The Laurence and Avril period of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie', having enjoyed all but one the episodes from the Larosiere and Lampion period (lasted much shorter), was a slow starter when initially disliking Laurence and for a while was not as consistent as that period. But it did improve quite a bit on the whole and so did the character writing for Laurence, when he became more relaxed and not as obnoxious as before.
"Ding Dingue Dong" is the third (loose) adaptation of 'Evil Under the Sun' and is a very good episode of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie'. A good representation of the series and of how much the Laurence and Avril period has come on since it first started. Both the previous adaptations of 'Evil Under the Sun', the Peter Ustinov film (one of the better film adaptations of Christie's books) and the David Suchet version are very good and well worth watching. As is "Ding Dingue Dong".
In my view, the character of Arlette Carmouille requires some suspension of disbelief which is stretched a bit here.
Likewise with some of the events at the clinic, some more necessary than others.
However, a great job is done with Marlene in "Ding Dingue Dong". Her role is quite poignant and one feels and roots for her, but it thankfully doesn't dominate the episode too much while serving point to the story. The case is suitably entertaining and twisty, even if it could have done with more suspense. Loved the knowing references to past episodes and that there is a nice mix of light-heartedness and a darker tone when needed seen in both the Larosiere and Lampion period and the later Laurence and Avril episodes. The dialogue has wit and maturity, without being over-simplified or muddled.
Elodie Frenck is at her most moving though her charm has not been lost either. Samuel Labarthe is not as relaxed here and he is in previous episode, except it's appropriate here, but he doesn't come over as unpleasant like he did in his early episodes and his concern for Marlene is believably done. Kevin Garnichat and Emmanuel Bordier are great in support. As are the typically sumptuous production values which evoke the period to a tee. The story had imperfects but obviousness and coherence are never problems.
Summarising, very good. 8/10
"Ding Dingue Dong" is the third (loose) adaptation of 'Evil Under the Sun' and is a very good episode of 'Les Petits Meurtres D'Agatha Christie'. A good representation of the series and of how much the Laurence and Avril period has come on since it first started. Both the previous adaptations of 'Evil Under the Sun', the Peter Ustinov film (one of the better film adaptations of Christie's books) and the David Suchet version are very good and well worth watching. As is "Ding Dingue Dong".
In my view, the character of Arlette Carmouille requires some suspension of disbelief which is stretched a bit here.
Likewise with some of the events at the clinic, some more necessary than others.
However, a great job is done with Marlene in "Ding Dingue Dong". Her role is quite poignant and one feels and roots for her, but it thankfully doesn't dominate the episode too much while serving point to the story. The case is suitably entertaining and twisty, even if it could have done with more suspense. Loved the knowing references to past episodes and that there is a nice mix of light-heartedness and a darker tone when needed seen in both the Larosiere and Lampion period and the later Laurence and Avril episodes. The dialogue has wit and maturity, without being over-simplified or muddled.
Elodie Frenck is at her most moving though her charm has not been lost either. Samuel Labarthe is not as relaxed here and he is in previous episode, except it's appropriate here, but he doesn't come over as unpleasant like he did in his early episodes and his concern for Marlene is believably done. Kevin Garnichat and Emmanuel Bordier are great in support. As are the typically sumptuous production values which evoke the period to a tee. The story had imperfects but obviousness and coherence are never problems.
Summarising, very good. 8/10
