Indian Summers is a British Drama, which aired on Channel 4 in Britain. In the United States, the series is airing on PBS Masterpiece. The series has already been renewed for a second series. The series begins with Alice Whelan (Jemima West) on a train traveling Simla. Alice gets to know another family, who is escorted by Leena Prasad (Amber Rose Revah). Abruptly, the train is halted and a young boy’s body is found on the tracks. Dougie Raworth (Craig Parkinson) leaves his wife, Sarah Raworth (Fiona Glascott) and child behind to attend to the boy.

We’re also introduced to Ian McLeod (Alexander Cobb), who is traveling to the air to learn about his future inheritance, a tea business. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have much luck. He discovers his uncle passed out and is unable to wake him, so he hits the town to party. At this time, we also see an older gentleman jump off the train and put a gun into his sack.

Aafrin Dalal (Nikesh Patel) works for Ralph Whelan (Henry Lloyd-Hughes). Although Ralph and his men misunderstand Aafrin, the go getter is always listening to their conversations and picks up quite a bit of information. A painting is defaced and this sets off a manhunt for the perpetrator, who turns out to be Aafrin’s sister, Sooni Dalal (Aysha Kala). We see the elder gentleman, who appears to be an assassin making his way towards the town.

Fortunately, Sooni manages to allude capture and another man goes down for the crime. Her father, Darius Dalal (Roshan Seth) is relieved, as is her mother, Roshana Dalal (Lillete Dubey). Alice makes it to her brother Ralph, while Cynthia Coffin (Julie Walters) prepares for an upcoming ball. At this time, Alice is introduced to the sick architect, Eugene Mathers (Edward Hogg, Jonthan Strange & Mr Norrell), as well as his sister, Madeleine Mathers (Olivia Grant).

At this time, Dougie and Leena Prasad take the little boy to a missionary. Since he doesn’t have a name, Leena offers up Adam (Shachin Sailesh Kumar) and it is settled. Leena and Doug nearly share a kiss, before she slaps him and he heads home. We’re also introduced to Aafrin’s forbidden lover.

Madeleine and Alice agree to go to Cynthia’s ball together. Meanwhile, at work, Aafrin is caught making drawings of Ralph, before he attempts to seal a business deal. Ralph encourages him to find the paperwork and bring it to him at the ball. The entire group amasses at the ball, where Cynthia gives a big speech. Ralph is eventually coaxed into a room with Madeleine Mathers and locked inside.

While Aafrin hunts furiously for the paperwork, the party continues and Ralph and Madeleine have a fling. After it is finished, Ralph rushes to Cynthia and blames her for setting him up. Of course, she insists she is helping him and ensures Madeleine could propel him to the spot of Viceroy. Meanwhile, Aafrin finds the paperwork and discovers that Ralph had it on his desk all along. He rushes towards the ball.

 

Ralph is notified that he has someone calling for him outside. Alice decides to follow along. Outside, the pair encounter Aafrin, who has brought the paperwork. As Ralph begins to sign, the assassin steps out from behind the shadows and fires a single shot, which hits Aafrin. Ralph gives chase, while Alice attends to Aafrin. Ralph manages to capture the assassin, while Aafrin is transported to the hospital.

 

The attack is called in as a terrorist attack and the episode ends with the assassin sitting in a prison cell refusing to spend.

 

Indian Summers Review

There are many things to like about Indian Summers. The time period and setting are great! I am not familiar with anything quite like the show’s scenery. The acting is also wonderful. Nikesh Patel’s Aafrin and Jemima West’s Alice are likely the most interesting at this point, but I am sure they’ll all develop with time.

 

The episode was a tiny bit slow. It made up for in the end and really started to pull things together. I really hope the pace picks up a bit, as the series continues on. The premiere deserves  7 out of 10. Be sure to check out our other Indian Summer TV series recaps now!