From countless spy movies and espionage thrillers, we know what a “person of interest” is: someone being monitored under suspicion of criminal activity or possessing sensitive information. But the newest Peacock Original, Ponies, created by Susanna Fogel and David Iserson, tells the story of persons of no interest: and does so remarkably well. Starring Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson, it’s not only a solid spy series, but also an elaborate story about friendship, sacrifice, loss, and lies.
Set in Moscow in the 1970s, the series follows Bea (Clarke) and Twila (Richardson), the titular “ponies,” who work anonymously as secretaries at the U.S. Embassy. After both of their husbands are mysteriously killed during an operation, the duo insists on staying in Russia undercover as CIA operatives to uncover what really happened. Each woman brings crucial assets to the mission: Bea is a Russian-speaking child of Soviet immigrants, while Twila is not only outspoken but downright fearless. Together, they work to unravel the mystery of their husbands’ murders that ties into the Cold War, CIA operations, KGB activity, and more.
From the moment Ponies begins, and Richardson appears on screen, I knew her Twila would become one of my favorite characters in Peacock’s newest lineup. This curly-haired, fierce woman with colorful clothes and printed tees is a perfect contrast to Bea’s reserved and quiet nature, portrayed by Clarke. Together, these unlikely friends complement each other’s flaws, becoming a surprisingly effective weapon for the CIA against the KGB, especially one dangerous Andrei (Artjom Gilz), who sets his sights on Bea.
Both Clarke and Richardson are the shining stars of Ponies, and their dynamic is one of the series’ highlights. It’s particularly compelling to watch Bea and Twila’s friendship strengthen from episode to episode as they take on undercover missions that repeatedly put their lives at risk. At the same time, we observe them taking on their opposite traits: Bea becomes more assertive with time as Twila opens up her more vulnerable side.
The supporting ensemble doesn’t fall far behind. Gilz is genuinely terrifying, Harriet Walter is wonderful as Bea’s grandmother, Manya, and Lili Walters is a revelation, especially in her scenes with Richardson’s Twila. Adrian Lester as Dane is worth noticing, so is Nicholas Podany, who’s also an integral presence as Sasha, who helps the CIA (and the dynamic duo) during their missions. The creatives truly hit a bull’s-eye with this entire cast of Ponies.
But it’s not just the performances and the engaging script that make Ponies a great spy series. The musical score and meticulous costume design also play a major role. The soundtrack features David Bowie, several Fleetwood Mac hits, and even “Barracuda” by Heart, amongst many more bangers. The music perfectly complements what’s happening on screen, whether it’s another cassette tape discovered by the girls or a bar being burned down thanks to Twila’s quick thinking.
The costume design is equally outstanding and fully embodies the style of 1970s Russia. Paired with eye-catching cinematography, both elements stand out and demand appreciation. Visually, Ponies employs a specific, toned-down palette dominated by gray hues and grainy filters. This not only accentuates the brutalism of Russia but also captures a distinctly Slavic atmosphere, one that feels especially familiar to me as a Pole. That’s why some of the best scenes in Ponies take place in Moscow’s street markets or the cramped interiors of cold apartments. In short, it’s the perfect setup for a gripping espionage thriller and the many dangerous ventures Bea and Twila find themselves on.
Not a single episode of Ponies lets off the gas. Quite the opposite, the show had me on pins and needles almost the entire time as I tried to figure out who works for whom, who the mole is, and who’s simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Despite the constant influx of new information, the creators make sure viewers won’t get lost. Still, this isn’t a series to half-watch with your phone in hand, as much of the spoken foreign-language dialogue is crucial to fully understanding the plot.
Although Ponies is categorized as a spy thriller, it also delivers well-placed comedy beats, largely through Twila’s character. Bea, on the other hand, grounds the series with a more dramatic tone, opening up conversations about betrayal and grief. There’s something here for everyone, which is why Ponies is absolutely worth watching.
Grade: B
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Ponies
In 1977 Moscow, two “PONIES” (“persons of no interest”) become CIA operatives and uncover a Cold War conspiracy their husbands were killed for.
