Ponies Review: Peacock’s Irresistible & Thrilling Spy Show Takes Us On A Wild Ride

by

Peacock’s Ponies is a clever and fun twist on the typical spy story, featuring everyday women as the heroes. We’re used to seeing glamorous, high-tech espionage in movies like James Bond and Mission Impossible, but Ponies offers something completely different. It’s a refreshing change of pace and easily one of the most enjoyable shows I’ve watched recently.

This story, set in the 1970s, centers on Bea and Twila, the wives of CIA agents working in the Soviet Union. When their husbands, Tom and Chris, are killed in a plane crash, Bea and Twila become determined to uncover what really happened. They offer to work for the CIA as spies, and surprisingly, the agency accepts – believing the Soviets would never suspect them.

Ponies is a truly unique spy show, and that’s a great thing! It feels completely original, with smart writing and a fantastic soundtrack packed with 70s hits. There’s a lot to enjoy in this Peacock original.

Emilia Clarke & Hayley Lu Richardson Play Likeable, Flawed Women Who Become Spies

At its core, the spy show Ponies is really a story about the friendship between Bea and Twila. The series wouldn’t succeed if viewers didn’t connect with both characters, and their strong chemistry is essential. Thankfully, Emilia Clarke and Hayley Lu Richardson brought these characters to life perfectly.

I was immediately drawn into the dynamic between these two characters. Emilia Clarke plays Bea, who’s incredibly intelligent and sensitive, but also really hesitant about the rough-and-tumble world of espionage. It’s interesting because she grew up speaking Russian, being the child of Russian immigrants. Then there’s Twila, played by Hayley Lu Richardson – she’s totally fearless and knows how to navigate life on the streets, but she desperately wants people to like her, and she doesn’t speak a word of Russian. Honestly, I connected with Twila right away, and Bea quickly grew on me too.

Clarke and Richardson are so convincing in their roles that it’s easy to forget they’re even acting. They also share a fantastic connection, making their scenes together particularly enjoyable.

Peacock’s Ponies Blends Together Genres Perfectly

From what I’ve seen, Ponies looks like it’s going to be a really fun buddy comedy! It centers around two women who are total opposites, but they’re forced to team up as spies. That definitely holds true – Emilia Clarke’s character, Bea, is the more serious one, while Hayley Lu Richardson’s Twila is all energy and humor. The writing is sharp and witty, and the situations they get into are just wild – like when they have to sneak into a men’s bathhouse to retrieve a camera! It’s shaping up to be a hilarious ride.

Beyond the charming characters, Ponies offers a gripping mystery centered around Twila and Bea, full of unexpected twists. The spy missions create a thrilling and suspenseful atmosphere, and Andrei Vasiliev is a genuinely frightening villain. I was constantly on edge whenever he and Bea were together, fearing for her safety.

The Peacock series also includes sweet romantic storylines for Bea and Twila that enhance the overall narrative. The connection between them and their love interests – we won’t reveal who to avoid spoilers – makes you genuinely want them to succeed.

Ponies’ Technical Aspects Are Its Greatest Strength

While the story of Ponies is enjoyable, the show’s technical aspects are truly remarkable. The costumes, hairstyles, makeup, and set design instantly transport viewers to the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The show’s colors perfectly capture the feel of that era, and the props and technology used feel authentic to the time.

The director used different camera techniques to enhance the storytelling. Close-up, steady shots were used for personal scenes, creating a sense of intimacy. Action and spy sequences, however, employed shaky camera work and wider angles to make the viewer feel like an active observer of the unfolding events.

The film’s visuals are often playful, with subtle zooms and interesting camera angles. The whole creative team clearly put a lot of care and attention into every aspect of the production.

Ponies Season 1 Will Leave Viewers Begging For More

My main issue with Ponies was the rhythm of the storytelling. The first half felt inconsistent – it would switch between slow, thoughtful moments and fast-paced, dramatic scenes without a smooth flow. Despite this, it’s a minor flaw when considering everything the show does well.

The latter half of Ponies really picks up the pace, delivering a fast-moving story full of unexpected twists. It kept me guessing about who was trustworthy, and some of the reveals were genuinely shocking. The book also leaves you with a lot of lingering questions and unsolved mysteries.

The first season ends in a way that clearly sets up a second one, and Peacock would be making a mistake not to renew Ponies. They’ve crafted a spy show that’s both original and completely captivating.

Read More

2026-01-14 22:12