Ep 1. Episode 1

Poirot, the legendary detective, returns to our screens in this riveting adaptation of Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders. The first episode, entitled simply "Episode 1," wastes no time in immersing us in the story, opening with a flurry of action and intrigue.

Our introduction to Poirot, played to perfection by John Malkovich, is suitably enigmatic. Dressed in furs and with a walking stick in hand, he strides into an expensive hotel in London, his piercing gaze immediately setting him apart from the crowd. Accompanied by his faithful companion, Captain Hastings (played by Rupert Grint), Poirot has come to meet an old acquaintance, Inspector Crome (Andrew Buchan), who is investigating a series of murders that seem to be connected but don't fit any known pattern.

We quickly learn that Poirot has received a taunting letter from the killer, signed "ABC," which sets out the order in which the murders will take place: first in Andover, then Bexhill, and finally Churston. Poirot is dismissive of the letter, believing it to be the work of a madman or a prankster, but when the murders begin exactly as predicted, he is forced to re-evaluate his assumptions.

The first murder takes place in Andover, and the scene is portrayed with a grim realism that is sure to unsettle viewers. The victim, Alice Ascher, runs a small newsagent's shop in the town, and her body is found slumped behind the counter, with a pool of blood spreading out beneath her. The police arrive quickly on the scene, but seem to be making little progress in their investigation. Enter Poirot, who is immediately struck by a few crucial details: the pattern of bloodstains on the floor, the position of the victim's body, and the fact that the cash register has been emptied.

As Poirot and Hastings set out to gather evidence and interview witnesses, the tension mounts steadily. We are introduced to a range of intriguing characters, including Alice's husband, a stern and stoic man who seems oddly disconnected from the tragedy, and her assistant, a young man with a quick temper and a troubled past. Other suspects emerge as well, including a local doctor who has recently fallen on hard times, and a mysterious stranger who was seen loitering outside the shop just before the murder took place.

As the investigation unfolds, we see both Poirot and Crome at work, each approaching the case from his own unique perspective. Poirot is methodical and meticulous, scrutinizing every detail for clues that might point him towards the killer. Crome, by contrast, is brash and aggressive, working on instinct and pushing his team hard to find a breakthrough.

Despite their different approaches, however, both men are clearly brilliant in their own way. When Poirot finally cracks the case, it is not through brute force or luck, but through a painstaking process of deduction that is breathtaking to watch. The final solution to the mystery is both surprising and satisfying, and sets the stage for the gripping episodes to come.

Overall, episode one of Agatha Christie's The ABC Murders is a masterful piece of storytelling, blending intricate detective work with gripping suspense and skillful character development. Fans of Poirot and Christie alike will find much to love here, and newcomers to the world of murder mysteries will be drawn in by the quality of the performances and the richness of the storytelling. Highly recommended.