So it was "The Murder At The Vicarage", eh? Well, maybe because of the alternate title, or maybe because it's been several years since I watched the previous Miss Marple TV adaptations, but I did not recall this story at all. It's a pretty good mystery, though a little lacking in urgency; the murder victim is sadistic, nasty and creepy, so nobody misses him when he dies or is in any particular hurry to uncover his killer. The actor's performance in that role is so convincing that when he departs the film loses much of its energy. The finale is well-done, though. **1/2 out of 4.
Les petits meurtres d'Agatha Christie (TV Series)
L'Affaire Protheroe (2016)
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The Murder at the Vicarage
TheLittleSongbird3 June 2019
Agatha Christie's books and numerous adaptations of them being one of my main reasons for being so fond of detective mysteries, and have been a big fan of her for most of my life. She is nicknamed the Queen of Crime and one can absolutely see why. This French series loosely adapts her work, or bases itself around it, and is entertaining and charming in its own right, providing light comedy as well as engrossing mysteries.
"L'affair Protheroe" is the third adaptation of the Miss Marple novel 'Murder at the Vicarage', among the better ones to feature Miss Marple with an ingenious final solution. The first being the Joan Hickson adaptation, like to love all of her adaptations and consider that of 'Murder at the Vicarage' one of that series' best. Of the three adaptations, it's the best. The same goes for the Geraldine McEwen version, except that isn't as good (or as faithful) and that series is less consistent. "L'affaire Protheroe", not a hundred percent faithful adaptation but it has more of the original story elements than most episodes of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie', is the weakest of the three perhaps but it is still enjoyable with the same strengths as the rest of the series. There are better episodes, but there are also worse. This is somewhere in the middle.
There is a lot to like, but some of the pace can be dull and makes the mystery, which is a great and very diverting one with a shocking final solution, plod at times.
Would have liked more suspense, the direction has had more imagination before, and there is not as much surprises or risks as with some of the previous Laurence/Avril adaptations, it did feel safe at times. Dominique Thomas is a bit annoying in his role and doesn't really fit.
However, good things are many. The period detail and scenery are lavish. The colours are vibrant while not being drab or garish and the stylish photography complements beautifully. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value, the light-heartedness not tired, over-played or pointless.
Did not like Laurence at first and it took a while for me to warm to him, found him obnoxious and stiff and that his chemistry with Alice (always a far more interesting and likeable character, who is consistently one of the bright spots of the series) didn't gel. He is now much more relaxed and has been since "Cartes Sur Table" and the series has started developing him well, while his chemistry with Alice, as ever a joy to watch, has much more spark. Really enjoy Marlene, warm, good natured and funny, and Elodie Frenck brings that out very well.
Even if the pace is not consistent and it is a touch conventional, he mystery does have enough compelling and twisty, which keeps one on their tones and guessing, parts and is respectful. The ending does shock. The supporting cast are solid, with Julien Boisselier relishing his hateable character.
In conclusion, good but not great. Better than the rating here suggests. 7/10
"L'affair Protheroe" is the third adaptation of the Miss Marple novel 'Murder at the Vicarage', among the better ones to feature Miss Marple with an ingenious final solution. The first being the Joan Hickson adaptation, like to love all of her adaptations and consider that of 'Murder at the Vicarage' one of that series' best. Of the three adaptations, it's the best. The same goes for the Geraldine McEwen version, except that isn't as good (or as faithful) and that series is less consistent. "L'affaire Protheroe", not a hundred percent faithful adaptation but it has more of the original story elements than most episodes of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie', is the weakest of the three perhaps but it is still enjoyable with the same strengths as the rest of the series. There are better episodes, but there are also worse. This is somewhere in the middle.
There is a lot to like, but some of the pace can be dull and makes the mystery, which is a great and very diverting one with a shocking final solution, plod at times.
Would have liked more suspense, the direction has had more imagination before, and there is not as much surprises or risks as with some of the previous Laurence/Avril adaptations, it did feel safe at times. Dominique Thomas is a bit annoying in his role and doesn't really fit.
However, good things are many. The period detail and scenery are lavish. The colours are vibrant while not being drab or garish and the stylish photography complements beautifully. The music continues to match the light-hearted and at times very atmospheric tone without any jarring. The writing thought provokes and intrigues with the right amount of entertainment value, the light-heartedness not tired, over-played or pointless.
Did not like Laurence at first and it took a while for me to warm to him, found him obnoxious and stiff and that his chemistry with Alice (always a far more interesting and likeable character, who is consistently one of the bright spots of the series) didn't gel. He is now much more relaxed and has been since "Cartes Sur Table" and the series has started developing him well, while his chemistry with Alice, as ever a joy to watch, has much more spark. Really enjoy Marlene, warm, good natured and funny, and Elodie Frenck brings that out very well.
Even if the pace is not consistent and it is a touch conventional, he mystery does have enough compelling and twisty, which keeps one on their tones and guessing, parts and is respectful. The ending does shock. The supporting cast are solid, with Julien Boisselier relishing his hateable character.
In conclusion, good but not great. Better than the rating here suggests. 7/10
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