Los pequeños asesinatos de Agatha Christie

I watched a few episodes with Superintendent Larosière and the young Inspector Lampion, set in the Thirties , and some other episodes featuring Commissaire Swan Laurence and reporter AliceAvril in the Fifties. All of them bring a fresh approach to Agata Christie's stories, a touch of comedy and a glance at the society of the time, but let me say that the earlier episodes are far more intriguing than the later ones. My rating for this series would have been a 8 or even 9 for the Larosière and Lampion duo, but a 6 for Laurence and Avril. This series definitely makes a case for having per-season ratings for TV shows on IMDb.

For production values (cinematography, directing, acting, casting, etc. - especially the period settings and wardrobes) this is a top notch series. Absolutely top notch. As for the plots, well... they are based on Christie mysteries - which you either like or not. But so loosely that it doesn't really matter. The characters are over-the-top and the whole thing is done with humor in mind. Took me, however, about 4 or 5 episodes to really appreciate this series. Initially, Laurence's coldness, his male model handsomeness, his creaseless suit is a caricature of a male chauvinist cop. Again, part of the humor. But, with Season 2 he really showed a very different side of himself. The acting by all the characters is just superb. But, it does take awhile for this series to grow on you (or did for me). And the mysteries themselves are usually actually pretty good.

And the very last (wrapup) episode of the last season is one of the best shows I've ever seen: they made it a musical - and I hate musicals - but this was so clever and enjoyable and funny that I've watched it multiple times.

I guess this series was made following the success of "Petits meurtres en famille", which is, the best movie version of Hercule Poirot's Christmas I've ever seen. To lead the investigation, instead of Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple, we have here Commissaire Jean Larosière (Antoine Duléry - who I think looks like Robert De Niro) and his subordinate Inspector Lampion (Marius Colucci), who shows a homosexual tendency. In Petits meurtres en famille, Larosière - Lampion remind me of funny detective couple in Les 4 as, where the subordinate shows high respect to his idiot superior; but in this series, Commissaire Larosière is not that stupid anymore and he really does his share in solving the cases. The relation between the 2 is like father - son and each cannot live without the other.

British series based on Agatha Christie books are too faithful and we can see how the characters come alive like how they have been written. This French version is more free in the adaptation and therefore more interesting to watch.

Season 2. Wonderful, so funny... The characters are very characteristic, with fun, the inspector is somewhat dog but in a funny way. The journalist a modern woman and the secretary is so suite. Congratulations.

This show sets the perfect mood for intrigue, mystery and entertainment.

Agatha Christie's works have inspired many iterations on film, although "the usual suspects" are most often repeated (Death on the Nile, etc.). So, it's not just "new" stories that are presented here, but the crimes are solved by a new set of characters who bring lots of playful dynamic to the mix.

Of the 1950's episodes - while the first two seasons very well establish the era and tone, the series really hits its stride in seasons 3 & 4. With increased confidence, everyone brings more layered nuance to the storytelling.

Overall, the production values are extremely well delivered. A special shout out to set dressers, costume and make-up. And the soundtrack engages with suspense and mischief, and perfectly balances the actors' and editors' comedic timing.

Of the performers, my personal favorite is Elodie Frenck as the divine Marlene. She's sexy, funny, the perfect blend of subtlety and charm, and occasional well-placed gaucherie, making this character irresistibly adorable.

Well cast, the other actors bring dynamic energy to their roles in unique ways.

J'adore!