Agatha Christie is known as the Queen of Crime for good reason, her books and numerous adaptations of them being one of my main reasons for being so fond of detective mysteries, and have been a big fan of her for most of my life. 'Les Petits Meutres D'Agatha Christie' is a French series that adapted loosely Christie's work and is essentially Agatha Christie with a French light comedy twist. As a standalone, it fascinates and is charming light-hearted entertainment with intriguing stories.
Regarding 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie', it is generally very enjoyable and solid but a couple of episodes were better than others, though with only up to this point "La Maison Du Peril" being a disappointment. Personally find "Cinq Petits Cochons", loosely based on one of my favourite Christies 'Five Little Pigs' (adapted brilliantly previously as one of the David Suchet Poirot adaptations, and one of the standouts of that series), one of the best episodes of the series to me and definitely of the Larosiere and Lampion period, the best up to this point of the series too. There are a lot of recognisable elements here while with enough fresh touches to stop things from feeling too safe or predictable.
"Cinq Petits Cochons" has very little wrong, though maybe it could have gotten to the point a little quicker than it did and the characters are not as richly developed or distinct as they are in the source material and the David Suchet adaptation, which also had more emotional impact (which is certainly here, just wasn't as moved).
However, "Cinq Petits Cochons" is great visually, the period detail and scenery are lavish. The colours are vibrant while not being drab or garish and the stylish photography complements beautifully. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value.
For me the previous episode "Je Ne Suis Pas Coupable" was the first time in the series where the comedic elements felt just right. Thankfully "Cinq Petits Cochons" doesn't slip back and it doesn't feel stale and overdone. The mystery is always diverting, the story treated with respect while with enough to make it its own without being too faithful or conventional. Furthermore, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep one on their toes and guessing. Nothing gratuitous here.
The characterisation is done well and reasonably varied. The pairing of Larosiere and Lampion are a good contrasting match for each other and fascinating as characters. Larosiere is a little more interesting and have appreciated Lampion having more to do with each episode. Antoine Dulery and Marius Colucci shine brightly as Larosiere and Lampion as ever and all the supporting players are well cast.
In conclusion, very good and one of the best of the series. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Regarding 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie', it is generally very enjoyable and solid but a couple of episodes were better than others, though with only up to this point "La Maison Du Peril" being a disappointment. Personally find "Cinq Petits Cochons", loosely based on one of my favourite Christies 'Five Little Pigs' (adapted brilliantly previously as one of the David Suchet Poirot adaptations, and one of the standouts of that series), one of the best episodes of the series to me and definitely of the Larosiere and Lampion period, the best up to this point of the series too. There are a lot of recognisable elements here while with enough fresh touches to stop things from feeling too safe or predictable.
"Cinq Petits Cochons" has very little wrong, though maybe it could have gotten to the point a little quicker than it did and the characters are not as richly developed or distinct as they are in the source material and the David Suchet adaptation, which also had more emotional impact (which is certainly here, just wasn't as moved).
However, "Cinq Petits Cochons" is great visually, the period detail and scenery are lavish. The colours are vibrant while not being drab or garish and the stylish photography complements beautifully. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value.
For me the previous episode "Je Ne Suis Pas Coupable" was the first time in the series where the comedic elements felt just right. Thankfully "Cinq Petits Cochons" doesn't slip back and it doesn't feel stale and overdone. The mystery is always diverting, the story treated with respect while with enough to make it its own without being too faithful or conventional. Furthermore, there are plenty of twists and turns to keep one on their toes and guessing. Nothing gratuitous here.
The characterisation is done well and reasonably varied. The pairing of Larosiere and Lampion are a good contrasting match for each other and fascinating as characters. Larosiere is a little more interesting and have appreciated Lampion having more to do with each episode. Antoine Dulery and Marius Colucci shine brightly as Larosiere and Lampion as ever and all the supporting players are well cast.
In conclusion, very good and one of the best of the series. 8/10 Bethany Cox
