gridoon2024 Review of The Body in the Library

Marple: The Body in the Library (2004) Season 1, Episode 1

Splendid production values, fine cast, but script shoots itself in the foot at the end

[6/10 · 19 June 2011]

For the most part, this is an auspicious start for the new Marple TV series: the production values are majestic and the cast is nearly excellent (though Simon Callow overacts a bit); Mary Stockley (especially in her "interrogation" scene), Jamie Treakston and Joanna Lumley are the standouts. Geraldine McEwan herself makes a likable and funny Miss Marple in her debut in the role. The script, going by comparison to the earlier (1984) Joan Hickson version (which, BTW, is possibly the best entry in that series), seems to be remarkably faithful to the original story (right down to Arthur's pig-watching as a calming influence!)....except, of course, one MAJOR deviation that has surely been discussed in many other reviews. Personally, I think that it adds nothing to the story, and that it does not grow organically out of the characters (especially one of them - can't say any more); therefore, it is pointless and seems to be done just for the hell of it. **1/2 out of 4.