Les petits meurtres d'Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie: The Queen of Crime. Although popularised by TV movies starring Peter Ustinov, and later David Suchet, as the Belgian super-sleuth, Hercule Poirot, her page- turners have been adapted for the silver screen since 1928. This long-standing celebration of her work raises the question: is there anything left to explore?

Transpose British tales of bloody murder amongst decadent elite social circles into the quaint rural landscape of late 1930s France and we realise there is plenty of room left for investigation.

Never would the foreign location in France 2′s Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie (The Little Murders of Agatha Christie) alienate Christie fans as her work comes back to life in the coastal Calais region – one of many nods to the narrative's culturally British origins, and a tactic favoured by New Wave filmmaker Claude Chabrol. The 1930s setting also delivers nuances of anxiety to an already foreboding atmosphere.

Eccentric Commissaire Larosière (Antoine Duléry), and reluctant apprentice, Inspecteur Lampion (Marius Colucci) replace Christie's iconic sleuths in these re-imagined adaptations while providing the series' greatest quality that separates it from her original work: the womanising Larosière, a relic of the old world, soon discovers that Lampion is gay. Yet, despite homosexuality being a highly taboo subject during the period, Larosière not only accepts it but their unspoken bond blooms into an endearing father-son relationship.

In 2012, the Larosière/Lampion duo sadly came to an unexpected close. However, last year we were introduced to the new unlikely couple, this time set in the Rock'n'Roll 1950s: another womanising detective, Commissaire Laurence (Samuel Labarthe) and meddling reporter, Alice Avril (Blandine Bellavoir).

While this odd-couple's relationship has yet to mature to the same depth as their predecessors, their chemistry is unblemished. Although both highly entertaining, the true hero of this comeback series is Laurence's pin-up secretary, Marlène (Elodie Frenck), an enchanting yet somewhat dim Marilyn Monroe à la Française.

Not only does Les Petits Meurtres d'Agatha Christie successfully navigate the perilous terrain of adapting a celebrated British institution abroad, but it makes for a revitalising experience all while remaining loyal to the genre's conventions. If it somehow makes it across the Channel, it is certainly worth a watch.

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!

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.

Amazing casting and production. Attention to detail is very impressive...and what about the era cars? Wow The interpretation of Agatha Christie's stories is unique with french flair. What a treat 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.