'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' (translated in English as 'The Little Mysteries of Agatha Christie') is a charming and entertaining series. Not every episode works for me, namely the early Laurence/Avril episodes and one shouldn't expect straight up adaptations of "The Queen of Crime" Agatha Christie's books but taken on its own merits there is much to admire about the series.
"Drame en Trois Actes" is very loosely adapted from 'Three Act Tragedy', one of the earlier Poirot books, but its proper translated into English title is "Murder in Three Acts". It's not one of my favourite Poirots, but it's still a gripping and clever read. It was adapted twice before 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie's' take on it. The first being the made for television Peter Ustinov film, which was enjoyable enough if a little bland. The other being the superior and at times wonderfully theatrical David Suchet version, which to me is among the better late Suchet adaptations. "Drame en Trois Actes" is the third and most recent, for me it's in the middle and an enjoyable episode as far as this series goes. At the same time it could have done with more spark.
Starting with the criticisms, in my mind the pace could have been tighter and more consistent. There are pedestrian moments here and there, especially towards the middle. The story entertains and charms, if a return to the slightly on the conventional, safe side where the suspense is not quite as high. A shame as 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' was starting to adopt a darker approach which upped the suspense and was great to see.
Also felt that Dominique Thomas had too little to do as Tricard and am not the biggest fan of the character. If he was not in the episode, it would not have harmed things much.
On the other hand, as always with the series "Drame en Trois Actes" is top notch visually. It is immaculately photographed with period detail and scenery that is quite a feast for the eyes with lots of vibrancy and atmosphere. The music has the right amount of lightness and suspense, not overshadowing the other or over-emphasising that it becomes intrusive. The writing amuses and provokes thought, they are well balanced amongst each other and work well on their own.
The story could have done with more suspense and the middle could have been more tightly paced, but it is intriguing and clever enough and the denouement didn't come over as obvious or convoluted. The characters are enjoyable and the chemistry has been improving all the time, everything to do with the characterisation from when the Laurence/Avril period has come on such a long way. Blandine Bellavoir is a continual delight as Alice and Samuel Labarthe's Laurence has been one of the biggest improvements over-time for the series from stiff and obnoxious to relaxed and amusing. Elodie Frenck and Cyril Guei are bright spots as well. While there aren't any major standouts in the supporting cast, they all play their parts very well.
In conclusion, could have had more spark but enjoyable mostly. 7/10
"Drame en Trois Actes" is very loosely adapted from 'Three Act Tragedy', one of the earlier Poirot books, but its proper translated into English title is "Murder in Three Acts". It's not one of my favourite Poirots, but it's still a gripping and clever read. It was adapted twice before 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie's' take on it. The first being the made for television Peter Ustinov film, which was enjoyable enough if a little bland. The other being the superior and at times wonderfully theatrical David Suchet version, which to me is among the better late Suchet adaptations. "Drame en Trois Actes" is the third and most recent, for me it's in the middle and an enjoyable episode as far as this series goes. At the same time it could have done with more spark.
Starting with the criticisms, in my mind the pace could have been tighter and more consistent. There are pedestrian moments here and there, especially towards the middle. The story entertains and charms, if a return to the slightly on the conventional, safe side where the suspense is not quite as high. A shame as 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' was starting to adopt a darker approach which upped the suspense and was great to see.
Also felt that Dominique Thomas had too little to do as Tricard and am not the biggest fan of the character. If he was not in the episode, it would not have harmed things much.
On the other hand, as always with the series "Drame en Trois Actes" is top notch visually. It is immaculately photographed with period detail and scenery that is quite a feast for the eyes with lots of vibrancy and atmosphere. The music has the right amount of lightness and suspense, not overshadowing the other or over-emphasising that it becomes intrusive. The writing amuses and provokes thought, they are well balanced amongst each other and work well on their own.
The story could have done with more suspense and the middle could have been more tightly paced, but it is intriguing and clever enough and the denouement didn't come over as obvious or convoluted. The characters are enjoyable and the chemistry has been improving all the time, everything to do with the characterisation from when the Laurence/Avril period has come on such a long way. Blandine Bellavoir is a continual delight as Alice and Samuel Labarthe's Laurence has been one of the biggest improvements over-time for the series from stiff and obnoxious to relaxed and amusing. Elodie Frenck and Cyril Guei are bright spots as well. While there aren't any major standouts in the supporting cast, they all play their parts very well.
In conclusion, could have had more spark but enjoyable mostly. 7/10
