Ep 5. The Third Floor Flat

Poirot season 1 episode 5, titled "The Third Floor Flat," follows detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates another case. The episode opens with Poirot receiving a phone call from his friend, Inspector Japp. Japp has a case that he believes may interest Poirot and asks him to investigate a break-in on the third floor of an apartment building.

Poirot agrees to take on the case and arrives at the building, where he meets Japp and the building's superintendent, Mr. Barnes. They lead Poirot to the third floor and show him the apartment that was broken into. The apartment belongs to a young couple, Mr. and Mrs. Merton, who were out for the evening when the break-in occurred.

Upon inspecting the apartment, Poirot realizes that nothing was taken, which strikes him as odd. He begins to question the Mertons, their neighbours, and the building staff. As Poirot investigates, he uncovers a series of clues and potential motives, leading him to suspect that the break-in may not have been what it seemed at first.

Meanwhile, a further twist in the case arises when a pearl necklace is discovered hidden in the Mertons' apartment. The necklace belongs to a woman named Miss Sainsbury Seale, who lives on the second floor of the building. Poirot wonders how the necklace ended up in the Mertons' apartment and whether it is connected to the break-in.

Further investigations lead Poirot to the discovery of a number of suspects, each with a possible motive for the break-in and the theft of the necklace. Poirot must sort through a tangled web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth and solve the case.

"The Third Floor Flat" is a classic Poirot mystery, complete with intricate clues, red herrings, and unexpected twists and turns. Fans of the series will appreciate the attention to detail and the cleverness of Poirot's deductions, while newcomers will be drawn in by the well-developed characters and engaging storyline.

The episode showcases the brilliance of David Suchet's portrayal of Poirot, as he masterfully navigates the complexities of the case and brings the culprit to justice. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with each actor bringing nuance and depth to their characters.

Overall, "The Third Floor Flat" is a must-watch episode for fans of Poirot and lovers of classic detective stories. Its blend of mystery, suspense, and wit make it a standout in an already impressive series.