Poirot: The Big Four Review (S13.E2)

The Big Four is the second of the five final Poirot films (series 13) and aired on 23rd October 2013. It was adapted by Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard, directed by Peter Lyndon and produced by David Boulter. 

Story 

Hercule Poirot is reunited with sidekick Captain Hastings (Hugh Fraser), secretary Miss Lemon (Pauline Moran) and Assistant Commissioner Japp (Philip Jackson) in a case that plunges him into the world of global espionage as the Second World War looms. The public are in panic after the shocking death of Russian grandmaster Ivan Savaranoff during a game of chess. Poirot must try to determine the good guys from the bad, as a complex plot by a gang of dangerous dissidents sees a host of international figures used like pawns.

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Mark Gatiss and Ian Hallard's script is both exciting and tense,with some very witty moments as well. In terms of faithfulness to the orginal novel, I haven't read it (how shameful!) but I do know that the adaption excludes the recurring character of Countess Vera Rossakoff. However, she isn't really missed here, and to be honest, it would be a bit too much with Vera, Miss Lemon, Hastings, Japp and George. However, she will return in The Labours of Hercules later this series. 

The script works really well, and credit must go to Gatiss and Hallard for adapting this monster of a novel. They said it would be impossible to adapt, but they did it with style and made a masterpiece out of it. 

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Direction, locations and soundtrack 

Peter Lyndon's direction goes perfectly with the script in this adaption, his use of the dark red colours in the 'Big Four's lair' are particularly affective. These scenes that show hooded figures cackling uncontrollably makes the episode very dark, as well as the macabre, grizzly deaths. Also, as a nice contrast, at the end celebration at Poirot's flat, the red colours are again present, but more pleasant this time, although they remind you of the horrors that just occurred. Poirot's 'funeral' was expertly directed as well, and Christian Henson's soundtrack is outstanding here. His music doesn't draw as much attention to itself as other composers in the series, it's more subtle, but incredibly effective. It was filmed at Longcross Manor House, HDS Studios, Nuffield Place, Kensal Green Cemetery and Hackney Empire.

 Cast and characters

Let's start with our old friends. Out of our 'Big Three', Japp has the most screen time here. Philip  Jackson steps back into the role as if he never left it, it doesn't seem like he hasn't played the part for twelve and a half years. His gags about Mrs Japp are funny "Mrs Japp got one of those cards from Gypsy Meg, 3 months later, the cat died" Also, as a nice piece of character development, he has been promoted to the role of Assistant Commissioner. The denouement at the end with Japp and a gun are good, although he's hopeless at fending off Claude Darrell. 

 Pauline Moran is equally as good in her return as Miss Lemon. We get a glimpse of her house and her cat (named Marina!!). There's a touching scene where she, after Poirot's funeral, straightens some objects on her friend's desk "He always liked everything to be just so." Also, when she discovers her former employer is alive, she gives him an icy look: "It was for the best, I suppose"

Although Hugh Fraser makes a very good appearance as Captain Hastings, he doesn't have very much to do in this episode at all. We do get to see his home in Argentina though (green screened I presume?). After Poirot is 'killed' by The Big Four, faithful Hastings is outraged that Japp and Miss Lemon have given up, he wants to make sure Poirot didn't die in vain by hunting down his killers. But hopless Hastings never stood a chance "Now what do I do, old chap?" Hugh Fraser will return in Curtain, but Pauline Moran and Philip Jackson won't be retuning again. 

Of the guest cast, Simon Lowe (Game of Thrones) is outstanding as Dr Quentin/Claude Darrel. He gives a spine chilling performance. Sarah Parish (Atlantis) is wonderful as the actress Flossie Monroe. Patricia Hodge (what I call Miranda's mother) surprises us all with a perfect French accent and Nicholas Burns' character of Inspector Meadows makes Japp look intelligent! A superb cast. 

Another perfect episode!

NEXT WEEK: Zoe Wanamaker puts in her final appearance as Ariadne Oliver in Dead Man's Folly, filmed at Greenway House, Agatha's home! 

Wednesday 30th October, 8pm ITV (9pm ITV+1)

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