Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Poirot "The Adventure of the Western Star" #2.9 (1990) (TV)

"Now, close your little book and eat your dinner.", 28 July 2015


Poirot is beside himself after receiving a request for a visit with famed Belgian actress Marie Marvelle. Marvelle happens to own a very valuable diamond, The Western Star. Someone has sent several notes threatening to steal the diamond. The next day, Poirot is visited by Lady Yardly, the owner of the famous Eastern Star diamond. She has also received messages threatening to steal her diamond. Poirot and Hastings visit Lady Yardly and, before they can lay eyes on the diamond, someone steals it. The theft occurs literally right in front of their faces. Needless to say, the theft does not sit well with Poirot. 

In my comments on the Poirot episode I've recently watched, I've discussed my displeasure that there hasn't been good murder in quite awhile (4 or so episodes). Despite that fact and despite the fact that the mystery in The Adventure of the Western Star is overly difficult to solve, it's still a good episode. The plot in this one is as tight as I can remember. There's really not a wasted moment. Director Richard Spence did a fantastic job with pacing. Period sets, locations, and costumes are dead on the mark. The airport set, complete with vintage airplane, was a nice touch. The acting is what I've come to expect. I was especially impressed with Caroline Goodall as Lady Yardly. And, there are a couple of very nice comedy bits. My favorite has to be Poirot's reaction to meeting Marie Marvelle. I don't think I've ever seen Poirot that flustered.

7/10

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