The BBC's critically acclaimed 2018 adaptation of Agatha Christie's classic novel Ordeal by Innocence has made its way to BBC iPlayer, offering viewers a chance to experience this gripping period drama with an unexpected modern twist. Originally airing as a three-part series, this production has been hailed by audiences and critics alike for its perfect pacing and suspenseful storytelling.
A Modern Take on a Classic Mystery
This adaptation follows the aftermath of wealthy philanthropist Rachel Argyll's murder, with the story taking a dramatic turn when Dr. Arthur Calgary reveals an alibi that proves the innocence of her convicted son Jack, who died in prison. This revelation forces the Argyll family to confront the unsettling truth that the real killer remains among them, creating a tense atmosphere of suspicion and intrigue.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Details
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Bill Nighy, Morven Christie, Anna Chancellor, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Christian Cooke. Notably, the production faced significant challenges when original cast member Ed Westwick was replaced following allegations of sexual assault, leading to extensive reshoots with Cooke taking over the role.
Written by Sarah Phelps, this marked one of her first Christie adaptations for the BBC, paving the way for subsequent projects including The Pale Horse. Phelps has been particularly praised for capturing the layered character backstories that define Christie's work while introducing fresh perspectives.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The series received overwhelmingly positive reviews upon its initial release, achieving an impressive 94 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers have consistently praised the adaptation for maintaining suspense until the final reveal, with many noting how the three-episode format allowed for optimal pacing and character development.
Audience reviews highlight several key strengths:
- "Very entertaining watch. Perfect pacing and loved that it was 3 episodes. Will keep you guessing until the end."
- "This three-part series is the best-adapted Agatha Christie mystery in recent memory. A well-casted character study of a family full of secrets..."
- "Phelps captures the layers of character backstory that are a hallmark of Agatha Christie and peels them away with intriguing twists and turns."
- "A crime story based on Agatha Christie with a somewhat modern twist. Loved it!"
- "Top notch who done it, great twists and misdirection of who the murderer is. It also has great acting to boot."
Why This Adaptation Stands Out
What makes this particular Christie adaptation noteworthy is its successful balance between honoring the source material and introducing contemporary elements. The series has been described as a "character study of a family full of secrets" that maintains Christie's signature complexity while appealing to modern audiences. Several reviewers noted that even viewers unfamiliar with Christie's work found themselves impressed and more open to exploring her stories after watching this adaptation.
The production's visual style, combined with strong performances across the cast, creates an immersive viewing experience that has resonated with both longtime Christie fans and newcomers to her work. The careful attention to period detail, coupled with the psychological depth of the character portrayals, elevates this beyond a simple murder mystery into a nuanced exploration of family dynamics and hidden truths.
With its current availability on BBC iPlayer, Ordeal by Innocence offers British audiences an opportunity to discover or revisit what many consider one of the finest Christie adaptations in recent television history. The series serves as both an excellent introduction to Christie's world for new viewers and a satisfying interpretation for dedicated fans of the legendary crime writer's work.
