‘Women in Blue’ Apple TV+ Series Review - Bold Women, Dark Streets

"Women in Blue" (or "Las Azules") on Apple TV+ takes a bold dive into the gritty streets of 1970s Mexico City with a story that's as compelling as it is thrilling. The series is inspired by true events and centers on Mexico’s first female police force, a group initially formed as a publicity stunt to distract from a serial killer terrorizing the city. Yet, these women turn the tables, embarking on a covert mission to solve the murders themselves.

The show kicks off with María, played with fierce determination by Bárbara Mori, whose obsession with catching the killer is both captivating and slightly unnerving. Joining her are Gabina (Amorita Rasgado), whose police lineage adds layers of expectation and pressure; Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana), a genius fingerprint analyst with a knack for detail; and Valentina (Natalia Téllez), the rebellious spirit of the group. Each character brings a unique flavor to the team, and their chemistry is one of the show’s strongest points.

What works well in "Women in Blue" is its raw, unapologetic portrayal of the era’s societal norms. The 1970s setting is meticulously recreated, from the fashion to the cars, immersing viewers in a world where these women face blatant sexism and institutional corruption. The narrative drives home the struggle of carving out respect in a male-dominated field, and the stakes feel palpably high as the body count rises and the pressure mounts.

The pacing is generally well-handled, with moments of high tension balanced by quieter, character-driven scenes that allow the audience to connect with the protagonists. Fernando Rovzar’s direction keeps the suspense taut, and the cinematography beautifully captures the mood of the time, adding a noir-like aesthetic that complements the show’s dark themes.

However, the series isn't without its flaws. At times, the plot can feel overly ambitious, juggling numerous subplots that occasionally detract from the main narrative. Some episodes suffer from pacing issues, with the story dragging in places before ramping up abruptly. Additionally, while the main characters are well-developed, some of the supporting cast feel underutilized, and their arcs are not fully explored, which leaves certain storylines feeling incomplete.

The show also delves deeply into the personal lives of its main characters, and while this adds depth, it sometimes veers into melodrama. The balance between the crime-solving elements and the personal struggles of the characters could be more evenly struck, as the latter occasionally overshadows the former.

Despite these hiccups, "Women in Blue" remains a refreshing entry into the crime drama genre, particularly for its strong female leads and its exploration of themes that resonate with contemporary issues of gender and justice. The performances, especially from Mori and Sariñana, are compelling and anchor the series, making it a worthwhile watch.

In conclusion, "Women in Blue" succeeds more often than it stumbles, offering a gripping story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a series that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities its characters face, and in doing so, it delivers a narrative that's both engaging and relevant. If you're a fan of crime dramas with a historical twist and strong, complex female characters, this series is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times
Note: All 10 episodes are screened for this review.
Premiere Date: July 31, 2024, on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes followed by a new episode every Wednesday.