Ep 4. The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side

Miss Marple is back in action in the latest episode of Agatha Christie's Marple season 5, entitled The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side. This time around, she finds herself in the upscale village of St. Mary Mead, where she is asked to investigate a mysterious death.

The victim is a famous actress, Marina Gregg, who has recently moved to the area with her husband. It soon becomes clear that Marina is not quite the glamorous figure she initially appears to be, as she is plagued by strange sightings and unsettling dreams. Miss Marple begins to suspect that the actress may have a hidden past, and that something from her past may have come back to haunt her.

As she delves deeper into the case, Miss Marple uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that stretches back many years. She enlists the help of a young journalist, Gwenda Halliday, who has recently moved to St. Mary Mead herself and who becomes increasingly involved in the case. Together, Miss Marple and Gwenda unravel a complex and surprising mystery that involves secret identities, hidden motives, and unexpected twists and turns.

Throughout The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side, viewers are treated to a richly atmospheric and beautifully observed world, complete with picturesque country lanes, cozy village pubs, and towering manor houses. The period details are lovingly recreated, and the costumes and set design are sumptuous and elegant.

But it's not just the setting that's impressive - the acting in this episode is top-notch too. Julia McKenzie once again delivers a pitch-perfect portrayal of Miss Marple, capturing both her intelligence and her compassion. She's ably supported by a talented cast, including Joanna Lumley as the glamorous Marina Gregg, Lindsay Duncan as her troubled friend and confidante, and Hugh Bonneville as the enigmatic Dr. Haydock.

Fans of Agatha Christie's work will be pleased to see that this adaptation is faithful to the original story, while still managing to add some modern touches. The pacing is expertly done, with enough suspense and intrigue to keep viewers hooked throughout the episode. And the denouement, when it finally arrives, is as satisfying as it is surprising.

Overall, The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side is a fitting addition to the Agatha Christie's Marple canon. It's a stylish, confident, and thoroughly entertaining mystery, filled with rich characters and a delightfully twisty plot. Whether you're a longtime fan of Christie's work or simply in the mood for a smart and engrossing TV drama, this episode is well worth a watch.