David Suchet is, for me, the authoritative Hercule and I must admit that Ustinov wore out his welcome with me a long time ago so I'm not well-disposed towards his version despite Diana and Maggie.
But, I find this version has the problem that most of the other Suchets have: there is an insistence of getting Hastings, Japp and Lemon into the story no matter what. In Christie, Hastings disappeared early in the series and Japp was only one of the inspectors. Lemon too didn't always appear. In this case, I find their appearance quite strained.
The presentation is good but the mystery is contrived (Agatha's fault.) and the culprits somewhat obvious.
7 out of 10.
But, I find this version has the problem that most of the other Suchets have: there is an insistence of getting Hastings, Japp and Lemon into the story no matter what. In Christie, Hastings disappeared early in the series and Japp was only one of the inspectors. Lemon too didn't always appear. In this case, I find their appearance quite strained.
The presentation is good but the mystery is contrived (Agatha's fault.) and the culprits somewhat obvious.
7 out of 10.