DRAMA based on historical facts. “Dope Girls.” / “Serangoon Road.”

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“Dope Girls” (Hulu) British historical drama, based on the 1993 nonfiction book “Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground” by Marek Kohn, about early 20th-century Soho's brothel mamas and drug syndicates in those years. Some of the main characters are based on real-life Kate Meyrick, Billie Carleton, and Edgar Manning.



       On the feminism or female-centric quotient, this series-anchored on Julianne Nicholson (don't mind the fake accent) and Eliza Scanlen's earnest performance--is a sure winner. Even Geraldine James’ villainous take as crime queen Isabella Salucci, during those years of manly dominance, is a victory. All the men here are weakling blokes salivating in their perceived power. 

       Production design is exemplary as well. But the scripting is predictably, unapologetically implausible although I go with the project's advocacy objective. 🎥💻📽


“Serangoon Road” (Amazon Prime) Australian-Singaporean historical detective noir drama. The series takes its name from the eponymous road in Singapore's Little India area.



       Set in 1960s Singapore and involving secret societies and expatriates. Corruption, unsolved murders, human trafficking, missing persons, drug trade, neighborhood bullies and gangsters etc etcetera. Of course, there's love stories, mild sex, and a few flirting. 

       Central characters are Don Hany as Sam Callaghan, a sort of private eye who doesn't seem to have another pair of clothes and who runs all the time. And Joan Chen as Patricia Cheng, who runs the Cheng Detective Agency after the death of her husband.

       The series is interesting enough in a sort of daytime soap opera mold, with political intrigue, but the many plot lines and back stories make it difficult to grasp a focus. I finished all ten episodes though. Probably because I love Joan Chen. 🎥💻📽


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