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Reviews
Poirot: Five Little Pigs (2003)
Great 'Who Dunnit'
This episode is movie-quality, superior to most cinema entries for those of us who are even casually interested in murder mysteries. For the engrossing story is but one stand-out piece of this ensemble work. Fourteen years ago, a woman is hanged for the murder of her husband. But did she do it? Only Poirot can tell, by interviewing the five surviving participants to those dramatic events.
Full credit to the principal actors here, all of whom portray fully formed characters within moments of their entry onto the stage. We are transported from the dour, rigid 'present' in which Poirot is involved, to the past - bathed in light, shiny and shaky to reflect a nostalgic yet fragile recollection of the past. Clues to the truth are there, but I missed them at first. The haunting music, beautiful sets and skilful direction are worthy of repeat viewing.
There's a raw emotive power to this episode that's hard to come by, because all the characters are deeply affected by this murder, in some way. We are drawn into the humanity of this group: their jealousy, passion, sadness, repression, desire and sacrifice. It held my attention throughout, and if I had to pick a television program that really made me forget everything else and threw me headfirst into a wonderful story, this would be it. Well done to all involved.
Poirot: Third Girl (2008)
Third Girl is First Class
If perusing a list of top ten Poirot films, one is unlikely to see 'Third Girl' mentioned. In my opinion it's up there with the best. I'm here to explain why, in a rough n' ready way.
The film begins with jaunty music, setting us up for a show brimming with classy acts (the entire cast works very well off each other), tension, humour and romance, held together by a strong story. Agatha Christie deserves much credit for the quality and drawing power of stories which, handled by able people, can produce television gems.
I've had a think about why this film in particular grabs my attention. Perhaps it's the music - mystical, powerful and tense, in turn. Or is it eccentric Madame Oliver's delicious (and dangerous) decision to turn detective? More likely a combination of all the elements that produce an exciting story. The excellent 'Third Girl' herself - sometimes as confused as the audience - plays her part in a game which Poirot orchestrates, trying to draw the murderer into his web. I was hooked by it all, so good job team.
Poirot: Cards on the Table (2006)
Excellent as a stand-alone film
I hadn't read the original book before watching this film, as many commentators here seem to have done. All in all it was thoroughly enjoyable, buoyed by sumptuous costumes, clues (both red herrings and the real thing) pointing to the murderer and great performances.
Liberties are, with good reason, taken with adapting the Poirot books for television. Most achieve their purpose; a couple fall flat. But for me, the story is very well told throughout - if you don't mind a substantially different ending to the book.
There are one or two scenes/ story strands which, with hindsight, bathe the murderer's identity with a white glow. Of course I missed these clues completely, but the best of the Poirots contain such devices. I would count this as a top notch film.
Poldark: Episode #5.8 (2019)
Enjoyable ending that left us guessing
We've really looked forward to and enjoyed watching an episode of Poldark each evening. The characters, stories and entire set up are richly drawn out and entertaining. The large number of negative reviews here may reflect the excellence of earlier episodes, compared to which this last instalment feels more rushed and a little less believable. However, we had a good time watching it and unlike many final episodes, the action comes thick and fast until the very end.