This is one of Agatha Christie's very finest novels, pretty universally regarded by her fans as one of the top ten she wrote. And the producers have brought it to the screen with sensitivity and creativity.
One complaint that fans have had about the TV adaptations has been the tendancy to significantly alter plot details and characters beyond what's strictly necessary to translate the plot to television. Here, the writers have made comparatively minor changes to the plot, almost entirely for dramatic effect. They get Poirot into the story much earlier, and unlike the novel, it does not have very many courtroom scenes, a smart decision that keeps the material dynamic. The one signfiicant change is that Mary Gerrard is a less sympathetic character here than in the book. But ultimately the adaptation retains everything noteworthy about the book: it's more emotionally involving than many, it's extremely character-driven, and Christie's solution to the mystery is genius.
One thing I especially like about this episode is that it presents a softer, gentler side of Poirot that is evident throughout the novels but often overlooked. While he is fussy and arrogant at times, Poirot is actually a very kind and sympathetic man, no more so than in this novel. And that is portrayed faithfully here in Poirot's relationship with Elinor Carlisle.
Which brings me to the other main point: the character of Elinor, both in the novel and here, is front and central. Ultimately, that means that the episode is going to sink or swim based on the casting of this key role. And Elizabeth Dermot Walsh is absolutely phenomenal: they could not possibly have done better, and her performance must surely be regarded as one of the very best guest-star turns in the entire series. Ms. Dermot Walsh perfectly captures the character of Elinor from the novel-her contained passion and her heartbreak-with a luminous, quiet and sorrowful beauty. (Suchet has said in interviews that Dermot Walsh was his favorite guest star of the series.) There's a scene between the two of them close to the end that's among the most moving in this series.
Accompanied by a beautiful, romantic musical score and a strong script, this is absolutely terrific television. Bravissimo.
One complaint that fans have had about the TV adaptations has been the tendancy to significantly alter plot details and characters beyond what's strictly necessary to translate the plot to television. Here, the writers have made comparatively minor changes to the plot, almost entirely for dramatic effect. They get Poirot into the story much earlier, and unlike the novel, it does not have very many courtroom scenes, a smart decision that keeps the material dynamic. The one signfiicant change is that Mary Gerrard is a less sympathetic character here than in the book. But ultimately the adaptation retains everything noteworthy about the book: it's more emotionally involving than many, it's extremely character-driven, and Christie's solution to the mystery is genius.
One thing I especially like about this episode is that it presents a softer, gentler side of Poirot that is evident throughout the novels but often overlooked. While he is fussy and arrogant at times, Poirot is actually a very kind and sympathetic man, no more so than in this novel. And that is portrayed faithfully here in Poirot's relationship with Elinor Carlisle.
Which brings me to the other main point: the character of Elinor, both in the novel and here, is front and central. Ultimately, that means that the episode is going to sink or swim based on the casting of this key role. And Elizabeth Dermot Walsh is absolutely phenomenal: they could not possibly have done better, and her performance must surely be regarded as one of the very best guest-star turns in the entire series. Ms. Dermot Walsh perfectly captures the character of Elinor from the novel-her contained passion and her heartbreak-with a luminous, quiet and sorrowful beauty. (Suchet has said in interviews that Dermot Walsh was his favorite guest star of the series.) There's a scene between the two of them close to the end that's among the most moving in this series.
Accompanied by a beautiful, romantic musical score and a strong script, this is absolutely terrific television. Bravissimo.