The Bletchley Circle

Set during the intriguing post-war era of 1950s London, The Bletchley Circle is a captivating historical drama and suspense thriller from PBS. Starring an ensemble cast led by Anna Maxwell Martin, Rachael Stirling, Sophie Rundle, and Julie Graham, the series meticulously blends themes of mystery, history, feminism, and friendship with an exciting narrative that keeps the audience guessing from one episode to the next.

The Bletchley Circle unearths untapped histories of women during the war, focusing on the thrilling stories of four extraordinary women who were critical codebreakers at Bletchley Park during WWII. They grappled with complex codes that ultimately helped the Allies shorten the war. Their pivotal roles in history, however, were shrouded in secrecy, their identity and contributions concealed under the government's Official Secrets Act.

When the war ends, these women return to their regular lives, their skills and services unacknowledged. Their lives surrounded by conventionality might have been forgettable, mundane even, if not for the mystery that arises and the heroism they are yet to embody.

The indomitable and assertive Susan, played by Anna Maxwell Martin, is the one who hurls this group of women together into a game of cat and mouse. When she starts connecting the dots between a string of murders that have baffled the local police, she realizes that the killer's pattern mirrors a coded message she worked on during the war. Unable to resist the allure of the enigma, she rallies her fellow Bletchley codebreakers, each bringing their unique skills and resourcefulness.

Rachael Stirling shines as the confident and suave Millie, who can speak several languages and has a knack for getting information out of people. Sophie Rundle plays the prim and proper Lucy, carrying a seemingly photographic memory beneath her sweet exterior. Julie Graham plays the resilient Jean, the group's contact at Bletchley Park, who uses her keen organizational skills and a deep understanding of human nature to support the women in their endeavors.

The supporting cast, including Mark Dexter, Michael Gould, Simon Williams, and Steven Robertson, provide additional layers to the complex texture of the series. From the women's loving but oblivious husbands, astute police officers, to skeptics, and more, they all contribute significantly to the series' evolving narrative.

Reigniting their code-breaking skills and using them to unmask a dangerous killer, these women find themselves back in the world of secrets and suspense, a world they thought they had left behind with the war. What results is a gripping journey, filled with clues, red herrings, and tension that escalates with each episode.

The Bletchley Circle beautifully captures the post-war era of London, with remarkable attention to detail reflected in the set designs, costumes, and mannerisms of the characters, thus enhancing the visual appeal. Drawing upon the true history of Bletchley Park and the integral role women played there in cracking codes, the series mixes fact with fiction to create a compelling narrative, underscoring the contribution of these overlooked WWII heroines.

Fans of crime drama and historical fiction will find themselves enamored by the enthralling plotlines, the intriguing historical background, and the rich character development. Each episode features a blend of cerebral puzzle-solving, intense drama, suspense, and a dash of dry British humor, balancing light-hearted moments with the dark underlying themes throughout the series.

Although The Bletchley Circle is primarily a murder mystery, the show subtly highlights the prevailing sexism and gender discrimination of that era. Despite the women's remarkable expertise and intellectual capabilities, they face underestimation and dismissiveness from authorities and society - a reflection of societal norms and prejudices. Yet, these women persist with valor and determination, taking matters into their own hands, underlying the theme of women's empowerment and resilience across the series.

Beyond the twists and turns of the murder mystery plotline, The Bletchley Circle serves as a testament to the strength, intelligence, and spirit of women. It is a gripping tale of friendship, courage, and determination, featuring unlikely heroines who dare to defy societal norms to seek justice. A must-watch for those who revel in drama, intrigue, and women’s history entwined with exciting mystery.