Recent Apple TV+ period dramas are facing a challenge of “Whose story is this?” issue, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in history but struggling to address the problem effectively.

For instance, “Masters of the Air” marginalized the Tuskegee Airmen in a single episode of the series about the 100th Bomb Group. “Lessons in Chemistry” attempted to include a civil rights subplot not present in the source material, with Aja Naomi King earning an Emmy nomination, but it felt forced. “The Big Cigar” failed to decide whether it focused on Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party or white Hollywood producers, resulting in a lackluster portrayal of both narratives.

The new Apple TV+ limited series “Lady in the Lake,” adapted by Alma Har’el from Laura Lippman’s novel, delves into the complexities of personal narrative and self-actualization. The series follows a woman who unwittingly overlooks the stories of those around her while trying to reclaim her own narrative.

Set in 1966 Baltimore, Natalie Portman stars as Maddie Schwartz, a Jewish housewife who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after moving to a different part of the city. Maddie’s pursuit of a missing girl’s case leads to a career in journalism and entangles her in a murder investigation, challenging societal norms and personal beliefs.

“Lady in the Lake” explores themes of race, religion, and gender against the backdrop of 1960s Maryland, shedding light on the struggles faced by characters like Maddie and Cleo Johnson. The series blurs the lines between memory and reality, incorporating dreamlike sequences and a diverse soundtrack to enhance the storytelling.

While “Lady in the Lake” tackles important issues with audacity and creativity, it occasionally loses focus on the central narrative. Portman’s portrayal of Maddie adds depth to the character, highlighting her internal conflicts and struggles with identity.

Despite some inconsistencies, “Lady in the Lake” offers a thought-provoking exploration of personal and societal challenges, making it a compelling watch for viewers interested in complex storytelling and character development.

/Digital Sauce

Recent Apple TV+ period dramas have a "Whose story is this?" problem
Masters of the Air turned the Tuskegee Airmen into a one-episode footnote, not serving either narrative well
Lessons in Chemistry created a civil rights-adjacent supporting arc that fared slightly better
The Big Cigar failed to decide whether it wanted to focus on Huey P. Newton or Hollywood producers
Lady in the Lake is a new series on Apple TV+ adapted from a novel by Laura Lippman
The series explores the pitfalls of self-actualization and the consequences of ignoring other people’s narratives
The story follows a woman named Maddie Schwartz in 1966 Baltimore
Maddie becomes fixated on solving the case of a missing girl and gets involved in journalism
The series delves into the complexities of being Black and Jewish in 1960s Maryland
Lady in the Lake is ambitious and infused with dream logic, but loses track of the main story
Natalie Portman plays Maddie Schwartz and brings nuance to the character’s struggles and uncertainties
The ensemble cast delivers mostly naturalistic performances
The series is audacious but struggles to bring all its elements together cohesively.