The essential episodes of Indian Summers

Watch these 15 in order and you've got Indian Summers — each pick states its reason.

1. 01

   S01E01 · Pilot · February 15, 2015 · 48m

   Episode 1

   Ralph Whelan and the rest of the Indian Civil Service begin the annual move to Simla where the doyenne of British society Cynthia Coffin prepares the exclusive white British Club for the summer season.

2. 02

   S01E04 · Season 1 peak · March 8, 2015 · 48m

   Episode 47.0

   There's much excitement in Simla as the Viceroy arrives. Ralph is troubled when he discovers that the only evidence that linked Chandru Mohan to the Congress Party is missing.

3. 03

   S01E07 · Top rated · March 29, 2015 · 48m

   Episode 77.0

   Simla is buzzing as it prepares for the annual amateur dramatic production, but the play is overshadowed by the news that a murder victim has been found in the river.

4. 04

   S01E08 · Top rated · April 5, 2015 · 48m

   Episode 87.0

   The British community turn out in force for the murder trial. Ian is wracked with guilt about his part in Ramu's arrest and Leena is torn apart in the witness box.

5. 05

   S01E10 · Top rated · April 19, 2015 · 48m

   Episode 107.0

   In the final episode, Ramu Sood's fate is left in Ralph's hands, a vote takes place at the club to lift the colour bar, and Alice and Aafrin prepare to go public with their relationship.

6. 06

   S02E01 · Season 2 peak · March 13, 2016 · 48m

   Indian Man, British Suit7.5

   The epic drama picks up in 1935. A terrorist attack against the British Viceroy of India puts Aafrin in the frame, while Cynthia urges Ralph to make a play for the top job.

7. 07

   S02E02 · Top rated · March 20, 2016 · 48m

   Black Kite7.5

   Aafrin's wounded comrade Naresh is convinced someone has betrayed him. As Aafrin struggles to contain him, he discovers the truth is darker and more dangerous than he knew.

8. 08

   S02E03 · Top rated · March 27, 2016 · 48m

   White Gods7.2

   Aafrin's troubles deepen as his personal and political worlds collide, while Ralph needs to befriend the slippery but powerful Mahrajah of Patiala and his mistress Sirene.

9. 09

   S02E04 · Top rated · April 3, 2016 · 48m

   The Empty Chair7.5

   A fashion show at the club ends with a horrifying attack on one of the guests. Ralph plays detective to find the culpit, but the truth is worse than he could have imagined.

10. 10

    S02E05 · Top rated · April 10, 2016 · 48m

    Hide and Seek7.5

    Lord Hawthorne orders the police to arrest Adam and Ralph uncovers a shocking family secret. Alice decides to take a stand against her husband, and an earthquake hits Simla.

11. 11

    S02E06 · Top rated · April 17, 2016 · 48m

    A Gift for the King7.0

    As Simla gathers to celebrate King George's Silver Jubilee, Aafrin is trapped in a nightmare - the terrorist Naresh Banerjee is plotting a bomb strike at the picnic.

12. 12

    S02E07 · Top rated · April 24, 2016 · 48m

    The Proposal7.5

    The Whelan's marriage faces its darkest hour as the Maharajah and Sirene return to Simla. Knowing Ralph needs his support, the Maharajah makes him an indecent proposal.

13. 13

    S02E08 · Top rated · May 1, 2016 · 48m

    The Birthday Party7.0

    Alice and Aafrin decide to flee Simla with Cynthia's help, but Charlie comes close to unveiling the truth, while Ian discovers some devastating information about Ramu Sood.

14. 14

    S02E09 · Top rated · May 8, 2016 · 48m

    Winner Takes All7.5

    Ralph's life spirals out of control. The announcement of the new Viceroy leaves his ambitions in tatters, and he realises those closest have been conspiring behind his back.

15. 15

    S02E10 · Series finale · May 15, 2016 · 48m

    Leaving Home7.5

    Alice and Charlie prepare to leave India for good. Ralph and Aafri make momentous decisions about their careers. Cynthia is in a bidding war as Chotipool goes under the hammer.