'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' is inconsistent, but it is also interesting and enjoyable. Did feel though that Larosiere and Lampion were far more interesting characters than to Alice and especially Laurence and gelled far better and quicker, yet they were in less episodes. Never had any problem with Alice, who is a joy in every episode, but their chemistry wasn't always harmonious and it took me a while to warm to Laurence and am still not the biggest of fans, though the writing for him has improved.
Something that can be seen in "L'etrange Enlevement du Petit Bruno", the second (loose) adaptation of Christie's short story 'The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly'. Do not consider that among Christie's best short stories by any stretch, others are cleverer, twistier and more suspenseful. The first adaptation of the story is David Suchet's from 1989, back when one of my favourite series was still finding its feet. Found that one of the weaker shorter episodes of the series, and one of the weaker ones overall, finding it uncharacteristically confused and dull. Even though "L'etrange Enlevement du Petit Bruno" is a looser adaptation, more one that uses the story as a basic framework, for me this is one of not many episodes of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' to be better than its previous version, found it easier to get into, twistier without being confused and more entertaining.
There are occasional moments where the episode drags as a result of over-stretching.
Would have liked a little more suspense perhaps as well.
However, absolutely love Alice as always and Laurence is far more relaxed and interesting here with Samuel Labarthe having now found his footing since "Cartes Sur Table". Have no qualms with the acting, Blandine Bellavoir as always again is irresistible in her charm and spirit and Elodie Frenck steals her scenes. Of the solid supporting cast, Valerie de Dietrich stands out in the juiciest role.
Production values are handsome and makes one nostalgic for the period with it being so lovingly recreated. The beautiful photography complements more than nicely. The music matches the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone very well. The script is sophisticated and humorous in the right places while also being thoughtful and taking it seriously without going overboard on that. The story has the right amount of twists and turns while not being confused or bloated, it's mostly lively in pace, is continually intriguing and doesn't make the mistake of making things too obvious too early or giving the sense of giving away too much too soon (things that the Suchet adaptation did do).
Summarising, very good. 8/10
Something that can be seen in "L'etrange Enlevement du Petit Bruno", the second (loose) adaptation of Christie's short story 'The Adventure of Johnnie Waverly'. Do not consider that among Christie's best short stories by any stretch, others are cleverer, twistier and more suspenseful. The first adaptation of the story is David Suchet's from 1989, back when one of my favourite series was still finding its feet. Found that one of the weaker shorter episodes of the series, and one of the weaker ones overall, finding it uncharacteristically confused and dull. Even though "L'etrange Enlevement du Petit Bruno" is a looser adaptation, more one that uses the story as a basic framework, for me this is one of not many episodes of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' to be better than its previous version, found it easier to get into, twistier without being confused and more entertaining.
There are occasional moments where the episode drags as a result of over-stretching.
Would have liked a little more suspense perhaps as well.
However, absolutely love Alice as always and Laurence is far more relaxed and interesting here with Samuel Labarthe having now found his footing since "Cartes Sur Table". Have no qualms with the acting, Blandine Bellavoir as always again is irresistible in her charm and spirit and Elodie Frenck steals her scenes. Of the solid supporting cast, Valerie de Dietrich stands out in the juiciest role.
Production values are handsome and makes one nostalgic for the period with it being so lovingly recreated. The beautiful photography complements more than nicely. The music matches the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone very well. The script is sophisticated and humorous in the right places while also being thoughtful and taking it seriously without going overboard on that. The story has the right amount of twists and turns while not being confused or bloated, it's mostly lively in pace, is continually intriguing and doesn't make the mistake of making things too obvious too early or giving the sense of giving away too much too soon (things that the Suchet adaptation did do).
Summarising, very good. 8/10
