Anna Maxwell Martin, Rachel Stirling, Sophie Rundle and Julie Graham in “The Bletchley Circle”. (Photo: Courtesy of ©Laurence Cendrowicz/World Productions)
The Bletchley Circle
In case you were looking for a more female-friendly period drama take on the British murder mystery – well, I have a show for you. The Bletchley Circle follows a group of four women who were once codebreakers together at Bletchley Park during World War II. Unfortunately once the war is over, they’re sort of left with nothing to do now all the men have come home. So when ringleader Susan learns of a series of murders that have been taking place in London, she and her former coworkers decide to band together once again. Only this time they’re trying to decipher a killer’s dangerous patterns rather than crack the Enigma code. (They may also be hiding their activities under the guise of a pretend book club, to keep their husbands in the dark.)
Anchored by a tremendously good performance by Anna Maxwell Martin, The Bletchley Circle is both fascinating and fun. It is also so, so feminist. But it’s also sad, in that heartbreaking way that happens when you see incredible women who are brilliant – but whose talents are ignored by society at large.
The show’s second season sees the women team up once more to try and exonerate a former colleague who is charged with murder. Unfortunately not as good as its first, but there are certainly worst ways you could spend a weekend afternoon.
Number of Seasons: 2
Where to Watch: Netflix