Agatha Christie's Marple: Series 1 (2005)

Oh, what "could have been" !

As a rabid Agatha Christie fan from my youth, I am eager to watch any version of the beloved Miss Marple that I can. Although the BBC version with Joan Hickson is by far the most superior interpretation in keeping the spirit of the books, nonetheless I was eager to see what the new Miss Marple series would bring. I have to say that I am greatly disappointed in these adaptations. Not only does this new Miss Marple have a past that seems inconsistent with the books, the entire storyline is a farce. I was also upset that there is a definite homosexual agenda depicted vividly in several of these movies. Part of the joy of these books and the former movie adaptations for me has been the "whodunit" aspect in the midst of small-town England. The murders themselves were almost secondary to the unfolding of the great insight of Miss Marple unraveling the depths of human iniquity through the prism of her village experience. Regardless of your politics on the matter, to change the stories so completely to reflect violence and homosexuality so vividly is NOT a Marple from Agatha Christie's repertoire. Unfortunately, in spite of some excellent performances, it is a "thumbs down" for me on this series. August 3, 2008

westonjm

I have been a masterpiece / mystery theater fan for years, and find the Miss Marple series with Geraldine McEwan to be top notch. Excellent actors, sumptious costumes, and beautiful settings make for extremely entertaining viewing. Geraldine McEwan is marvelous, and is much better than Joan Hicks ever was! A perfectly lovely voice accompanies the very intelligent eyes! May 12, 2008

The Bottom Line

I'll take the other reviewers' word for it: if you're a purist, pass on this one. However, if you simply want a marvelous fun, extremely well done series that's a joy to watch, go for it. You won't be disappointed. May 8, 2008

Hate the books but love the TV adaptations

For years my mother has tried to get me to read Christie and finally I read one or two of her Miss Marple novels and I hated them. But 90% of the time give me a TV or movie adaptation and I am as happy as a pig in mud. However none of the American ones YUCK !! I liked the Joan Hickson ones but these new ones with Geraldine McEwan are wonderful. She plays Marple as a little bit sly and much wittier character and I really like that. She isn't less nosy than Hickson but she doesn't grate on you like Hickson's nosiness tended to do. These episodes were so good that I blocked off an evening and had a Marple night munching popcorn and enjoying life in St Mary Mead. Of course there is also a place in my heart for the Margaret Rutherford Marple - loved the way she bulldozed her way through the mysteries - wonder in 15 years who will be the next Marple ? April 13, 2008

Joan Hickson was as dull as dishwater

After seeing most the new Miss Marple series with Geraldine Mcewen; everything about the new productions is better. I definite would find it hard to every return to the series with Joan Hickman. February 21, 2008

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