The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco

This show is vastly different from it's parent show, and that is by no means a bad thing. Focusing on issues still relevant today without seeming preachy or like the "episode of the week", Bletchley Circle: San Francisco manages to introduce characters and story lines that encourage viewers to contemplate their own stance on various issues. Episodes are entertaining and thought provoking, and the characters are nuanced and well-developed. The character development is realistic, and I would say more believable and enjoyable than its predecessor. I am very happy that it was renewed for a second season!

This is an excellent period piece bravely tackling the subject matter of sexism and racism in the storyline of a crime drama featuring strong female characters. The side plot of the challenges the women face being taken seriously during those times adds an extra layer of complexity to the plot line. They use their skills as code breakers that brought them together during the war to find clues about the murderer. Many serial killers have patterns and rituals so this is not a stretch. There are a couple of reviews that talk about "pushing agendas" and being overly "PC", but I couldn't disagree more; sounds like mansplaining to me.. I've seen the first 4 episodes and I'm waiting for episode 5. I believe there are supposed to be 8 episodes in Season 1, altogether.

I say, 'give it time to develop'. I thought the sense of period was excellent, with only a couple of 21st century clichés creeping in, but to be honest, the script writers are probably far too young to realise that 'their language' is not what was used over half a century ago. We have to suspend disbelief a little when we watch any TV fiction and this isn't that far off in its portrayal of the 1950's.

I thought the standard of acting was extraordinarily high and feel that this has the potential to develop as well as, say, Endeavour as a series as the cast gradually beds in . . . and who's to say that old cast members won't reappear as the episodes unfold? Sometimes, slow burners turn into the fiercest blazes.

Not a bad show with some interesting characters and good use of San Francisco. My problem is that we are told that the show is set in 1952. There is talk of someone being shipped off to Vietnam, possible but America did not start shipping troops there until the mid 60's. In one scene people are listening to music that sounds like it comes from the late 60's in an era before rock and roll. They also talk about converting a mono record player to a stereo player six years before stereo records were on general release. Then a character mentions the British invasion, if he is talking about music, he is over a decade ahead of his time. These anomalies take me out of the story. It is somewhat lazy writing, research is easy, it is basically what the show is about.

The characters are quite good and this series has potential. I hope they will grow in the next season and that there is a next season more importantly. We are BritBox devotees and this one could well be a keeper.