Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in Arabic Unlock the Editor’s Digest for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.Two months ago, Claudia Sheinbaum won an election to become the first female president of Mexico. It was a landmark moment in a country “with a long history of machismo”, as the FT put it, where women have only had the right to vote since 1953. Now an aptly timed Spanish-language Apple drama recognises the generational struggle for equality with a story about the very first all-female police unit in Mexico City.A fictional tale “inspired by true events”, Las Azules (or Women in Blue) begins in 1971, just as a serial killer known by the grimly sensational sobriquet of “The Undresser” murders a fourth young woman. With the capital’s women protesting on the streets during the day and fearful of being attacked at night, the police face a public relations crisis.The solution devised by the newly appointed, media-savvy chief is to take the unprecedented step of allowing women to join the force — thus changing a narrative about the police failing victims into one about them creating heroines. Unsurprisingly, the move provokes outrage among male officers, who marginalise their new colleagues.The recruits include four women who have their own motivations for donning the badge and the blue uniform. Where Gabina (Amorita Rasgado) sees it as a chance to follow in her station-chief father and detective brother’s footsteps (much to their chagrin), the righteous campaigner Valentina (Natalia Téllez) wants to change a broken system from within. And while shy, logical-minded Angeles (Ximena Sariñana) is focused on providing for her ailing grandmother, affluent housewife Maria (Bárbara Mori) seeks to rediscover a sense of purpose after years of doting on her unfaithful husband. “I’m done being predictable!” she declares.Alas, the series itself sticks to a familiar formula. From the training montage and the station chauvinism to the women’s secret, unapproved investigation into the “Undresser” case, the show largely plays out as you expect. But if Las Azules might benefit from a touch more grit and wit — not to mention nuance — it’s enriched by polished execution and fine lead performances.★★★☆☆First two episodes on Apple TV+ from July 31. New episodes released weekly
