Poirot "The Yellow Iris" #5.3 (1993) (TV)

"The English they do not have a cuisine, my friend, they have only the food.", 14 August 2015

On the same day Poirot reads about a new restaurant opening, he receives a mysterious yellow iris. He is immediately reminded of a case he was unable to solve in Argentina. A woman died of cyanide poisoning at table decorated with yellow irises in a restaurant of the same name. The police ruled it a suicide, but Poirot was forced out of the country before he could investigate. Now, exactly two years later, Poirot is concerned that another murder is about to take place. But he plans to be there to not only put a stop to the new murder, but also solve the old one.

Overall, The Yellow Iris is an enjoyable enough Poirot episode. The production values are first-rate. Sets, costuming, music, and lighting are dead on giving the whole production a wonderful atmosphere. The acting is quite nice. Suchet is as good as ever. The supporting cast in this one is more than capable with Dorian Healy being the real standout for me. The pacing does stutter a little with the Argentine flashbacks slowing down the proceedings more than it should. Much of this back-story was unnecessary to the plot. Still, in a way it was relatively interesting. This is not meant as a criticism, but the reenactment of the tragic dinner scene felt a bit morose, as I'm sure it was meant. To repeat what I wrote at the start of this paragraph, it's an enjoyable enough episode. 

I always seem to have something negative to say and that's no different in The Yellow Iris. The murder took real guts and luck to pull off. So, I can't see even the most brazen of murderers attempting it twice. Not with Poirot sitting directly beside the intended target.

6/10