One of my most listened to podcasts of 2023 is the excellent ‘The Labours of Hercule’ where Frankie and Adam discuss the episodes of the Agatha Christie’s Poirot series starring David Suchet. Although there is a long way still to go before they complete the whole series, it has certainly inspired my latest ‘Desert Island’ blog post, where I will choose my favourite 8 episodes, in no particular order.
1 – The Theft of The Royal Ruby
With us in the midst of the festive season, it would almost be a crime in itself to not include a festive episode. I’ve watched this one numerous times and it’s very much a comfort one. The mystery is gentle and there is a focus more on the season rather than the crime. Throw in a cute love story, a car chase involving a steam tractor and a plane, and the best art deco house of the series and this would be the perfect one to watch at this time of the year.
2 – The ABC Murders
This is as close to a perfect mystery as Christie gets and the adaptation is spot on (let’s not discuss the more recent attempt). A serial killer on the loose, Poirot being targeted directly and the breathtaking performance of Donald Sumpter will have you on the edge of your seat until the conclusion.
3 – The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb
I love so much about this episode, from Poirot’s constant fight against the sand, Hastings’ wardrobe to the settings across the globe. Throw in Anthony Horowitz’s ability to sneak in three ‘Good Lord’s’ across three continents and you have a winner.
4 – Hickory Hickory Dock
Another episode with a great cast including an early role for Damian Lewis and Colin Firth’s brother Jonathan (who is excellent in this). Miss Lemon gets out to help investigate, Japp has a sleepover with Poirot and there is a perfect blend of humour and mystery throughout this episode. I also really like the reveal and motive at the end of this one, which wraps up all the various threads so well.
5 – The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
Considered by many as Christie’s greatest Poirot, if somewhat controversial in some crime writing circles, the big question was how to bring this book to the screen. In my option, they did a superb job with the adaptation and I’m sure it would delight and surprise those who had not read the book before watching it (although, I would always recommend reading the book first).
6 – Evil Under the Sun
Another one of the greatest of the Poirot novels and again so well adapted. Set and shot in the tidal island hotel where Christie wrote the novel, once more this episode boasts of a stellar support cast (including a very youthful Russell Tovey). Another clever mystery that only those with the best little grey cells will be able to solve.
7 – Cards on the Table
This is based on one of my favourite, and very underrated, Christie novels. It is the episode that introduces us to Mrs Ariadne Oliver, played perfected by the delightful Zoe Wanamaker. A simple set up and a baffling crime, the setting and costumes are jaw dropping in this one and again, a brilliant cast including Lesley Manville, Lyndsey Marshal, Alex Jennings and Honeysuckle Weeks. There is a scene right at the end that I don’t think should be there and a few plot holes, but this is a great episode with a very clever plot.
8 – After The Funeral
Another almost perfect episode and this is one of the few that I really noticed the music throughout. The settings and costumes are, once more, perfect and this mystery has various twists and turns throughout. Again, the supporting cast delivers and another early role for an acting superstar in the shape of Michael Fassbender. This episode was the first time that I had seen Monica Dolan and she is simply an awe-inspiring performer, especially here.
So, that’s my pick of eight – I wonder how many (if any) you would agree with? The whole series in incredible and it’s so hard to reduce these to just eight. Many of my picks are what I would refer to as ‘comfort episodes’, that may not contain the best mysteries, but do contain enjoyment that I witness every time I watch them.
And ‘Cards of The Table’ – I’ve watch them a lot!
I hope you enjoyed reading my latest blog. My main character in the DI Joanne Christie novels is named after Dame Agatha and I hope the series pays some homage to the greatest ever crime writer. The third novel in the series, Lightning Bolt, was published this year and you can find the link to this, and all my novels, at the ‘Books’ tab of this website. If you have read the Christie series, please remember to leave a review to let me (and others) know what you think.
Ross Alexander Writer 