The Bletchley Circle: A Diamond in the Rough

Season Two of the Bletchley Circle premieres on April 21 on PBS and I can't wait to see it. The initial series aired in the UK in September 2012 and won critical acclaim. I want to sound the alarm, so that everyone who might be interested can catch up by viewing Season One before the April 21 presentation.



Bletchley Park

When I saw the publicity clips advertising The Bletchley Circle, the name held little meaning for me. Contrary to my lack of familiarity, I'm sure the viewers in England were well familiar with Bletchley Park. During the Second World War, Bletchley Park (BP) was the site of the UK's main decryption establishment, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS). It was here that ciphers and codes of several Axis countries were decrypted, particularly those of the German Enigma and Lorenz machines. Many members of the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) worked at BP. The high level intelligence produced at BP is said to have shortened the war by two to four years and it is believed that the outcome of the war would have been uncertain without it.

What immediately caught my interest was the lives of four ordinary women who tucked away their extraordinary ability to break codes, returned to their civilian lives, and kept their intelligence work secret from all, including friends and family. After a series of grisly murders take place, the women join forces to investigate and race against the clock to catch a cold, calculating killer.

The Bletchley Circle is a dramatic celebration of a remarkable generation of British women who find a way to tap their unused potential and extraordinary skills while emphasizing the importance of their bond and friendship.

In Season One, Susan, now a housewife with two children, has collected data and tries to convince the police that another murder is imminent. Unsuccessful, she reunites with the team, including worldly street smart Millie who is conversant in 14 languages, Lucy who is equipped with a photographic memory, and Jean, former head of the Bletchley Park unit. The four women together are formidable foes.

Season Two finds former BP girl Alice Merren in prison awaiting trial for murder. Despite their reluctance to get involved, a series of events starts an investigation into a dark, hidden world of crime and ultimately propels them to work together to save their friend.

In the episodes of both season one and two, this murder-mystery series offers a strong story line, fully developed characters, and outstanding actors. The production captures post-war London and mirrors the fashion and demeanor of the 1950s English woman's lifestyle. It is a worthy addition to the Masterpiece brand.

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