This was a sparkling, well thought out, murder mystery. It dealt with the part of World War II that we seldom get to see on the screen. These four women had developed their minds to nearly super-human levels, only to let them rust in the decades following the war. This drama is set in that curious after-time. It's a time when hands that had once killed and maimed had to be placed in a domestic setting. Both the protagonists and villain were all products of that curious time. They captured the sense of mid- 50's London exquisitely. The piece was well cast, well filmed and well acted. I hope that we get to see more of the amazing women of Beltchley!
39 Reviews
Smoother than a vanilla milkshake....
tmdrm422 May 2014
I adore shows with woman as main characters, they are so rare, and this one is thoroughly involving, before you know it-it is over, you are so completely wrapped up in the story, acting; this thriller that you cant believe you drank it all in so sweetly. Each of the woman has her own life story, each of them come with their own brilliant gift, and all care without being sentimental. They are so "you and me" that you feel you could go out to tea with them if you saw them in your life. They are focused, dedicated to the mission and like the marines-leave no woman behind. The more seasons pass-the more developed the characters and possibilities are. Just when I am excited to have found a new friend- ITV makes a gender biased call-women aren't a powerful enough audience-so why bother? 9/10
A solid new murder mystery
Tweekums21 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This three part murder mystery begins during the Second World War when we are introduced to our protagonists; Susan, Millie, Jean and Lucy; four women who work at Bletchley Park analysing intelligence data to try to figure out the German's plans. The action then jumps forward a few years to the early fifties when Susan thinks she has spotted a pattern in a series of murders that have recently been reported. She informs the police of her theory but when they check up on it they find nothing. Rather than giving up she turns to her wartime friends hoping they will see the mistake she made. Their analysis of the evidence leads them to the body of another victim and soon they have an idea about how the killer is finding his victims. As they form theories some are proved wrong others initially lead the wrong way but eventually they learn who the killer is; the problem is by then he is aware that they are after him!
This is a solid mystery with a plethora of false leads, suspects who turn out to be innocent and as is often the case a police force who isn't convinced by the evidence presented by the protagonists. The four main characters are interesting and varied despite their similar wartime background. Anna Maxwell Martin does a great job as chief protagonist Susan and is ably supported by Rachael Stirling, Julie Graham and Sophie Rundle as Millie, Jean and Lucy respectively. The series doesn't concentrate on the mystery to the exclusion of all else; we see enough of their family lives to see how attitudes towards women were different back then; there are also subtle reminders to the period such as a newspaper sign mentioning rationing. Viewers hoping to solve the crime before our amateur sleuths may be a little disappointed that we don't see the killer for some time and when we do attention is drawn to him in a way that makes it fairly obvious that he is the killer I don't think that spoils the story though; there is still plenty of tension as the story approaches its conclusion. On the strength of this story I'd be pleased if more instalments were commissioned so the four women can investigate further cases.
This is a solid mystery with a plethora of false leads, suspects who turn out to be innocent and as is often the case a police force who isn't convinced by the evidence presented by the protagonists. The four main characters are interesting and varied despite their similar wartime background. Anna Maxwell Martin does a great job as chief protagonist Susan and is ably supported by Rachael Stirling, Julie Graham and Sophie Rundle as Millie, Jean and Lucy respectively. The series doesn't concentrate on the mystery to the exclusion of all else; we see enough of their family lives to see how attitudes towards women were different back then; there are also subtle reminders to the period such as a newspaper sign mentioning rationing. Viewers hoping to solve the crime before our amateur sleuths may be a little disappointed that we don't see the killer for some time and when we do attention is drawn to him in a way that makes it fairly obvious that he is the killer I don't think that spoils the story though; there is still plenty of tension as the story approaches its conclusion. On the strength of this story I'd be pleased if more instalments were commissioned so the four women can investigate further cases.
Stunning post war feminist thriller
ceri-edwards221 September 2012
A group of women who worked at Bletchley during the war return to their undervalued prewar existences until one of them happens upon a line of enquiry regarding a spate of murders of young women. She finds old colleagues from the Bletchley years and they form the eponymous circle to crack the code of the killings. Not believed and told to back down by all men in their lives and the authorities they fight alone to attempt to solve some pretty gruesome murders.
The writing is excellent and the portrayals by. Each of the four women leads is rounded, true and touching in their different ways. The only thing I would change is the over egged references to the murder being solved as a code: it was as if the writers felt it was a bit of a stretch and so had to 'explain' it all the time and thus made this one aspect a little clumsy and difficult to sustain suspension of disbelief.
A good look at the roles and struggles of women of the period but based on the murder mystery pace and style it is not preachy but accessible and exciting.
There have been plenty of hinted at back story lines and there is lots of room for growth and new story lines in a second series - she says with fingers crossed and a begging nod to The makers/funders
The writing is excellent and the portrayals by. Each of the four women leads is rounded, true and touching in their different ways. The only thing I would change is the over egged references to the murder being solved as a code: it was as if the writers felt it was a bit of a stretch and so had to 'explain' it all the time and thus made this one aspect a little clumsy and difficult to sustain suspension of disbelief.
A good look at the roles and struggles of women of the period but based on the murder mystery pace and style it is not preachy but accessible and exciting.
There have been plenty of hinted at back story lines and there is lots of room for growth and new story lines in a second series - she says with fingers crossed and a begging nod to The makers/funders
a thriller set in post-war England
blanche-218 January 2014
"The Bletchley Circle" from 2012 is about women who worked on cracking German military codes during the World War II. They are described as "Alan's girls," meaning Alan Turing, whose tragic life will be the subject of a film starring Benedict Cumberbatch later this year. After the war, though they were all very smart, they settled in everyday life that sometimes was less than satisfying.
When young women start disappearing and wind up dead in 1952, one of the code-breakers, Susan (Anna Maxwell Martin) becomes interested in the case, sees a pattern emerging, and asks her husband to use a connection to get her in to see the Deputy Commissioner. Unfortunately, her idea -- the location of the currently missing girl's body -- is incorrect.
Discouraged, Susan is sure that she and her old code-breaker friends can find the killer using their code-breaking skills. She gets the old group together: Jean (Julie Graham), Millie (Rachel Stirling), and Lucy (Sophie Rundle) who are resistant at first, then agree. It means using information supplied by other code-breakers. It also means putting themselves in danger.
I thought this was a suspenseful, intriguing, and interesting story, with the '50s atmosphere, clothing, and hairstyles intact, with strong acting from the actresses. Because it's a feminist story, meant to show that post-World War II, England didn't need its women any longer, the men in it are annoyed, angry, suspicious, and in one case, violent. I would say the Deputy Commissioner, despite finding Susan a bit of a nuisance, does follow up on what she says, knowing the job she had during the war and her intelligence; and Susan's husband, though not particularly happy, knows she's a good woman and in the end, has patience with her long hours away from the house.
My only question is, where is season 2? Can't wait.
When young women start disappearing and wind up dead in 1952, one of the code-breakers, Susan (Anna Maxwell Martin) becomes interested in the case, sees a pattern emerging, and asks her husband to use a connection to get her in to see the Deputy Commissioner. Unfortunately, her idea -- the location of the currently missing girl's body -- is incorrect.
Discouraged, Susan is sure that she and her old code-breaker friends can find the killer using their code-breaking skills. She gets the old group together: Jean (Julie Graham), Millie (Rachel Stirling), and Lucy (Sophie Rundle) who are resistant at first, then agree. It means using information supplied by other code-breakers. It also means putting themselves in danger.
I thought this was a suspenseful, intriguing, and interesting story, with the '50s atmosphere, clothing, and hairstyles intact, with strong acting from the actresses. Because it's a feminist story, meant to show that post-World War II, England didn't need its women any longer, the men in it are annoyed, angry, suspicious, and in one case, violent. I would say the Deputy Commissioner, despite finding Susan a bit of a nuisance, does follow up on what she says, knowing the job she had during the war and her intelligence; and Susan's husband, though not particularly happy, knows she's a good woman and in the end, has patience with her long hours away from the house.
My only question is, where is season 2? Can't wait.
Excellent show
lynne-h-jordan5 March 2014
Great period drama....quite extraordinary how these women went from code breakers in WWII saving thousands of lives to the hum-drum of home life after the war. I can only imagine how difficult the transition must have been. Anna Maxwell Martin, who plays Susan, does such a great job. I had no idea how fantastic she was--very believable and her passion is deeply portrayed here. This show is enigmatic---quite refreshing. Great actors and very interesting..I couldn't stop watching--I found this by accident and was truly impressed with the production quality. If you like this...watch "Call the Midwives"--another great British show.
Brilliant post-war thriller
robertemerald9 June 2019
The British really do period drama well. Often they choose strangely identifiable characters, which are played by highly competent actors. This show was much better than I expected. I really wondered how they were going to tie in code-breakers to a post-war world, and assumed it would be something to do with Russia. What a pleasant surprise to find these extraordinary women on the hunt for a serial killer. The science behind their quest was also extraordinary, and believe me, never suffers from the antiquated or mundane in terms of mind boggling genius in terms of their analytics. It's all very original indeed. The background is authentic 1950s and worth a look just for that. The social commentary was brilliant, though some may find it a little too extracurricular to the suspense of the main plot. The villain is good and evil, and I would have liked to have seen more of that, which is where my extra point disappeared. It would have given the story an extra kick to the suspense, which it needed, because a lot of the suspense was how husbands and other chaps would react to such aggressive role-breaking. It's a tiny criticism. This is truly a wonderful show. If you love excellent period piece BBC crime drama, then you are in for a treat when you discover The Bletchley Circle.
Well crafted period piece
MonsieurMS7 July 2018
Yawn, a period piece and a serial killer. Yet, this enchanting miniseries takes that simple concept, freshens it up and makes it all special. The acting is great, the pacing and the writing are excellent, and the plot (where these things most often fail) works, too. There is also a touch of social commentary, which is well taken and happily more obvious from circumstances than preachy speeches. This clever program is one of the best things of its type that I have seen in a long, long while. Don't miss it.
Melodramatic with poor research
greg823 March 2014
An enjoyable series which started brilliantly but has lost marks from me owing to its descent into melodrama and the use of clichéd villains.
The writers have also fallen into a common trap for UK series (e.g. "Poirot") of believing that smuggling was/is a police matter. It was not and is not. In the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s it would have been investigated by Customs & Excise, not the police. Now (2014) it would come under the remit of the Border Force and/or the NCA (depending on the scale of the crime).
Otherwise it is watchable but not in the same class as UK series such as "Sherlock", "Death in Paradise" and "Jonathan Creek".
The writers have also fallen into a common trap for UK series (e.g. "Poirot") of believing that smuggling was/is a police matter. It was not and is not. In the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s it would have been investigated by Customs & Excise, not the police. Now (2014) it would come under the remit of the Border Force and/or the NCA (depending on the scale of the crime).
Otherwise it is watchable but not in the same class as UK series such as "Sherlock", "Death in Paradise" and "Jonathan Creek".
Fresh new show!
billie_marshall18 February 2014
Can't wait for second series, stayed up to was all 3episodes last night! A lot of complexity between the 2nd class status of women in that period and their ability to rise above with their ability and intelligence. And yet still women were not considered able or intelligent!
Loved the capture of the clothes and fashion from that period it is like stepping back in time! Sure glad I don't have to though, those men would make want to bop them on the head!
The characters are a lovely blend of the range of developing females during that time where they are confident and assured and yet still intimidated and daunted by the role men had them pigeon holed in.
Loved the capture of the clothes and fashion from that period it is like stepping back in time! Sure glad I don't have to though, those men would make want to bop them on the head!
The characters are a lovely blend of the range of developing females during that time where they are confident and assured and yet still intimidated and daunted by the role men had them pigeon holed in.
Ok the settings and the acting
manugw7 June 2019
Gifted women who worked for British Intelligence during WWII cracking encryptions and codes later took to use their experience to catch criminals
Excelent time reenactment of the 40-50 decades. Good acting and original plot. The stories get solved a little bit fast though, needs more intrigue and the adding of cunning twist and turns to excel as a crime series
Astonishing premise, launch .... then a nosedive into CrazyTown
A_Different_Drummer2 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I am trying to make a habit of not doing reviews for productions that I found weak, as the end product just seems to annoy fans, and often on the IMDb, fans are much more vocal than the window-shoppers and tire kickers. But I will make an exception here. The first episode hooked me like a flounder. It was brilliant and it was original and it was flawlessly executed. The idea that, during WW2, a group of ordinary women (some of whom may or may not have special abilities -- that's a wee spoiler) could be so instrumental, so pivotal, in the war effort, and yet so ignored afterwards. Wonderful notion. Followed by the idea that at least one member of this former squad, in the modern era, would eschew her life as an ordinary housewife to help the police catch a ripper -- and, in the process, re-unite her former team...? Brilliant. So brilliant that, as they say in America, the show was theirs to lose. Because only internal sabotage, only dropping the proverbial ball, would derail such a strong opening. And by George that's just what the writers did. Somewhere mid-story, the writers went barking mad. It is almost as though Guy Burt and his team didn't realize the bird they already had in hand, and went for the two in the bush. Suddenly the viewer is watching a UK version of Charlie's Angels. Suddenly the ladies are in the field actually playing cat and mouse with a serial killer. And suddenly this reviewer lost that key "connection" with the series, suddenly the action seemed forced, and the magic was plain flat gone.
Outstanding and somehow realistic crime show
Inteshari23 November 2018
This show is great. The acting, the setting, the dialogues, the realistic problems women faced and still do face - everything is so brilliant. I am growing more and more interested in British crime shows and have completely forsaken American TV.
If you like a typical American style crime shows like How To Get Away With Murder with lots of pretty people having affairs and crying over and over for being 'misunderstood' on God's green earth, then The Bletchley Circle is not for you.
It is a gripping and unbelievably realistic and down to earth show. The pace is good, the character development is excellent, the show is not needlessly critical of our history, it only criticizes the chauvinism when it is necessary, which makes it all the more realistic and haunting. There is no overcompensation of homosexuality either, like I said earlier, there is no overdose of sex of any kind.
It is a plain, brilliant crime show, nothing else.
If you like a typical American style crime shows like How To Get Away With Murder with lots of pretty people having affairs and crying over and over for being 'misunderstood' on God's green earth, then The Bletchley Circle is not for you.
It is a gripping and unbelievably realistic and down to earth show. The pace is good, the character development is excellent, the show is not needlessly critical of our history, it only criticizes the chauvinism when it is necessary, which makes it all the more realistic and haunting. There is no overcompensation of homosexuality either, like I said earlier, there is no overdose of sex of any kind.
It is a plain, brilliant crime show, nothing else.
Exceptional in every way
mpless25 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Many things come together to make a show good, and more are needed to make it great. But to elevate a show to near-perfection requires far more than just great scripts, direction, settings, and acting, all of which TBC possesses in abundance. It needs attention to the smallest details, some of which are painfully, and obviously absent from many shows across the Atlantic.
Obvious details like selecting actors who actually look like offspring of a parent are often ignored in many US shows. The period sets look realistic enough to make me nostalgic for the land of my birth. Careful watching of shows like Mad Men, sees props that have had a hard life when they're supposed to be new, harming the overall effect of an historical setting.
On the topic of Mad Men, the gentleness of the sexism in TBC is a welcome subtlety, unlike the former show, where it is not just blatant, but at times brutal.
Also absent (thankfully) is the mix of races that - along with sexual orientation - is increasingly common (if not mandatory) in many US shows. So too is the boyfriend/lover that provides little or no value to a script. There are four central characters, each with their own lives, and in some cases, husbands, but the males are of only superficial value to the scripts and have accordingly minor roles, only providing opportunities for the leads to develop their roles.
The actors also bring to life the characters with superb conviction and credibility; the pace is just right, and so too is the idea of them taking a bus to get to a location. Not many had cars, early post-war.
When expressed, emotions are conveyed with realism, and in sufficient quantity to move the viewer. At no stage have I felt like I was watching actors, it was more like being given a glimpse into the lives of real people. Again, this is something only the best of teams can achieve.
This is a wonderful show and might well be a treatise on how to create entertainment that is endearing and bound to be enduring. Writers, directors, producers, and actors should all take note.
Obvious details like selecting actors who actually look like offspring of a parent are often ignored in many US shows. The period sets look realistic enough to make me nostalgic for the land of my birth. Careful watching of shows like Mad Men, sees props that have had a hard life when they're supposed to be new, harming the overall effect of an historical setting.
On the topic of Mad Men, the gentleness of the sexism in TBC is a welcome subtlety, unlike the former show, where it is not just blatant, but at times brutal.
Also absent (thankfully) is the mix of races that - along with sexual orientation - is increasingly common (if not mandatory) in many US shows. So too is the boyfriend/lover that provides little or no value to a script. There are four central characters, each with their own lives, and in some cases, husbands, but the males are of only superficial value to the scripts and have accordingly minor roles, only providing opportunities for the leads to develop their roles.
The actors also bring to life the characters with superb conviction and credibility; the pace is just right, and so too is the idea of them taking a bus to get to a location. Not many had cars, early post-war.
When expressed, emotions are conveyed with realism, and in sufficient quantity to move the viewer. At no stage have I felt like I was watching actors, it was more like being given a glimpse into the lives of real people. Again, this is something only the best of teams can achieve.
This is a wonderful show and might well be a treatise on how to create entertainment that is endearing and bound to be enduring. Writers, directors, producers, and actors should all take note.
not quite there
mymeister9 October 2023
Unfortunately I didn't like this as much as I should have. I love puzzles. I love mysteries. I love period pieces especially WW2. I think it was the missing puzzles that was the disappointment. Others have said something similar. The puzzles were solved too quickly and I couldn't follow along. The puzzles were the hook for this show and not just window dressing so I think that was a real miscalculation on the writers and show runners.
Just a note to those who go on and how this is too feminist and why are all the men characters jerks or idiots. Two things: (1) This is a show that stars women. The men are secondary and only show up to play off of our main characters. The men weren't all idiots. Both the husband of Susan and the cop boyfriend were fine. The army leader was fine once he realized that they had a real case. And where the males were idiots is when they were underestimating the women and not showing respect. And they ended up with egg on their face. Well that is accurate. Women took on jobs during the war that they had been told they weren't up to, physically or mentally. And women proved that premise wrong. And then when the men came back all of a sudden women were treated as inferior again. And that treatment was what you see. Of course the men behaving like that look like idiots. Welcome to the real world.
(2) 95% of tv and movies under-represent women. Women are always playing the minor characters if they are even in a production. And those minor characters are often around mens' wants and needs: sex, a housekeeper, a mother for their children. And you have normalized that and think anything that shows women displaying their full lives is anti-men. You aren't even getting a taste of your own medicine fully with this piece as there are plenty of male characters. This production isn't anti-men. You are just upset that it isn't anti-women: putting women in a narrow set of roles if they are seen at all.
Just a note to those who go on and how this is too feminist and why are all the men characters jerks or idiots. Two things: (1) This is a show that stars women. The men are secondary and only show up to play off of our main characters. The men weren't all idiots. Both the husband of Susan and the cop boyfriend were fine. The army leader was fine once he realized that they had a real case. And where the males were idiots is when they were underestimating the women and not showing respect. And they ended up with egg on their face. Well that is accurate. Women took on jobs during the war that they had been told they weren't up to, physically or mentally. And women proved that premise wrong. And then when the men came back all of a sudden women were treated as inferior again. And that treatment was what you see. Of course the men behaving like that look like idiots. Welcome to the real world.
(2) 95% of tv and movies under-represent women. Women are always playing the minor characters if they are even in a production. And those minor characters are often around mens' wants and needs: sex, a housekeeper, a mother for their children. And you have normalized that and think anything that shows women displaying their full lives is anti-men. You aren't even getting a taste of your own medicine fully with this piece as there are plenty of male characters. This production isn't anti-men. You are just upset that it isn't anti-women: putting women in a narrow set of roles if they are seen at all.
Truly recommendable!
hz29615 September 2019
I like everything about this short series: the cast, the characters, the sets, the plots... everything.
Anyone who loves a good murder mystery will enjoy this series and the fabulous women with "detective skills". LOL (Set in WW2 and post-war England)
I'd recommend this series any time, that's why I gave it many stars.
Anyone who loves a good murder mystery will enjoy this series and the fabulous women with "detective skills". LOL (Set in WW2 and post-war England)
I'd recommend this series any time, that's why I gave it many stars.
Started great, ended ok.
micahburnett28 April 2018
interesting characters and fine crime mysteries
SnoopyStyle18 June 2021
During WWII, many women were vital to break the German codes at Bletchley Park. It's seven years after the war. Susan finds herself as a simple housewife and mother of two. Her days of life-and-death work is over. She starts noticing suspicious patterns with murders in the newspapers. Her husband humors her by going to the police but it's hard to be taken seriously. She recruits her fellow Bletchley workers. Millie is the outgoing one. Lucy is the youngest one with an abusive husband. Jean was their supervisor and now works as a librarian.
This is a fine British crime TV mysteries. The superior aspect is the cast and the characters. Bletchley Park is a great backstory. Susan a great character and her issues are compelling. The show could have overdosed with sexism but it is able to find a certain balance. Most of the men are dismissive but they aren't actually hostile. Timothy is a good example. He really loves Susan but he doesn't really know her history or the true extend of her skills. It's a great touch that he is constantly searching for hard puzzles for her. It's both loving but infantilizing. My constant issue is that the ladies are sometimes a little too cavalier with potential dangers. Susan's fears in the second season are well founded. I'm not sure why she gets written out for the last two episodes. All in all, I love the characters and the mysteries are fine.
This is a fine British crime TV mysteries. The superior aspect is the cast and the characters. Bletchley Park is a great backstory. Susan a great character and her issues are compelling. The show could have overdosed with sexism but it is able to find a certain balance. Most of the men are dismissive but they aren't actually hostile. Timothy is a good example. He really loves Susan but he doesn't really know her history or the true extend of her skills. It's a great touch that he is constantly searching for hard puzzles for her. It's both loving but infantilizing. My constant issue is that the ladies are sometimes a little too cavalier with potential dangers. Susan's fears in the second season are well founded. I'm not sure why she gets written out for the last two episodes. All in all, I love the characters and the mysteries are fine.
Perfect Pitch
conono10 April 2014
Atmospheric, detailed and fairly gripping drama. I should add that I've only seen the first season so far. I enjoy the look of the show, the historical settings, and the impressive production values.
The leads also impress with their acting chops and the 1950s milieu is richly evoked for the most part, with only occasional anachronisms.
Meanwhile: Horrible, awful males everywhere--each one worse than the one before--and our four modest superwomen must contend with them! I won't belabour the plot details (ably done by others here) but part of the 'perfect pitch' is the "Grrl-power" theme which is masterfully suited to our times and very much on-target when it comes to the pursuit of ratings. Well done!
The leads also impress with their acting chops and the 1950s milieu is richly evoked for the most part, with only occasional anachronisms.
Meanwhile: Horrible, awful males everywhere--each one worse than the one before--and our four modest superwomen must contend with them! I won't belabour the plot details (ably done by others here) but part of the 'perfect pitch' is the "Grrl-power" theme which is masterfully suited to our times and very much on-target when it comes to the pursuit of ratings. Well done!
Gripping
pgooden14 August 2018
Gripping series- female characters are diverse in personalities and their non judgemental interactions are refreshing to see . I do have a problem with the accents and can only get about 25 % of what is said , as they do have heavy accents . I realize this is a British production, I just wish I cold understand more.
I gave this a 9 only because I miss so much of the dialogue.
I Absolutely Love This Show!
bethandonovan2 January 2022
I absolutely love this show... I'm a fan of crime/ detective shows especially one's that whilst focusing on solving the case and catching the killer pay attention to the characters their lives and relationships (but it is not done in an overly dramatic way which is brilliant)!
I'm a huge fan of period dramas and they really capture the era well!
Sadly, I wasn't 100% into the show after a character leaves, but I found both later episodes of this season and the spinoff (San Francisco) are still remarkably enjoyable although the character is still missed.
A feminist show highlighting how the war left women, especially smart and capable women "high and dry" and after being allowed to excel and use their intelligence they're told to go back to normal life and not discuss their pasts. Therefore, the show begins with Susan an everyday housewife bored and lonely using her brains to follow new articles on a recent murderer.
I'm a huge fan of period dramas and they really capture the era well!
Sadly, I wasn't 100% into the show after a character leaves, but I found both later episodes of this season and the spinoff (San Francisco) are still remarkably enjoyable although the character is still missed.
A feminist show highlighting how the war left women, especially smart and capable women "high and dry" and after being allowed to excel and use their intelligence they're told to go back to normal life and not discuss their pasts. Therefore, the show begins with Susan an everyday housewife bored and lonely using her brains to follow new articles on a recent murderer.
Wonderful drama series
martinpersson978 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is definitely one of the better series I have seen, which is of course no faint praise, given the vast number of films and series I have watched from all eras, all countries.
This is a very authentic, well acted and expertly paced affair - wonderful acting for sure, as one would expect, and very career defining. All of this is accompined by a stellar script for the ages, that captures the indended tone gracefully and splendidly, and it is indeed very emotional, well paced, acted and ever interesting and suspenseful in its own ways.
The cinematography, cutting and editing is stellar, very feature worthty and overall very beautifully put together indeed.
Definitely a recommended series, that I would highly recommend for any lover of film! I have yet to see the second series of this, but the first season, working fine as a standalone, is definitely magnificent.
This is a very authentic, well acted and expertly paced affair - wonderful acting for sure, as one would expect, and very career defining. All of this is accompined by a stellar script for the ages, that captures the indended tone gracefully and splendidly, and it is indeed very emotional, well paced, acted and ever interesting and suspenseful in its own ways.
The cinematography, cutting and editing is stellar, very feature worthty and overall very beautifully put together indeed.
Definitely a recommended series, that I would highly recommend for any lover of film! I have yet to see the second series of this, but the first season, working fine as a standalone, is definitely magnificent.
Just because you are paranoid does not mean they are not out to get you.
Bernie444421 February 2024
Four women, Susan (Anna Maxwell Martin) Jean (Julie Graham), Millie (Rachel Stirling), and Lucy (Sophie Rundle), who previously worked at Bletchley, nine years later, pool their unique talents and resources to solve enigmas and save lives.
This is a period piece, mid 50s London, so they have the clothing and hairstyles of the time. They have to maintain the dialog of the time.
This sis a formula detective series with all the standard who-dun-it's and clues. What makes this series unique is that instead of the inspector and his sidekick, we have the for women civilians using their unique code-breaking skills picked up from working in Bletchley Park during the war, to do the same thing.
Even knowing it is only two seasons it is worth the purchase.
A revival attempt is made with The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco (2018).
This is a period piece, mid 50s London, so they have the clothing and hairstyles of the time. They have to maintain the dialog of the time.
This sis a formula detective series with all the standard who-dun-it's and clues. What makes this series unique is that instead of the inspector and his sidekick, we have the for women civilians using their unique code-breaking skills picked up from working in Bletchley Park during the war, to do the same thing.
Even knowing it is only two seasons it is worth the purchase.
A revival attempt is made with The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco (2018).
Poorly researched (Series 2, Eps 1&2)
Kiaran-ryan115 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Although much of the visual period detail is authentic, the background has been very poorly researched and the viewer is treated as a simpleton.
Specifically: it is implied that a 17-year-old would be liable to be hanged-in 1953??!!!! Also, there is reference to trial of a civilian by a secret military court. Civilians would only have been tried by military court had martial law been declared. What I presume the writer meant was trial in camera: a very different procedure, the verdict of which would have been public. There are other similar flaws.
Also, the protagonists often reach conclusions without it being clear to the viewer how they have done so, and there are gaps in the logic of the plot.
Another sorry example of how mainstream British drama has been dumbed down.
Specifically: it is implied that a 17-year-old would be liable to be hanged-in 1953??!!!! Also, there is reference to trial of a civilian by a secret military court. Civilians would only have been tried by military court had martial law been declared. What I presume the writer meant was trial in camera: a very different procedure, the verdict of which would have been public. There are other similar flaws.
Also, the protagonists often reach conclusions without it being clear to the viewer how they have done so, and there are gaps in the logic of the plot.
Another sorry example of how mainstream British drama has been dumbed down.
First two seasons are excellent
luciakristina16 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed the first two seasons even though they funny bear too much reflection after viewing - a cleverly made ode to feminism where almost all women are smart, intuitive and good and almost all man are bad. That nonsense aside, the series badly deteriorated in season sure to bring dumbed down to please an American audience. Akin to finding a needle in a huge haystack, the women, together with their US counterparts they miraculously track down and immediately convince to join them, follow their intuition and a couple of course and outsmart the police to find the - obvious to anyone from episode two onward - serial killer. Even the red herring suspect is blindingly obvious.
Disappointing.
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