58 minSeason 1 • Episode 4
LatestThe murder trial continues, with Costley's lawyer Bonnard basing her defence on evidence that Costley suffers from a personality disorder which would have impeded his ability to react normally during an altercation with Selway. The prosecution attack this claim. When Yvonne finally takes to the stand, she sticks firmly to her story and confidently holds her own.
What starts out as a simple, reckless mid-life affair between a genetic scientist named Yvonne and a Westminster paper pusher takes an intriguing turn when she realizes he’s a spook – then suddenly gets very dark indeed. A provocative study of obsession, longing and just how far down a criminal path desire can take you.
Acting
Emily Watson's unraveling is surgical and devastating
Direction
The shift from erotic to existential dread is seamless
Writing
Dialogue that weaponizes British politeness
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The novel's author Louise Doughty deliberately structured the affair around Westminster's actual security corridors, making Yvonne's blindness to Mark's job almost geographically impossible—her willing suspension of disbelief becomes the point.
The Apple Tree Yard of the title is a real corner of Westminster where spies have historically been recruited; the show uses it as both setting and metaphor for hidden institutional violence beneath polite surfaces.
GB
