Marple: Why Didn't They Ask Evans? Review (S4.E4)

This episode was first broadcast in the UK on Wednesday 15th June 2011, and was adapted by Patrick Barlow, produced by Karen Thrussell and directed by Nicholas Renton. The novel, which doesn't feature the character of Miss Marple, was previously adapted in 1980 starring Francesca Annis as Frankie Derwent. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN IT DON'T READ ANY FURTHER!

Adieu Poirot: 25 Years of Crime Solving

©ITV

David Suchet has played Hercule Poirot on our TV screens for 25 years and appearing in 70 films. The first episode, The Adventure of the Clapham Cook, was first broadcast in the UK on January 8th 1989, and the last film, Curtain: Poirot's Last Case, aired on November 13th 2013, earlier this month. In  this 'overview', I will examine the factors that made this show so popular and gave it a 25 year lifespan.

The Cast 

The reason for the success of the series is the quality of David Suchet's acting. He is Hercule Poirot; he perfectly portrays his mannerisms and quirks and has brought him to life in a way no other actor would have dreamed of. I strongly believe that if someone else had played the role, it would not have lasted beyond five years, let alone 25.  He plays Poirot exactly as Agatha Christie wrote him, and has a detailed dossier on the character. This attention to detail is a key reason for the success of the series and David Suchet's characterization is superb and will be remembered forever. I cannot imagine anyone else playing the role, and I doubt I will ever see another interpretation in my lifetime.

Marple: They Do It With Mirrors Review (S4.E3)

©ITV

Julia McKenzie's third outing as Miss Marple was adapted by Paul Rutman and directed by Andy Wilson, who has also directed many Poirot films. It was first broadcast on 1st January 2010. This story was previously adaped into a film starring Helen Hayes under the title "Murder with Mirrors" and for the BBC series starring Joan Hickson.

Curtain: Poirot's Last Case Review (S13.E5)

CONTAINS SPOILERS! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THE EPISODE!

So, after 25 years of playing 'The greatest detective that ever lived', David Suchet dons the moustache for the last time in Curtain. This final film was adapted by Kevin Elyot and directed by Hettie Macdonald. 

Story 

Captain Hastings travels back to Styles Court, the scene of his first crime with  Hercule Poirot because his oldest friend fears another murder will be committed, but doesn't know who'll die. However, since they last met, Poirot has succumbed to arthritis forcing him to use a wheelchair and has a life threatening heart condition. Hastings is also in pain, his wife Bella has recently died and he is constantly having arguments with his only daughter Judith. Poirot recruits Hastings to be his eyes and his ears and help him prevent a deadly murder, but will he be too late?

Polish Trailer for Marple Series 6

Last month, Polish broadcaster Ale Kino + released a trailer for series 6 of Agatha Christie's Marple, claiming it was the last series of Miss Marple stories. This is yet to be confirmed however. As we've already seen A Caribbean Mystery and Greenshaw's Foll in the UK, I won't bore you with screenshots for those (if you haven't seen it, there are lots of images on google). I will show you screenshots for Endless Night.

I want to keep this spoiler free as I haven't read the book, but I welcome any comments. 

David Suchet on Curtain

David Suchet first played Hercule Poirot in 1989's The Adventure of the Clapham Cook (©ITV)

At what point in Poirot's life do we meet him in Curtain? 

You meet him as Agatha Christie wrote him; a little sunken old man in a wheelchair, still with his  dyed black hair and moustache, but clearly arthritic.

Did you enjoy filming with Hugh Fraser (Captain Hastings) again? 

It was lovely to be reunited with Hugh and have him back on set.

Do you remember your last day filming on the set of Curtain? 

Yes I do! In a sense it was odd because we filmed this adaption slightly out of sequence and so my final scenes weren't actually what you might imagine them to be. The nature of filming is quite extraordinary! 

If Agatha Christie was alive today, would there be anything you would like to say or ask her? 

Yes, 'Was I okay? Would you have approved?' Only because I know she was famously anti everybody that played her characters.

Since you accepted the role in 1987, how has Poirot changed across the years? 

Well, I hope very little, as I didn't want him to change too much. He's got older as I have over the years and I fleshed out certain areas of his psychology and his life. 

How would you like Poirot to be remembered? 

I would love Poirot to be remembered fondly and it goes without saying he is the greatest detective in the world.

Read the full interview (©ITV) here

Curtain airs at 8pm tonight on ITV

25 Years, 70 Films
Agatha Christie's Poirot
1989 - 2013

Poirot: Curtain Preview

So, the final ever episode of Poirot is nearly upon us, and I'm not ready for it to end yet! 25 years ago, David Suchet put on the little mustache for the first time in The Adventure of The Clapham Cook, first broadcast in 1989 on ITV1. Now, Suchet will appear for the last time in what promises to be a moving final tale. It features the recurring character of Captain Arthur Hastings, brilliantly portrayed by Hugh Fraser.

Although The Clapham Cook was the first to air, it wasn't the first in chronological order (see the fantastic blog The Chronology of Poirot for more details). The Mysterious Affair at Styles, broadcast in 1990 marking the centenary of Agatha Christie's birth, showed us a flashback to Poirot's first case, where he brings a murderer to book with the help of his friend Hastings and Chief Inspector Japp.

In Curtain, an ill and immobilized Poirot returns to Styles Court, the scene of their first murder, as the sharp witted detective is in fear of another murder being committed.