WPC 56

WPC 56 is a captivating British period drama series that aired on the BBC from 2013 until 2015, which the viewers can now enjoy on BritBox. The series follows the journey of a pioneer female police officer negotiating her way in male-dominated West Midlands Constabulary during the 1950s. The title of the series is an acronym for Woman Police Constable 56, setting the stage for an engaging narrative which combines drama, crime, mystery, and historical context with a slight dash of romance.

The central character of the series is Gina Dawson, portrayed by Jennie Jacques, in the first two seasons, a woman with a drive for justice that leads her to join the police force in the fictional town of Brinford. As WPC 56, Dawson is tested on numerous fronts, but she emerges as a strong-willed, resilient character, undeterred in her mission to ensure justice and equal rights, regardless of her own personal struggles. Her character paves the way for Annabelle Collins, played by Claudia Jessie, who continues the work of breaking barriers and fighting crime as a woman police constable in the final season.

"WPC 56" is set in the backdrop of a beautifully recreated period of the 1950s, tempting the viewers with its nostalgic, retro charm. The show has a distinctive aesthetic with its attention to detail for period-specific clothing, transportation, and other elements of the era. By intertwining historical and societal context, including the traditional roles of women and the difficulties and prejudice faced by a woman in a predominantly male profession, the series fosters a deep understanding and appreciation of the changes that have occurred over the decades.

Beyond offering a captivating story and relatable characters, the series also does an excellent job in dealing with serious criminal cases, which often spans several episodes and allows for depth and complexity in the narrative. The crimes portrayed range from murder mystery to theft, blackmail, and everything in between. Through these investigations, the viewers can watch the procedural methods of policing during the period, and the evolution of law enforcement over time.

The strength of WPC 56’s character, however, is not confined to serving justice alone. The series also presents her emotional journey and personal life, her relationships, and her struggles and triumphs in a conservative society. Best of all, the show does not shy away from highlighting the difficult realities of the era, such as sexism, racism, and discrimination, which adds a certain raw and realistic edge to the plot.

The series is further enhanced by an able supporting cast that adds diversity and varied perspectives to the storyline. They take the viewers through varying human emotions, situations, and societal norms, making the narrative more layered and engrossing. Relationships, friendships, conflicts between fellow officers serve to enrich the storyline, as does the hints of intrigue, secret liaisons and everything in between.

From the technical aspects, be it the entrancing overhead shots or the subdued yet stunning color palette, every component adds interesting layers to the narrative of WPC 56 rendering a vintage charm. The occasional usage of period-specific music underscore and accentuate the series' balancing act between its potent social commentary and high-caliber period drama.

"WPC 56" is a blend of crime, drama, history, and a woman's journey to find her place in a predominantly male workspace, providing the viewers with an understanding of a bygone era and the struggles women had to face during the period. It captures the spirit of the 1950s and the gradual evolution of society during the period with a captivating storyline, engaging characters, and a well-executed period background. Engaging and gripping, "WPC 56" offers a lushly-recreated 1950s milieu with a compelling dramatic resonance. Whether you're a fan of period dramas, crime mysteries, or stories of groundbreaking women, WPC 56 offers something for everyone.