Ep 4. The Sittaford Mystery

The Sittaford Mystery is the fourth episode of the second season of the popular British detective show Agatha Christie's Marple. Set in the quiet village of Sittaford, the episode follows Miss Marple as she attempts to solve a puzzling murder case.

The episode begins with a group of friends gathered at Sittaford House, a remote country estate, for a psychic séance. During the séance, the group attempts to contact the spirit of a deceased man named Captain Trevelyan, who was found dead several months earlier. As the séance comes to an end, a blizzard hits the area, trapping everyone inside the house.

The next morning, the body of the new owner of Sittaford House, Mr. Paynter, is found in a nearby field. His murder is made all the more mysterious by the fact that he had no known enemies and no motive for anyone to want him dead. Naturally, the local police are baffled by the case, and it falls to Miss Marple to unravel the truth.

As Miss Marple starts her investigation, she discovers that there are several suspects in the case, each with their own potential motive for the murder. First on the list is Captain Trevelyan's nephew, James Pearson, who stands to inherit a large sum of money if his uncle's will can be found. Then there's Mr. Duke, a shady businessman who had been involved in a business deal with Mr. Paynter. Finally, there's Emily Trefusis, a family friend of the Trevelyans who has fallen on hard times and may have resorted to desperate measures.

As she delves deeper into the case, Miss Marple begins to unravel a web of lies and deceit that stretches back years. Along the way, she receives help from two young men, Charles and Johnnie, who are also staying in Sittaford. But as the investigation takes a darker turn, Miss Marple realizes that the killer may be closer than she ever could have imagined.

The Sittaford Mystery is a classic Agatha Christie tale, filled with twists and turns that will keep viewers guessing until the very end. Like all good whodunits, it leaves plenty of clues along the way, but never reveals its secrets until the grand finale.

As with all of the episodes in the Marple series, The Sittaford Mystery is impeccably acted, with Geraldine McEwan delivering another fantastic performance as the sharp-witted and indomitable Miss Marple. The supporting cast is equally strong, with strong performances from Timothy Dalton, Patricia Hodge, and Zoe Tapper.

Overall, The Sittaford Mystery is a must-watch episode for fans of Agatha Christie's work, and a great introduction for those new to the series. With its intriguing plot, atmospheric setting, and strong performances, it's easy to see why this episode remains a fan favorite.