Agatha Christie’s Poirot S01E09 The King of Clubs (1989) – 6/10 period murder mystery TV review

Cast / crew Writer: Agatha Christie David Suchet: Hercule Poirot Hugh Fraser: Arthur Hastings Philip Jackson: Chief Inspector Japp Writer (Dramatisation): Michael Baker Script Consultant: Clive Exton Niamh Cusack: Valerie Saintclair Producer: Brian Eastman Director: Renny Rye Executive Producer: Nick Elliott Executive Producer: Linda Agran

Poirot, Agatha Christie’s S01E09 King of Clubs, The (1989) A much-disliked movie producer is found dead by his leading lady, Valerie Saintclair, but her subsequent actions are too well witnessed for Poirot. 6/10 Bit of a surprise to see Poirot allow being called French (by Sean Pertwee) to go without correction and SPOILER allow someone to get away with a crime. It’s always fun to see Japp think he is out-performing Poirot’s little grey cells ("You mustn’t get discouraged Poirot. When you’ve been around as long as I have…"). Suchet is spot on, Philip Jackson does his thing and Hugh Fraser’s Hastings is, as always, perfect ("You’re onto something, Poirot. I’m dashed if I know what it is.") So while this is one of the weaker hour-long’s, it’s still a fun, entertaining murder mystery and there’s a lovely closing shot that reinforces why: the relationship between Hastings and Poirot. This Poirot, Agatha Christie’s episode contains adult dialogue and mild unpleasant and gory scene. Classified PG by BBFC. Parental Guidance. Links Agatha Christie Screened by Slimm Next episode: The Dream

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