Masterpiece Season 26 Episode 12 Breaking the Code

Alan Turing, a gifted mathematician and codebreaker in World War II, is the focus of this episode of Masterpiece's 26th season. Breaking the Code delves into Turing's life and legacy, exploring his pivotal role in cracking Germany's Enigma code and his tragic end as a persecuted gay man in the mid-20th century.

The episode opens with Turing's arrest in 1952, as he faces charges of homosexuality in a country where it was illegal. From there, the narrative weaves in and out of Turing's past, offering glimpses into his brilliant mind and his struggle to connect with others. Through interviews with historians, Turing's colleagues, and actors who have portrayed him on stage and screen, the episode constructs a fascinating portrait of a man ahead of his time.

One of the key themes of Breaking the Code is Turing's groundbreaking work in cryptography and computer science. Viewers are treated to an overview of how the Enigma machine worked and how Turing and his team at Bletchley Park broke the code, a feat that is widely believed to have shortened the war by two years. Interviews with experts provide context and detail, while scenes from The Imitation Game (a 2014 biopic about Turing) offer a dramatic reenactment of the codebreaking process.

But Breaking the Code is not content to simply recount Turing's achievements. The episode delves into the complex and often tragic circumstances of his life, from his struggle to fit in at school to his difficulty forming relationships as an adult. Archival footage of Turing's mother and brother, as well as interviews with friends and colleagues, offer insight into his personal life. Meanwhile, actors such as Derek Jacobi and Benedict Cumberbatch speak to the challenges of portraying such a complex and enigmatic figure on stage and screen.

Perhaps most striking, however, is the episode's exploration of the brutal persecution that Turing faced due to his homosexuality. His arrest, trial, and ultimate suicide in 1954 make for difficult viewing, but they are necessary in order to fully understand Turing's impact on 20th-century science and culture. Through interviews with LGBTQ historians and activists, as well as contemporary accounts of the laws and attitudes that criminalized homosexuality in postwar Britain, Breaking the Code shines a light on the injustice done to this brilliant and tortured man.

Overall, Breaking the Code is a masterful exploration of one of the most influential and tragic figures of the 20th century. Turing's legacy as a codebreaker and computer pioneer is well-known, but this episode of Masterpiece digs deeper, revealing a complex and flawed individual whose brilliance and humanity are both on full display. Whether or not you are familiar with Turing's life and work, Breaking the Code is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of science, history, and personal identity.