into a spy.
She is then tasked with luring Wallace Webb, her future husband. Helen meets Wallace while pretending to be a smart and funny political expert. Her mission was to trick him into trusting her. She eventually succeeds in growing close to the politician, and the two get married.
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As seen in the show, Helen remains focused on her work as a spy and keeps trading her husband’s secret files with the spy group. Her mission goes about right until her secret lover is murdered, and her real identity is at risk of being exposed.
All episodes of Black Doves are streaming on Netflix.
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