Watch The Bletchley Circle

The Bletchley Circle is a British television show that aired on PBS from 2012 to 2014. The show focuses on a group of women who worked together during World War II at Bletchley Park, a British intelligence center where they used their extraordinary skills in codebreaking to help defeat the Nazis. After the war, however, their skills went largely unacknowledged, and they were forced to return to their normal lives.

The series begins in 1952, when one of the former codebreakers, Susan Gray (Anna Maxwell Martin), becomes convinced that a series of murders in London are linked. Despite the skepticism of the police, Susan gathers her former colleagues - Millie (Rachael Stirling), Lucy (Sophie Rundle), and Jean (Julie Graham) - to help her solve the case.

The women quickly discover that their wartime skills are just as useful in peacetime. They use their knowledge of codebreaking and deduction to piece together clues, interview witnesses, and even go undercover to gather information. As they uncover the truth behind the murders, they also begin to confront their own pasts and the toll that the war took on them.

The Bletchley Circle is a fascinating blend of history, mystery, and character drama. The period details are spot-on, from the costumes and hairstyles to the vintage cars and post-war London setting. The show also tackles some weighty themes, such as the challenges faced by women returning from the war and the trauma of wartime service.

Despite these heavy themes, however, the show is never bleak or depressing. The friendship between the four women is heartwarming and often funny, especially when they're using their codebreaking skills to solve puzzles and riddles. There's plenty of suspense and excitement as well, as the women sneak around in disguise and narrowly escape danger.

The performances are uniformly excellent, with Anna Maxwell Martin giving a standout turn as Susan. She's smart, determined, and haunted by the memories of her wartime work. Rachael Stirling, Sophie Rundle, and Julie Graham all bring their own strengths to the table, from Millie's flirtatiousness to Lucy's shyness to Jean's no-nonsense attitude. The supporting cast is equally strong, with Mark Dexter, Michael Gould, Simon Williams, and Steven Robertson all giving memorable performances.

The Bletchley Circle is a unique and compelling show that will appeal to fans of crime dramas, historical fiction, and female-led ensembles. It's a testament to the power of intelligence, teamwork, and perseverance, and a reminder that the skills we learn in one arena can be used to solve problems in other areas of life. Whether you're a history buff, a mystery lover, or just looking for a satisfying tale of female friendship, The Bletchley Circle is well worth a watch.

The Bletchley Circle is a series that ran for 2 seasons (9 episodes) between September 6, 2012 and on PBS