Poirot "The Chocolate Box" #5.6 (1993) (TV)

"I remember that it was not I who made the mistakes in that case; it was everyone else.", 19 August 2015

After 20 years away from Belgium, Poirot returns for a visit with Inspector Japp. He meets an old colleague and is reminded of a case he didn't solve. Poirot relates the case to Japp (in a series of flashbacks), including the solution to the murder.

The Chocolate Box is a truly wonderful, but different, Poirot episode. Suchet does what I consider his best piece of acting in the entire series. Going from young, slim Poirot in one scene to the older, balder Poirot we're more familiar with in the next is amazing. It's almost like watching two different actors. The supporting cast is equal to the task, with Rosalie Crutchley and Anna Chancellor being the standouts for me. The Chocolate Box is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully filmed Poirot episodes. The location shots are gorgeous. Costuming is also noteworthy. Set in a different time and a different place, everything looks stunning. The mystery itself is quite good with a satisfactory conclusion given the clues and events leading up to the finale. Finally, I have to mention the relationship between Poirot and Virginie Mesnard. It's beautiful and heart-breaking in it's honesty, innocence, and sincerity. Overall, this is one of the best episodes in the series. A 9/10 from me.

9/10