See also this post by fellow Christie fan @cjsnowdon, who was similarly sceptical and points out some of the ways that the adaptation failed to do the plot justice (despite having 180 minutes in which to do so): https://velvetgloveironfist.blogspot.com/2018/12/the-bbc-murders-abc-murders.html?m=1 …
-
-
Show this thread
-
In my post I semi-deliberately didn't mention the excellent Suchet adaptation from 1992, because I think the Phelps version fails almost totally on its own terms. But I would note that the 1992 adaptation managed to fit the book's whole plot into well under 2 hours.
Show this thread -
Peter Hitchens gives "The ABC Murders" a good kicking: https://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2018/12/heres-a-real-mystery-for-poirot-why-do-we-pay-the-bbc-to-insult-us.html … "At this time of year, when families are more than usually united and together, such a broadcaster has a sort of duty to provide programmes that are pleasing and enjoyable for all." Exactly.
Show this thread -
One of the arguments being put forward against my view on this is that an iconoclastic / deconstructionist-type approach is the only way forward as Suchet has already done the definitive "straight" Poirot. While I agree about Suchet, I don't think this argument works.
Show this thread -
Firstly, why is deconstruction preferable to just letting the book lie? Second, Phelps has done the same "edgy", unpleasant thing with all her Christie adaptations - and the previous three have all been non-Poirot stories that don't have a definitive modern TV adaptation.
Show this thread -
So SP clearly isn't just doing the "deconstructionist" approach bcs she doesn't want to repeat work of other recent adapters. If that were the concern she'd have had no problem making respectful / faithful adaptations of ATTWN, Witness For The Prosecution & Ordeal By Innocence.
Show this thread -
Another line of argument I find unpersuasive is this condescending one that "ah yes, stupid audiences have no real idea of what the past was like and when Brave TV Scriptwriters tell them, they can't hack it".
Show this thread -
If modern scriptwriters are so much more in touch with the Real Past that their counterparts 20 or 30 or 40 years ago, it is curious that they so often end up creating characters and settings that closely reflect modern prejudices.
Show this thread -
There are different issues here, of course. I am willing to believe that some modern shows portray some historical detail more accurately. But it seems to me they are very bad at understanding what *people* were really like in the past, & how they were different from us.
Show this thread -
Another argument I've seen: good art must reflect / comment upon / critique contemporary politics. 1. Says who? This is a widely held axiom among modern educated people but is far from self-evident. It would not have been held by many (most?) great artists throughout history.
Show this thread -
2. Even if it's true, does it really need to extend to all dramas everywhere, even detective stories at Christmastime? As far as I can tell there is not a national shortage of Dark, Edgy Police Dramas With Contemporary Resonance. Can't we Golden Age fans have our little oasis?
Show this thread -
Probably won't Tweet any more about this for the moment, in case I become a bore ("in case lol", I hear you cry, very funny Jenkins, see me after prep). I might link to the blogpost a couple more times. But thanks to everyone who read / shared / commented, it is much appreciated.
Show this thread -
Now easing myself into bedtime with an unabridged Poirot audiobook read by a beautifully-accented classical actor. Just the job.
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
I trust you’ve seen this? Surely confirms her the worst estimation of her intentions.pic.twitter.com/eP7WMpreZv
-
Oh for goodness' sake. Tiresome woman.
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
Brilliant brilliant brilliant

-
Thank you!
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
Very good analysis Niall, exactly my own thoughts about it, expressed far better than I ever could.
-
Thank you Angela!
End of conversation
New conversation -
-
-
Really enjoyed this review

-
Thank you!
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.