I believe "stolid" is the right word to describe this latest version of Miss Marple. The new series seems to be an earnest, though in my opinion misguided, attempt to appease fans who hated Garaldine McEwan and her much more zesty movies.
Say what you will about the last Marples, they were never dull. Yes, some of the plots and characters were retooled to inject more life into the proceedings, motivations rethought and endings changed. But Christie did all that herself, in adapting her written works to the stage. And McEwan made Jane more appealing, not to mention more energetic, than anyone since Rutherford more the cape.
I hate revisionism as much as the next person but I do recognize the appeal in letting your material breathe. 100% faithful, the McEwans were not. Down to the sprightly new theme music, 100% fresh they were. "Rye" is not, and in spades.
Unfortunately, one of the things lost in the yawns here is a wonderful performance by Julia McKenzie. She looks determined to do the role justice, and she holds her cuteness in check admirably, but it's all in the service of a show that any of the other Marples could have done just as well. She is so restrained by the narrow confines of the script that she isn't allowed to shine at all. Given the chance to inhabit the character instead of stuff herself into Saint Joan Hickson's sensible shoes, one day I'm sure she'll be great. Here's hoping.
Say what you will about the last Marples, they were never dull. Yes, some of the plots and characters were retooled to inject more life into the proceedings, motivations rethought and endings changed. But Christie did all that herself, in adapting her written works to the stage. And McEwan made Jane more appealing, not to mention more energetic, than anyone since Rutherford more the cape.
I hate revisionism as much as the next person but I do recognize the appeal in letting your material breathe. 100% faithful, the McEwans were not. Down to the sprightly new theme music, 100% fresh they were. "Rye" is not, and in spades.
Unfortunately, one of the things lost in the yawns here is a wonderful performance by Julia McKenzie. She looks determined to do the role justice, and she holds her cuteness in check admirably, but it's all in the service of a show that any of the other Marples could have done just as well. She is so restrained by the narrow confines of the script that she isn't allowed to shine at all. Given the chance to inhabit the character instead of stuff herself into Saint Joan Hickson's sensible shoes, one day I'm sure she'll be great. Here's hoping.