Ariadne Oliver attends a Children's Halloween Party put on by Mrs Rowena Drake, during a game of snapdragon young Joyce Reynolds is drowned in the bobbing apple basin. Joyce had earlier stated in front of a room full of people that she had witnessed a murder. Ariadne calls in Poirot to solve the crime.
Absolutely spot on production, Hallowe'en Party is one of the best in the series, Mark Gatiss knows how to spin a good old horror yarn. He was the perfect person to do this episode, touches of humour work well against the macabre. Slick and interesting camera work, I love the night time shots, they work perfectly.
One of the later stories Dame Agatha wrote, I like the book, but I'd go so far as to say I prefer the TV adaptation. It is beautifully shot, the accompanying score works terrifically well. The story is engaging, and yet tragic, the death of one child in a show is tough, but two.
Wonderfully acted, Suchet is at his best, particularly in the summing up of the case, it's just flawless. Zoe Wanamaker has by now made the part of Ariadne Oliver her own, always with a slight twinkle in the eye. Julian Rhind Tutt is a tremendous actor, I could watch him for hours, he is so charismatic and fascinating to watch, he gave Garfield the necessary coldness, his scene where he's about to sacrifice Miranda is perhaps my favourite part, so dark. A mention for the glorious Paola Dionisotti and Fenella Woolgar, fabulous, and also for the utter brilliance of Deborah Findlay, she is an actress of formidable talent, hugely underrated, perfect for the part of Rowena Drake, class!
These later Poirot's were much more serious in tone, and this is one of the finest examples. outstanding. Great watch on a late stormy night. 10/10