This recent television adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Partners in Crime stories has proven to be a delightful viewing experience. In an era dominated by lengthy, often drawn-out series, the format of this show, with its mysteries neatly wrapped within two to four episodes, is refreshingly perfect. This particular story unfolded over three episodes, hitting that sweet spot perfectly.
Although I wasn’t previously familiar with this specific Partners in Crime narrative, and suspect many viewers were in the same boat, it delivered a genuinely thrilling adventure. While seasoned mystery aficionados might predict some of the plot twists, the series maintains a compelling pace and keeps you engaged throughout.
The standout performance undoubtedly comes from June Raines. She embodies her role with fabulous energy and a believable feistiness that is utterly captivating. Her portrayal is not only convincing but also incredibly enjoyable to watch. And let’s not overlook the costumes! They are simply divine and perfectly capture the 1950s setting, adding another layer of charm to her character. I am genuinely eager to see more of June Raines in this role and in other projects; she truly seems to flourish in the 1950s milieu.
However, the casting of David Walliams is, in my opinion, a significant misstep. Throughout the series, his facial expressions seemed remarkably limited. It felt as though he maintained a perpetually stunned or frozen demeanor, even in scenes that demanded a strong emotional response. Whether it was a loved one in danger, his own life threatened, or being caught off guard, the expected flicker of emotion simply wasn’t there.
This came across as a lack of enthusiasm, an absence of energy, almost as if he was too bothered to fully commit to the performance. If this portrayal was intended to embody a characteristically British ‘stiff upper lip’ – quiet, introverted, and calm – then it missed the mark by a considerable margin, venturing into unintentional overacting through inaction.
Furthermore, the on-screen chemistry between Raines and Walliams felt noticeably absent. The dynamic expected from partners, especially ‘partners in crime,’ seemed to fizzle rather than sizzle.
Despite this casting concern, I am still invested in the series and will certainly tune in to the next story. Hopefully, the dynamic will evolve and improve in future installments. Overall, Partners in Crime is a thoroughly enjoyable show, only slightly hampered by what feels like a misjudgment in the lead male casting. It remains a wonderful addition to television adaptations of Agatha Christie’s works, and the strengths largely outweigh this single, albeit significant, drawback.
