Apple Tree Yard

I was just looking for something to kill some time. This was much more engrossing than I expected. Well acted with enough twists to keep it interesting. Have a whole new appreciation for Emily Watson. She is good.

I really enjoyed this. It tugged on my heart strings at times. It had some good twists and turns. Didn't go too long with only four episodes. There was some really good acting, and nothing was far-fetched. Recommend if you're in the mood for a good drama/thriller.

Scientist Yvonne falls for a mystery man whilst answering questions at a Commons Select committee, the stranger would have a big impact on Yvonne's life.

It's starts off very well, and gets better and better, the fourth episode is brilliant, the best of the four.

It's an interesting story, that goes in the most unusual and unexpected directions, you are taken on Yvonne's rollercoaster ride. You will be curious about Yvonne until the last.

The acting is the show's primary strength, Bonnar and Chaplin are brilliant, however Emily Watson deserved awards for her portrayal of Yvonne, she is one of the best, and this highlights how awesome she is.

I would highly recommend this drama. 8/10.

I wish one could respond to specific reviews here. Some (many) are so judgmental you'd think we were watching news reports. Yes, sometimes people are illogical and naive. Yes, sometimes people (men AND women) aren't as intelligent as they should be ... People. Soon as someone (a male) talks about intelligent women or naive women ... I just shake my head and generally try to ignore it.

But the criticisms I'm seeing are about some mythical perfect story about perfect people and apparently the reviewers know it all! I find it a good story, keeps me interested. Yes, I'm sorry people make bad choices and get themselves into very sticky, stupid situations. But again ... human. And if the human race didn't act irrationally and out of form and all the rest .. wow, lots of boring shows to watch and we'd all know the end from the beginning (as some reviewers claim they did). I'm really tired of these know-it-all reviews that are so condescending and rude. Gosh, if I enjoy it or like it or can empathize, surely something must be wrong with me. It's drama. It's not the news. We can let people make unwise choices. We can find comfort in our humanity.

Apple Tree Yard is an engrossing drama that unfolds in unexpected ways, keeping viewers captivated until the very end. The story follows Yvonne, a scientist who becomes entangled with a mysterious stranger while testifying before a Commons Select Committee. What begins as an intriguing encounter spirals into a gripping and emotionally charged journey that takes shocking turns.

The show starts strong and only improves, with the fourth episode standing out as the most compelling. The narrative is deliberately paced, drawing viewers in with its slow-burn tension rather than relying on constant action. Those expecting a high-octane thriller in the vein of Line of Duty may be disappointed, but for those who appreciate thought-provoking drama, this series is a triumph.

The standout element of the show is its exceptional performances. Mark Bonnar and Ben Chaplin deliver excellent work, but it is Emily Watson who truly shines. Her portrayal of Yvonne is raw, deeply nuanced, and utterly captivating. Watson's ability to convey complex emotions with subtlety makes her performance one of the most powerful in recent television. Her presence alone elevates the series, making it an unforgettable viewing experience.

The courtroom scenes are particularly well-executed, adding to the intensity of the story. While there are a few minor inconsistencies in the plot, they do little to diminish the overall impact of the show. The unpredictable twists and deeply human storytelling ensure that viewers remain engaged from start to finish.

Some critics have dismissed certain character choices as unrealistic, but that perspective fails to acknowledge the complexity of human nature. People often make flawed decisions, and this drama embraces those imperfections, making the story feel authentic and relatable. It's a reminder that drama does not need to depict perfect people in perfect situations to be compelling.

Apple Tree Yard is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged series that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. With its strong narrative, stunning performances, and a lead actress at the peak of her craft, this drama is well worth watching.