No need to code-break this. Bletchley Circle set to return in 2014!
The hidden telly gem known as The Bletchley Circle will return for a second series in 2014 on ITV in the UK and PBS in the States. I say hidden ONLY because of the embarrassment of drama riches that 2013 brought to both sides of the pond that garnered most all the press such as Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Call the Midwife, Endeavour and Mr. Selfridge. Given the critical acclaim and rave reviews for the initial series, ITV has commissioned four new episodes for series 2 which will consist of 4, 1-hour, programs played out as two self-contained storylines.
Based on the lives of four extraordinary and brilliant women who worked at the top-secret HQ Bletchley Park during World War II, The Bletchley Circle stars Anna Maxwell Martin, Rachael Stirling, Sophie Rundle and Julie Graham. Set in 1953, series 2 will see the ladies reunite once again when a former Bletchley Park colleague is accused of murder.
In the first 2-part story, Hattie Morahan (Outnumbered, Sense and Sensibility) joins the cast as Alice Merren who finds herself on the wrong end of a murder investigation with the surface evidence stacked heavily against her. Unfortunately, for Alice, a distinguished scientist is discovered shot through the heart in the study of his home and Alice is found, gun in hand, standing over him.
“What on earth can be so important that you’re still keeping it a secret?”
In true ‘adhering to Open Secrets Act fashion’, Alice offers no defense and refuses to talk, but Jean (Julie Graham) methodically sets out to work examining the evidence and is intent on helping her former colleague. Being that series 2 is only just a year removed from series 1, the women of Bletchley Park are still understandably shaken by the traumatic outcome of last year’s ‘case’. Not only will it be necessary to overcome fears, but they now have burgeoning careers that could be at risk if they attempt to save Alice’s life as the days to her hanging count down. Oh, and then there’s the unknown danger that could ensue if they uncover not only Alice’s secret, but also a much darker one at the heart of the British Army.
Series one creator/writer Guy Burt will again pen the scripts for the second series, which will film at Bletchley Park and in and around London. Jamie Payne, who has brilliant directed episodes of The Hour, Dr. Who, White Queen, Ashes to Ashes and Call the Midwife, will be lead director on the first two-part story with Sarah Harding directing the second installment of series 2.
Look for series 2 of The Bletchley Circle in 2014 on ITV and PBS. This is definitely telly worth watching.
