APPLE TREE YARD: Not bad for a bite-size-drama

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APPLE TREE YARD: Not bad for a bite-size-drama

February 07, 2017 - 20:23
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I have to admit; when I settled down to watch the first episode of the BBC's new drama, "Apple Tree Yard', I was kind of expecting a story similar to that of Noel Coward's "Brief Encounter."

Apple Tree Yard

By Andy Simon @AndySimon55

I have to admit; when I settled down to watch the first episode of the BBC's new drama, "Apple Tree Yard', I was kind of expecting a story similar to that of Noel Coward's "Brief Encounter."

In the first minute of episode one the leading lady, a Mrs Yvonne Carmichael, a fifty something professor is trundling along in the back of a prison van, reminiscing on the circumstances that put her in there, and it's here that I realised that any Noel Coward influence I was expecting to find, would not be found here.

Yvonne Carmichael (played by Emily Watson) a seemingly happy-ish middle aged woman living a life some would find, "very comfy," after blinding a government select committee at the Houses of Parliament, with her science, meets this tall, dark stranger (Ben Chaplin) in what appears to be the parliament lobby.

Within minutes it seems; they're having their naughty way with each other in a room deep within the bowels of the parliament building that's frankly, no bigger than my broom cupboard.

And this randy encounter, leads them to even more "sexually motivated" liaisons in public places where you wouldn't even dare to drop a cigarette let alone, have a bonk against the wall.

Most notably; a little alleyway named, Apple Tree Yard.
Hence the dramas title.

As episode one continues, it becomes quite apparent very quickly in fact, that these two seemingly successful people simply cannot keep their hands off each other, and continue to consume their lust in Apple Tree Yard, and in other places as often as they can.

Alfresco sex; in the extreme.

As with all episode one's, there follows the "Getting To Know You" bits where we get the take on the other characters and the role they play around Yvonne's rather seedy new life. And it's again; all to evident despite the middle class opulence (nice house, nice car, great job etc) that life is not as wonderful, as it appears.

Yvonne's husband for example; Gary, played by Marc Bonnar, has not exactly been an honest husband himself, having confessed to one or two liaisons with a young work colleague.

Sex it seems is rampant; be it all with the wrong people.

To cut a bite-sized-story short, the episode ends with the rather brutal rape of Yvonne, by work colleague George Selway (Steven Elder) in his office after a party.

Have to admit, I wasn't expecting to see that.

Rape scenes; however necessary or vital for a drama, are for me, never a nice thing to watch. Thankfully; the series director (Jessica Hobbs) chose to give the viewer (if you'll pardon the expression) flashes of the disgusting deed, instead of giving us the full monty of this horrid, vile, and despicable act of violence, in one go.

But any rape scene; no matter how sensitively or carefully directed, does not in any way stop my stomach from twisting up inside.

Rape is horrible, violent and appalling, and no attempt despite the care taken to portray it on the screen, ever removes the sheer awfulness of this dreadful, brutal and disgusting violation, that any human being can bring upon, another Human being.

Episode Two; rather appropriately focused on the emotional aftermath and fallout of such a terrible and traumatic ordeal.

Watching Yvonne; recalling the nightmare to her mysterious (and as yet; still unidentified) lover, you begin to understand why so many women never report a rape crime, given the fact that in some cases, they themselves are more often than not perceived as the instigator rather than the unwilling and innocent victim.

As the second episode plays out, you witness Yvonne's clearly understandable emotions go from immense sorrow to extreme fear, then to anger, and then finally, to revenge.

The latter three; stimulated by the stalking and intimidating behaviour of that once trusted colleague, now a menacing yet seemingly respectable man, the rapist monster, George Selway.

That's the thing about monsters, they all look like you and me. And most of the time, you simply never see them coming.

Plans for revenge are hatched between Yvonne and her lover as they lie in bed discussing Selway. A recipe for disaster really.

As the legendary Confucius would say, 'Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.'

This could possibly explain during the final scene in episode two as to why Yvonne is seen handcuffed, and standing in the dock?

Things didn't go according to plan? It would appear that way when the opening moments of episode three played out. Episode three; frustratingly opened the door of clarity more widely.

At least we finally got to know her lover's name.
Mark Liam Costley.

Anyway; Yvonne soon gets arrested in a posh restaurant of all places and in front of her entire family. I do hope she chipped in with her bit of the bill before she left.

The place looked rather pricey.

Awful to imagine how it would feel if it was me, waiting for the trial that could find me guilty of murder.

The mere thought of it just turns my stomach.

Thankfully I'm just a middle aged fart who unlike Yvonne is extremely happy with his lot in life, living with the one who makes me even happier, with absolutely no desire or intention of changing the extremely enjoyable paradise I'm currently living in..

Besides; even if I were by some banal miracle to find someone else, Dearly Beloved, being the thoughtful caring and considerate person she is, would most likely send the poor woman a sympathy note?

Once she had stopped laughing.

Episode four focused finally on the nitty-gritty courtroom where we find out Mark Costley is a bit of a fantasist, a man who simply cannot differentiate between fantasy and reality.

A rather handy thing for Yvonne; considering the twist at the end.

I have never had the experience of being in a courtroom, and if the tension I felt coming from my screen was anything to go by, then I'm rather relieved I wasn't really there and I sincerely hope I never experience a real courtroom, for real.

The upshot is; Yvonne was found not guilty on both counts.

Costley however; although cleared of murder was found guilty of manslaughter. But the best bit and the most clever twist in this gripping bite-size-drama, was in the epilogue, a tiny little snippet of information fantasist Costley, failed to reveal to his lawyers.

During a visit to prison to see Costley, he discloses to Yvonne that he said nothing to his briefs about what she had said to him regarding George Selway, as they lay in bed together. "I want you to kill him.' Yvonne said. "I want you to smash his f***ing face in."

Imagine if that got out! Do I detect a sequel?

I quite like these bite-size-dramas as I call them. They're short, reasonably well written and they're ok to watch. And for me, Apple Tree Yard was a thrilling, gripping and clever one.

So the idea of production companies plotting to put together even more non-lengthy, "bite-size" dramas such as Apple Tree Yard, is a welcome one. Bring on the next one please.

But remember; over-milking a good idea can quickly get tiresome & boring.

So be warned; you drama makers.

Thanks for reading.

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There is 1 Comment

Wonderhorse's picture

Enjoyed this if found it rather slow at times. Excellent cast and acting. Story also good and it was just about the correct length.