29 December 2023 , 08:53
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A new BBC adaptation of an Agatha Christie classic has been panned by one of today’s top rated authors.
His Dark Materials writer Philip Pullman - whose own fantasy book series has been adapted into a hit series by the BBC in collaboration with HBO - has lashed out at the lavish production of Murder Is Easy. The period drama stars David Jonsson as detective Luke Fitzwilliam who is alerted to a crime by Penelope Wilton’s anxious character Miss Pinkerton - before a serial killer is found to be at large in the quiet town of Wychwood under Ashe.
The all-star cast includes The Rings of Power star Morfydd Clark, Shetland's Douglas Henshall and EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite and has been split into two episodes which aired on the BBC this week. While the two part drama was directed by Meenu Gaur - who directed episodes of the recent BBC hit drama, World on Fire.
But 77-year-old Phillip was less than impressed by the big budget adaptation. And it seems he didn’t like much about the show at all - as he slammed the writing, the acting and the directing.
The BBC's 2023 adaptation of Murder Is Easy has been panned by a top author (BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz)Taking to X/Twitter after the first episode had aired, the author made his opinions very clear - and he explained why he would not be tuning in to watch the second half. Philip wrote: “Shan't be watching Episode 2 of the 'Agatha Christie' on BBC1. The actors had no idea what to do, and the director didn't know either, and the script was pitiful. What a waste.”
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Other viewers were much more supportive of the minseries - with many taking to social media to praise the production. One appreciative viewer wrote: "I'm really enjoying the modern take on a classic. So much more relatable."
Another typed added: "I enjoyed it. A refreshing new take on the familiar tropes. Lead actor, David Jonsson is excellent". Another agreed, writing: "I really enjoyed it. Perhaps because I saw it as entertainment. The lead is brilliant, I hope he does well #MurderIsEasy."
While one TV fan singled out the BBC show as the highlight of the festive schedule. They wrote: "Christmas TV has been dreadful on the whole, but really enjoyed the first episode of BBC's latest Agatha Christie adaptation #MurderIsEasy looking forward to watching the concluding episode tonight".
Agatha Christie’s original novel that the show is based on was published in 1939 and focuses on the chase to track down a serial killer. And while the novel has been adapted for screen, stage and radio multiple times in the past, the 2023 adaptation brings together an impressive cast. The BBC previously revealed: “Filming on Murder is Easy took place in Scotland. The series will be on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK from Wednesday 27 December, and on BritBox International’s streaming service in the US, Canada and South Africa in 2024. FIFTH SEASON handle international sales.”