Agatha Christie Ordeal by Innocence

[buddhasbelly]

Is it just me or is anyone else really excited to watch this tonight?

So glad they reshot this so we can enjoy it

fail link

Apologies for the fail link but the changed ending is discussed here. SPOILER WARNING the books original killer is named so if you haven't read the book don't take a look. (Although can't remember if killer already named on this thread!)

Sarah Phelps also messed up Witness for the Prosecution and The Casual Vacancy. She doesn't care about what we think of her changes - in an interview in the Guardian she said “I don’t give a bollocks about people saying it has to be pure. No, it doesn’t. If you want a pure adaptation, go and get someone else to do it.”

How disengenous. "Tonight we have a new BBC Agatha Christie adaptation"- cue millions of AC fans and those of us who like mysteries which do not involve graphic violence but which do have nice houses and frocks.

"Tonight we have a new play by Sarah Phelphs" - who ?

To be fair to writers, especially women, opportunities to get new stuff produced are probably few and far between.

I've just turned over .....its just awful
A.C. must be turning in her grave

Was 'shafting' even a term used in those days ????

I will stick with it but it's really irritating me.

I've had enough, just switched it off.

I can't bear it. As far removed from Christie as could be. Switched off too.

Apart from the murder at the very end, and the mention of Tina's car, there was virtually no incident in tonight's hour-long episode that was in the book. It's now become ridiculous.

Thank goodness, I thought it was only me, it’s barely watchable..I started recording and watching it last week, then cancelled the recording. Caught the beginning this week, and then wished I hadn’t bothered. The characters are irritating, and I hate how it’s been filmed/edited, I can’t think of one redeeming feature .

Not having read the book, I really enjoyed it I like all the dark secrets slowly being revealed.

i haven't read the book so am enjoying it. i have no idea who the killer is but very glad he/she dispatched "X" tonight (no spoiler in case you have it recorded).
the creepy maid is really annoying me though.

I find myself looking at the clothes and that fabulous house (but lose the bunker!) rather than listening to the dialogue. I don't think those are good signs for a drama are they?

Loved the couture and the knitwear. I would wear clothes like that every day if I could. That day dress that the mother was wearing would be great for work. All buttoned up but swishy. And the yellow blouse.

Rather regretted watching it with DD - she's 11 and loves reading Agatha Christie but this was a bit much.

That Phelps womans twitter is awash with gushing praise and how she should adapt all Christies novels

I suppose if she did she would actually have to read the books.

I watched tonights as our internet is down and stuck with terrestrial tv. Alternative was some dreadful car/police programme which DH wanted to watch.

I’m the same, demented, I haven’t read the book and so have no idea who the killer is. Can’t work out if the Dad is genuine or not etc Found it quite tense and watchable so I’ve enjoyed it so far.

Am loving the locations and clothes still. However, the story is so unChristie it's just laughable. All the characters are so highly strung they're borderline psychopaths, it's ludicrous. I'll probably watch it to the end as I'm getting perverse enjoyment out of how OTT it is.

There's only one word to describe tonight's episode - PADDING!

Nothing happened for 55 minutes. And none of that was in the book. Although I did enjoy the no-holds-barred insult-slinging dinner

Quite enjoyed it, apart from Philip and Jack’s sexually threatening / inappropriate behaviour, both but the latter especially seemed to be gratuitous.

The clothes are amazing.

Loved the clothes too. I always do I remember the 80's Tommy an Tuppence series and thinking how glamorous it was.

One good thing about this, is it has made me want to go back to the books. I read them all as a teen, but would like to see if I pick up more of the subtleties now.

The paedophile announcement seemed unnecessary and sensationalist to me. Or is this in the book?

The paedophile announcement seemed unnecessary and sensationalist to me. Or is this in the book?

None of last night's episode is in the book apart from Tina's car being there and Phillip being killed.

In the book :
Arthur was a scientist and was in the Antarctic. He was in a hospital at one point but nothing like the reason given last night.
Philip was not a predatory, alcholic, blackmailing creep. Phillip is actually quite an engaging character.
The police believe Arthur (his backstory is easily verifiable).
The policeman does not try to kill Arthur.
There is nothing about Jack having a sexual relationship with the policeman's wife.
Gwenda is not a scheming gold digger.

I thought I'd give it a second chance but dear God. The clothes are great but everything else is utterly dire.

Phelps' adaptation of Witness for the Prosecution was awful, I think this is worse. Almost every single character is appalling.

You are right, Lass. Also, Mickey, although a tough boy, is not the violent thug portrayed in this. All that ridiculous slapping and pushing Arthur!