One day late, but here it is: my friday review. This time about a whole series. "Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot" with David Suchet, Hugh Fraser, Philip Jackson and Pauline Morant. The series started in 1989 and so far there have been 12 seasons. Not every season is the same, some have feature film length episodes, others shorter hour-long episodes. All depending on the original, if it was a novel or a short storie. So far we have managed to watch all seasons except season 12 from 2010. And let me tell you, it wasn't easy getting a hold on all seasons here in Germany, especially in the correct order (and those of you who know me, know what a stickler I am for the correct order). For some reason the series came out only partially in Germany and started with season 4 followed by season 1. A very strange affair, perhaps I should investigate.
With regards to content, the cases Poirot has to solve are as strong as their literary original, which is to say sometimes very good, sometimes less so. But what makes this series so special is the care with which it was done. The amount of research and dedication they have put into it. I have seen quite a lot of English historicals for TV so I generally did expect good quality. But this takes it to another level, and what's more, the quality is consistent over the span of more than a decade. I think it might have to do with a decision to favor quality over quantity, i.e. of putting out less episodes per season, instead focussing on each episode with care.
So, what's so special about it? The whole series has this elegant 30s look to it, a lot of Art Déco and High Modernism. This even goes so far that the makers of the series went out to find typical architecture of the time to use as setting. But it's not only the setting, the costumes and decorations were chosen with care too, as were the supporting actors. But, and this is important, it does not feel like a costume drama where everyone is put into a costume of the time period. The 1930s setting is done so well because you can see buildings, vehicles and decorations from other time periods as well, just like you would have done in the real England of the time. Also, some of the characters are dressed not to the high fashion of the time but in clothes that would have been less fashionable or even old fashioned at the time. This gives the whole series a more realistic feel to it and makes it the perfect backdrop to the 1930s showpieces, allowing to show the main character, Hercule Poirot as a very modern man in his time, just like he was described in the original.
David Suchet's depiction of this Hercule Poirot comes very close to the Hercule Poirot of my imagination. He manages to portray the Belgian's mannerism without ridiculing him and to make him a thouroughly sympathetic figure. Not an easy task when compared with other interpretations of the role of this famous detective on the screen. (Albert Finney in "Murder on the Orient Express" comes to my shuddering mind.) Also, the rest of the cast who have recurring roles in the series, were well selected for their roles. Which makes it a joy to watch.
All in all, I'm giving this series an A+ because it was so consistently well done and a pleasure to watch. Even recognizing buildings that have been used in previous episodes added a certain kind of charm and a lot of fun in trying to recollect in which episodes one has seen this before. For fans of Agatha and of cozy whodunnits, of which I am most certainly one, this is a must see. I myself am looking forward to season 12, one episode of which is the famous"Murder on the Orient Express", after being thouroughly disappointed by Sidney Lumet's 1974 version.
Tell me, have you seen it? How did you like it?
Happy December 18th!
With regards to content, the cases Poirot has to solve are as strong as their literary original, which is to say sometimes very good, sometimes less so. But what makes this series so special is the care with which it was done. The amount of research and dedication they have put into it. I have seen quite a lot of English historicals for TV so I generally did expect good quality. But this takes it to another level, and what's more, the quality is consistent over the span of more than a decade. I think it might have to do with a decision to favor quality over quantity, i.e. of putting out less episodes per season, instead focussing on each episode with care.
So, what's so special about it? The whole series has this elegant 30s look to it, a lot of Art Déco and High Modernism. This even goes so far that the makers of the series went out to find typical architecture of the time to use as setting. But it's not only the setting, the costumes and decorations were chosen with care too, as were the supporting actors. But, and this is important, it does not feel like a costume drama where everyone is put into a costume of the time period. The 1930s setting is done so well because you can see buildings, vehicles and decorations from other time periods as well, just like you would have done in the real England of the time. Also, some of the characters are dressed not to the high fashion of the time but in clothes that would have been less fashionable or even old fashioned at the time. This gives the whole series a more realistic feel to it and makes it the perfect backdrop to the 1930s showpieces, allowing to show the main character, Hercule Poirot as a very modern man in his time, just like he was described in the original.
David Suchet's depiction of this Hercule Poirot comes very close to the Hercule Poirot of my imagination. He manages to portray the Belgian's mannerism without ridiculing him and to make him a thouroughly sympathetic figure. Not an easy task when compared with other interpretations of the role of this famous detective on the screen. (Albert Finney in "Murder on the Orient Express" comes to my shuddering mind.) Also, the rest of the cast who have recurring roles in the series, were well selected for their roles. Which makes it a joy to watch.
All in all, I'm giving this series an A+ because it was so consistently well done and a pleasure to watch. Even recognizing buildings that have been used in previous episodes added a certain kind of charm and a lot of fun in trying to recollect in which episodes one has seen this before. For fans of Agatha and of cozy whodunnits, of which I am most certainly one, this is a must see. I myself am looking forward to season 12, one episode of which is the famous"Murder on the Orient Express", after being thouroughly disappointed by Sidney Lumet's 1974 version.
Tell me, have you seen it? How did you like it?
Happy December 18th!
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