The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco

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.

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.

Loved the original series and was disappointed when it was canceled after 2 Seasons. Now the code crackers who served covertly in England come to San Francisco to solve the murder of a co-worker who died during the war. The women are dismissed by the all male police departments. Little do they know these are women with brilliant minds who won't rest till they find the killer.

If I'm going to write a review I have to include a warning that if you're wanting to watch The Bletchley Circle Series 3, this isn't it.Tonally it's just different, which to me seems appropriate given the change of setting. It's also functionally different given the skills this new group of ladies brings to the table. The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco is a spin-off series that brings us a quite different post-war perspective. I thought the first couple episodes were middling. They were very conscious of the history but I'm not sure how successful they were in communicating it. It's not that it's inaccurate, it's just that they're trying to shove a lot of background/world-building into a very small space due to time constraints. That meant there were conversations/interactions that came off more stilted than the (apparent) intent. The series might have remained an okay 2.5 star watch, but about halfway through they started to really hit their stride. It's like the writers finally relaxed into it a little. The dynamics between the American and British women started to gel as well. I try to give every series I start at least four episodes to convince me, and in this instance I'm glad I do because otherwise I might have stopped watching after the first. I read that there are more episodes set to air next year. Fingers crossed they maintain their momentum. If they do it's going to be fun.

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!