New on TV: October 2015

Indians Summers ★★★★
PBS

From the show's website: Set in a subtropical paradise during the twilight era of the British Empire, Indian Summers explores the collision of the ruling class English with their Indian subjects, and the intricate game of power, politics, and passion that ensues. Julie Walters (Harry Potter, Oscar® nominee for Billy Elliot and Educating Rita) stars as Cynthia Coffin, the glamorous doyenne of an English social club, and is joined by Henry Lloyd-Hughes, Jemima West, Nikesh Patel, Roshan Seth, and Lillete Dubey.

This show was a big hit in the UK when it ran this spring, prompting some critics to describe it as the new Downton Abbey. It's a solid exotic locale soap; the type of thing the Brits do better than anyone. Check it out and see what you think. Through two episodes I'm not quite addicted…but I could be soon.

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Home Fires ★★★★

PBS

From the show's website: At the heart of a rural English village on the verge of the Second World War, a diverse group of women with personal struggles, conflicting views and a shared mission forge a community that will inspire their finest hour. Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey) and Francesca Annis (Reckless, Cranford) head an ensemble cast in the moving wartime drama, Home Fires.

Here's another winner from the BBC gracing our Public TV (One of my first jobs was at a PBS station. So many of the shows were underwritten by oil companies we called it the Petroleum Broadcasting System. Gosh we were a witty bunch.) 

Anyway, this is a very good production with lots of potential. It's similar in look and feel to Call the Midwife, so fans of that program will feel right at home. Definitely give it a try.