If asked what got me into watching detective/mystery dramas/series in the first place, my answer will always be by default Agatha Christie, known as the Queen of Crime for very good reason. Although an uneven series and as adaptations the episodes tend to be quite loose and more basic frameworks for her work, 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' is still interesting and charming with mostly intriguing stories putting a light comedy twist French-style on Christie's work.
All the previous episodes are watchable or more, "La Maison Du Peril" was a disappointment but the others were decent to great, especially "Je Ne Suis Pas Coupable" and "Cinq Petits Cochons". 'Taken at the Flood' (previously adapted disappointingly for the David Suchet Poirot series in one of that series' worst episodes/adaptations) is only used as a framework, but for all its problems if comparing "Le Flux et Le Reflux" and the Suchet version this is one of the few times for 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' where its version of said story is the superior one. Will not say as such that it is a great episode, actually think it's a lesser Larosiere/Lampion episode and the second weakest of the series up to this point after "La Maison Du Peril", but there are a number of strengths and it still manages to be above average.
"Le Flux et Le Reflux" as said has strengths. The production values are still high, the period detail is both evocative and handsome and never does it look drab or over-saturated. The stylish photography still impresses. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing generally thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value.
The more light-hearted element 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' has is gelling more than it did, and it mostly amuses and doesn't feel stale, occasional clownishness here and there but less so than in other episodes. Enough of the mystery diverts without being too obvious or convoluted, the ending satisfies far more than the ending of the Suchet adaptation. Really love Larosiere and Lampion's chemistry, although different in personality they still manage to be a well-matched pair. The supporting characters are fun and varied and distinctive enough to interest. The acting is solid, still get a lot of pleasure from watching Antoine Dulery and Marius Colucci, individually and especially together.
Do feel though that "Le Flux et Le Reflux" could have done with more suspense and atmosphere, it feels bland at times. More surprises wouldn't have gone amiss, it's all respectful and tasteful but somewhat conventional with not enough of what would make one shocked or floored.
Some of the pacing could have done with more of a tightning up because for me there were pedestrian stretches not helped by the competent but unimaginative direction and how "safe" it feels.
Overall, above average episode if not one that overly-impressed me. 6/10 Bethany Cox
All the previous episodes are watchable or more, "La Maison Du Peril" was a disappointment but the others were decent to great, especially "Je Ne Suis Pas Coupable" and "Cinq Petits Cochons". 'Taken at the Flood' (previously adapted disappointingly for the David Suchet Poirot series in one of that series' worst episodes/adaptations) is only used as a framework, but for all its problems if comparing "Le Flux et Le Reflux" and the Suchet version this is one of the few times for 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' where its version of said story is the superior one. Will not say as such that it is a great episode, actually think it's a lesser Larosiere/Lampion episode and the second weakest of the series up to this point after "La Maison Du Peril", but there are a number of strengths and it still manages to be above average.
"Le Flux et Le Reflux" as said has strengths. The production values are still high, the period detail is both evocative and handsome and never does it look drab or over-saturated. The stylish photography still impresses. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing generally thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value.
The more light-hearted element 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie' has is gelling more than it did, and it mostly amuses and doesn't feel stale, occasional clownishness here and there but less so than in other episodes. Enough of the mystery diverts without being too obvious or convoluted, the ending satisfies far more than the ending of the Suchet adaptation. Really love Larosiere and Lampion's chemistry, although different in personality they still manage to be a well-matched pair. The supporting characters are fun and varied and distinctive enough to interest. The acting is solid, still get a lot of pleasure from watching Antoine Dulery and Marius Colucci, individually and especially together.
Do feel though that "Le Flux et Le Reflux" could have done with more suspense and atmosphere, it feels bland at times. More surprises wouldn't have gone amiss, it's all respectful and tasteful but somewhat conventional with not enough of what would make one shocked or floored.
Some of the pacing could have done with more of a tightning up because for me there were pedestrian stretches not helped by the competent but unimaginative direction and how "safe" it feels.
Overall, above average episode if not one that overly-impressed me. 6/10 Bethany Cox
