“Apple Yard Tree.” / “The Bletchley Circle,” 2 Seasons and “The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco,” 1 Season.

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“Apple Yard Tree” (Hulu) British psychological thriller, adapted from the 2013 novel of the same name by Louise Doughty. The series follows the story of a conflicted, moderately unhappily-married fifty-something scientist, who begins a covert yet flagrant affair with a man, whilst completely unaware of his background.


       Provocative, compelling, polarizing. But largely enlightening. That's what this disturbingly magnetic series creates. And Emily Watson's powerful performance is the perfect channel to project writer Louise Doughty's double/triple-edge razor of a message. 

       Check it out yourself. An intensely alluring weekend porch discourse subject, indeed. 🎥👍📽



“The Bletchley Circle” 2 Seasons. / “The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco.” 1 Season. Amazon Prime. British historical mystery drama series, set in 1952–53, about four women who worked as codebreakers at Bletchley Park. Dissatisfied with the officials' failure to investigate complex crimes, the women join to investigate for themselves.

       The obvious allure of this series is the magnetic chemistry between the four leads: Anna Maxwell Martin as Susan Gray, Rachael Stirling as Millie Harcourt, Sophie Rundle as Lucy, and Julie Graham as Jean McBrian. Certainly a lot better than Charlie's Angels. 



       Although the usually remarkable Ms Martin isn’t in the last two episodes of the original series, as Hattie Morahan is elevated to a regular role. In the Frisco version, Sophie Rundle left, and Crystal Balint and Chanelle Peloso are introduced as two members of the Circle. The changes in actresses had no reflection in the overall charm of the series in terms of ensemble performance. But the SF continuity tends to slide to the usual “political correctness” territory and predictable plotpoint/s. So I gave up after the 6th episode (of 9). 🎥💻📽


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