The fifth and final mystery of this short-lived but enjoyable series is also the most unpredictable. I don't want to risk giving away too much, but let's just say that, at some point, the story seems to be running out of suspects, having eliminated nearly all of them, but that's only because there are some characters that you might consider above suspicion....don't! The seaside scenery is nice, George the chauffeur continues to bring new sides to his character, and the last 15 minutes, involving a race against the clock, are quite suspenseful. Oh, and remember: "Same old coiffure, husband secure. New style of hair, husband beware!". *** out of 4.
6 Reviews
A surprise killer
Tweekums1 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This episode sees Mrs Bradley and her chauffeur George pay a visit to the Cornish fishing village where George's daughter Cecily lives and their friend Inspector Christmas plans to retire soon. They haven't been there long when there are two surprises; Cecily announces her engagement and the vicar's elder daughter is found dead with a cloth snake around her neck! There are clear links to one of Mrs Bradley's earlier cases where a woman was killed in a similar fashion; it can't be the same killer as he was hanged but it could be somebody trying to revive an ancient cult! As the investigation progresses suspects appear but it turns out they are only involved in lesser offences such as smuggling, adultery and chicken theft. After a breakthrough they realise the victim didn't fulfil the killers requirements, that he would strike again and that his most likely target would be George's daughter Cecily.
It is a pity that this series ended so quickly but it did at least go out on a high note. Usually when I watch a murder mystery for a second time years after the first viewing I've forgotten who did it but this time I knew who did it before the episode even started because it is such a shocking reveal when the killer is exposed that I couldn't forget it. As well as a good mystery there are plenty of laughs; usually provides by Mrs Bradley's acerbic comments to the audience or poor George's distress when an attractive widow starts flirting with him. Like all episodes in the series this one is well worth watching if you like traditional English murder mysteries; just remember if you are watching it with somebody who hasn't seen it before don't even hint at who the killer is or you might spoil a great ending.
It is a pity that this series ended so quickly but it did at least go out on a high note. Usually when I watch a murder mystery for a second time years after the first viewing I've forgotten who did it but this time I knew who did it before the episode even started because it is such a shocking reveal when the killer is exposed that I couldn't forget it. As well as a good mystery there are plenty of laughs; usually provides by Mrs Bradley's acerbic comments to the audience or poor George's distress when an attractive widow starts flirting with him. Like all episodes in the series this one is well worth watching if you like traditional English murder mysteries; just remember if you are watching it with somebody who hasn't seen it before don't even hint at who the killer is or you might spoil a great ending.
"The Mrs Bradley Mysteries"..!!!
carmenjulianna18 August 2019
Isn't 'Dame Diana Rigg' Wonderfully Appropriate..!!! If this character and role as Mrs Adela Bradley wasn't & isn't perfect for her. I do not understand why the series ended so quickly? It was a shame, as I really enjoy it. Five episodes was definitely Not Adequate for this authentic and wonderful costume mystery drama. I waited for news of a return, still waiting I'm afraid. 😣 Her close companion and chauffeur George, played by (Neil Dudgeon) was a fab' and enjoyable partnership. Mystery dramas are normally enjoyed by the general public, as one would have expected of this classic vintage drama. Ah well, it was nice watching 'Dame Diana Rigg' on our tv screens for the short lived time it was given, as we really do not see her enough. Why, because she's mainly doing plays in theatre more often than not. Come back to our tv screens Diana...as an avid fan...I would love to see you play in more dramas...😊 Instead, we always seem to see 'Dame Judy.'..😲..All the Classic tv broadcasting has but disappeared, they don't make them like they used to....
'There are three golden rules for bringing up children. Alas nobody knows what they are.' - The final, and best, Mrs Bradley Mystery
rhysmann200827 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
'The Worsted Viper' is a fantastic end to this wonderful series. Please ignore the previous reviewer's comments, as they clearly have an axe to grind over something. This episode is funny, with plenty of Mrs Bradley's asides to the camera, and an amusing subplot featuring Mrs B and Inspector Christmas-and George and the hotel owner (Isla Blair)...
This episode has a very good plot which will leave you guessing until the very end. Satanic rituals, smuggling and an ancient cult are the main elements which Mrs Bradley has to work with, and she does so triumphantly. The case investigated is linked to Mrs B's very first case-and it is not long before the solution clicks into place.
Although significantly altered from Gladys Mitchell's original (and extremely rare) novel, which in itself is worth a read if you can lay your hands on a copy, this is still excellent.
It is a great shame that no more episodes of this fantastic crime drama were made; as ever here the costumes and period detail are superb, the music wonderfully evocative of the '20s, and Diana Rigg and Neil Dudgeon are on top form. This is a crime drama that can be watched over and over again-and your enjoyment will grow on each viewing.
This episode has a very good plot which will leave you guessing until the very end. Satanic rituals, smuggling and an ancient cult are the main elements which Mrs Bradley has to work with, and she does so triumphantly. The case investigated is linked to Mrs B's very first case-and it is not long before the solution clicks into place.
Although significantly altered from Gladys Mitchell's original (and extremely rare) novel, which in itself is worth a read if you can lay your hands on a copy, this is still excellent.
It is a great shame that no more episodes of this fantastic crime drama were made; as ever here the costumes and period detail are superb, the music wonderfully evocative of the '20s, and Diana Rigg and Neil Dudgeon are on top form. This is a crime drama that can be watched over and over again-and your enjoyment will grow on each viewing.
A good finale.
Sleepin_Dragon2 May 2020
It's a good solid mystery, with a few surprises along the way, who on Earth would have had a motive for killing the Vicar's daughter? Fortunately Mrs Bradley is once again on hand to lend a hand to Inspector Christmas.
The series seemed to get more serious as it went on, this was a very good final episode. It's another stylish, smart whodunnit, which will have your grey matter tested as you try and work out the identity of the killer. They did a great job with the reveal, and the surprise unveiling was a real shocker.
Very well acted and visually sumptuous as always, Rigg and Dudgeon shine as always, Pooky Quesnel is great, but this one definitely belongs to Peter Davison, who's character became more prevalent as time went on.
It saddens me that it got axed after this episode, it deserved a much longer run.
Very good, 7/10.
The series seemed to get more serious as it went on, this was a very good final episode. It's another stylish, smart whodunnit, which will have your grey matter tested as you try and work out the identity of the killer. They did a great job with the reveal, and the surprise unveiling was a real shocker.
Very well acted and visually sumptuous as always, Rigg and Dudgeon shine as always, Pooky Quesnel is great, but this one definitely belongs to Peter Davison, who's character became more prevalent as time went on.
It saddens me that it got axed after this episode, it deserved a much longer run.
Very good, 7/10.
Murdered, She Was
tedg9 May 2006
This was the last of four, and by this time the producers knew they had a dead fish on their hands. They tried quite a few things. They turned Rigg's hair red. They increased the level of obnoxiousness in her character, including more time when she spoke directly to the audience. And more of that talk was "character foible" rather than plot comment.
And this time they worked in as many extreme plot devices as possible: the loyal chauffeur's daughter threatened; a twist in the identity of the hooded villain; stronger hints of romance for our detective and sexual swapping elsewhere; an impossibly cute little girl and ancient mysticism.
The plot is one of those that depends on a certain person ordering scrambled eggs in the middle of the day, then slipping on a lemonpeel as a motorcycle goes by and certain other accidents all aligning miraculously.
They really pulled out all the stops on this. I guess even with all they tried, the reports came back: we hate this, it is horrible, kill it.
Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.
And this time they worked in as many extreme plot devices as possible: the loyal chauffeur's daughter threatened; a twist in the identity of the hooded villain; stronger hints of romance for our detective and sexual swapping elsewhere; an impossibly cute little girl and ancient mysticism.
The plot is one of those that depends on a certain person ordering scrambled eggs in the middle of the day, then slipping on a lemonpeel as a motorcycle goes by and certain other accidents all aligning miraculously.
They really pulled out all the stops on this. I guess even with all they tried, the reports came back: we hate this, it is horrible, kill it.
Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
