“We discovered that safety and security are commodities you can sell in return for excitement but you can never buy them back.”
Two days have passed since the series finale of Apple Tree Yard and I still haven't quite got over it. I think this is a type of story that will stay with you for a long time. I intended to write a review comparing the TV show and the book but I haven't managed to get my hands on it as I've been bedridden due to a very bad flu. Maybe in the future ;)
Apple Tree Yard is a four-part, racy, psychological thriller that has been aired on BBC1 (catch it on BBC iPlayer while you still can!). It tells the story of a scientist who gets caught up in an affair with a complete stranger. Love is a dangerous game, but can Dr Yvonne Carmicheal and Mark Costley play it right? The TV series is adapted from a novel of the same name, written by Louise Doughty.
When I first started watching it I though it was a bit ridiculous, who in their right mind would have sex with a stranger in a crypt?! However, as the story progressed and we got to know the main characters, I couldn't help but get a little obsessed! I'm not going to include any spoilers but I'll just say that I did not expect the twist that happened that lead to the trial. In my opinion, the court room scenes were a bit prolonged and that took the spark away from the first few episodes.
The character of Dr Yvonne Carmichael is probably the last person you'd think would have an affair but I think that's what makes the story more interesting. I would've loved it if the series was longer and we got to learn a bit more about her relationship with her children. At first I wasn't a fan of the character of her husband, Gary, but during the trial my perspective of him changed. I admired him for standing by his wife. My favourite scene was for sure the one in which he 'described' what happens in our brain when we're fighting for survival. By far my favourite, Mark Costley is a complex but intriguing character, you can't help but want to get to know him more (no wonder Yvonne fell for him). All the actors are great in this series and they really suit their characters.
Even though I think this is a fantastic TV series, I wasn't satisfied with the ending. Considering everything that has happened in the first three episodes, the last one was a bit underwhelming. What makes me happy however, is that there is potential for another series! I've read that Louise Doughty is penning a sequel so even though it will probably take some time, another series could happen one day! I honestly recommend you watch this TV series, you won't be disappointed!
Have you seen or read Apple Tree Yard?
Sylvia
xo
