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Poirot to be axed?

johnwaynefreak 28 Jan 10 at 7:05 p.m. GMT

From a press release:

Hercule Poirot faces his trickiest dilemma - as he waits to see if he is being killed off by TV bosses.

David Suchet, who has played the Belgian detective for 20 years, admits his little grey cells are working overtime.

And he fears the long-running show is about to be axed as ITV chiefs struggle to save cash.

The actor has revealed there are no plans to start work on the final six stories in the Agatha Christie series.

Since 1989 ITV has made 65 films and Suchet had hoped to complete all 71 by his 65th birthday in May 2011.

But he reckons it now seems increasingly unlikely.

He said: "I'm pragmatic and accept that things get cancelled. Of course there are cutbacks in TV drama and if it is not to be, it is not to be. I will have to be a big boy and accept it." He added: "Of course I would be very sad if it didn't get recommissioned."

Cast and crew fear the plug will be pulled because - despite three films already in the can and due to be screened this year - there are no plans to make any more for 2011

One insider said: "We'd normally have heard by now. Everyone is wondering whether this is it.

"It also doesn't sit particularly well with the new, thrusting, trendy ITV drama landscape, which features shows like Collision and Prisoner."

Itv has already axed several shows, including Heartbeat, The Royal, Sharpe, Where the Heart Is and Kingdom.

The most recent Poirot, Three Act Tragedy, was watched by 4.9 million earlier this month. It was beaten by BBC1's Wallander and C4's Celebrity Big Brother. In its heyday the drama pulled in around 14 million.

The Poirot films waiting to air are Murder On The Orient Express, The Clocks, which co-stars Jaime Winstone, and Hallowe'en Party.

The source added: "It will be a great shame if it doesn't carry on. The world is hoping for and expecting the full boxed set - all 71 stories. We know this from the letters we get.

"A lot of people will be disappointed if the next three are the last."

The series has already been rested by ITV once before. It was "axed" in 1995 but brought back four years later by popular demand.

Last night an ITV spokeswoman said a decision on recommissioning would be taken once the three films had been placed in the schedule.

_____________________________________

Personally, I'm not all that surprised the ratings have plummeted - the shine really has gone out of the series. Arty-farty camerawork and a Poirot who rabidly shouts at all the suspects throughout the final twenty minutes... I think the biggest problem of all is ITV's lack of commitment when it comes to publicising the show. Like "Midsomer Murders", the scheduling seems totally haphazard - and how long had "Appointment With Death" been in the can (and how many other countries had seen it) before it's Xmas Day airing?

I have to admit, I will be disappointed if we don't see "Curtain" filmed (minus the seemingly requisite incest, added homosexuality and general air of condescending camp, of course!)

Any views?

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93 replies

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Tommy_A_Jones 23 Jun 11 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

I can't remember what all the last ones are, Elephants Can Remember, Dead Man's Folly, The Big Four, Curtain What is the 5th, If it is Black Coffee it is a short story turned into a Book or Play or something so I don't see it is that big a deal if the money isn't there to make it, if it is The Labours of Hercules it is a Book of short stories and again I personally don't think it would be a disaster if they weren't done but the 4 I mentioned should definitely be done.

johnwaynefreak 22 Jun 11 at 8 p.m. GMT

David Suchet collects his CBE

"I have done all but five of the stories. My lifelong dream will be releasing the Poirot boxset of all the novels she wrote.

"It may happen. There's a green light flickering and I'm waiting for it to be steady. It may be next autumn."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13875225

Again, of course, there is the question; which five?

octopusdave 26 Feb 11 at 8:17 p.m. GMT

Upon reading what was said by johnwaynefreak and the comment made by GKCfan , I wrote to ITV Viewer Services upon the information. I give you their response as follows:

Dear Mr Allen,

                          Thank you for your letter dated 19th February 2011 regarding Agatha Christie's Poirot.

It is always encouraging to receieve letters about our programmes and we are delightd to learn that you are a fan of the drama series.

We have a new film yet to be broadcast "The Clocks" which was produced last year, however ITV is in active discussions about doing more. Scripts are currently being developed but we're not currently in a position to announce new commisions. We're delighted with how well both Poirot and Marple are receieved by ITV1 audience.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to contact us here at at ITV Viewer Services.

If we can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours Sincerley

Stephen Morris

Head of ITV Viewer Services

A polite, quick and positive responce in my opinion.

geoffas 17 Mar 10 at 12:35 p.m. GMT

It's unfair to compare ratings of several years ago with today. The top rated programme for the week ending 7th March was "Coronation Street" with 11 million. Almost 5 million for "Three Act Tragedy" isn't bad. Ratings have dropped for all programmes.

My hope would be that we get the last four novels. "Labours" just isn't going to work, it's unlikely they would go back to the short story format. I'm not sure about "Black Coffee"

Just because the series hasn't been re-commissioned yet doesn't mean it won't be. In recent years they haven't  filmed four every year.

Unlike some people I've enjoyed all the Poirots, but thought they took too many liberties with "Appointment with Death".

Tommy_A_Jones 11 Mar 10 at 4:48 p.m. GMT

I thought the identity of No 4 was identified much too quickly, I think if the Chapters had not been pasrt of a Novel they would have been fine, as I say IMHO takew off the beginning and end and take out the BIG FOUR references and the chapters are Fine and I agree it is such a pity Joan Hickson didn't do the short stories.

stylestocurtain 11 Mar 10 at 1:08 p.m. GMT

Lol I think I am the only one who loves Big Four then ... it was a real page turner for me, I loved all the mystery and intrigue ... I didn't like Man in the Brown Suit though (really feeble ending!) Ooh and I loved the Secret Adversary!!! That had me on tenterhooks!

Hmm Mrs Oliver is allright I suppose. Although a welsh friend of mine was a bit offended when she quipped "Never trust the Welsh!" Zoe Wanamaker plays her very well though.

I think the reason is is I don't find her very complementary to Poirot ... to my mind I think he'd probably be pretty intolerant of so much haphazardness and a disorganised person such as her (that apple core scene rolling out of the car was hilarious tho!)

Lone_Wolf 10 Mar 10 at 5:17 p.m. GMT

I'm neutral towards A. Oliver in the books (I don't like any of the books she appears in much, (except "Pale Horse") for other reasons then her presence, though), but I like her in the movies (I didn't think of her performance much in "Mrs. McGinty", but I loved her in "Third Girl").

As to the Big Four, Christie was pretty bad at thrillers at general (Personally, I like "They Came to Baghdad", partly because it was one of my first Christies, but dislike her other thriller books).

MissQuin 10 Mar 10 at 4:46 p.m. GMT

Styles, I'm not crazy about Mrs Oliver. I didnt pay much attention to her in Cards, Dead man or elephants. I only liked her in Mrs McGinty, the Pale Horse and Third girl. But I like her on TV, as those recent adapts need a bit of humour and warmth, which Mrs O brings.

The Big four, good for you going against the crowd and saying you dont like it. I dont like it personally, it reminds me of Bond spoof.

stylestocurtain 10 Mar 10 at 4:30 p.m. GMT

... but I do think they should do ALL of the Poirots, down to the last word. It's such a shame Joan Hickson never did the Marple short stories!

stylestocurtain 10 Mar 10 at 4:29 p.m. GMT

Am I the only one that loves "The Big Four"? I thought it was a brilliant book! The only weak bit is the poison dart bit when they're tied up but otherwise I loved loved loved it! Why doesn everyone else hate it so much?Lol I think I'm also the only one who isn't a big fan of Ariadne Oliver. Dunno why ... I think there's a reason she's only in a few books.

McGinty 10 Mar 10 at 4:29 p.m. GMT

The last four should be The Big Four, Dead Man's Folly, Elephants Can Remember and then finally Curtain. Labours would be difficult as one film - it would be better as a short series, and I don't think they should film Black Coffee. Just my opinion.

Lone_Wolf 10 Mar 10 at 2:16 p.m. GMT

""Folly also MUST be done as that has Ariadne"

That's true. I like Zoe Wannamaker as A. Oliver and it would be a pleasure for me to watch.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Mar 10 at 1:30 p.m. GMT

This reply contains spoiler information. Show reply

I think they MUST do The Big Four if they don't do all the Poirot's why carry on? either do them as the book is written or take out all the references to the Culprits and do them as if they were short stories as without the Beginning and the end and the references to the big four that is what they are, I think doing Elephants Can Forget would be brilliant as it isn't realy like any of the other Poirot's is it because of the sollution (If My Memory serves me right, "Folly also MUST be done as that has Ariadne, fo me "The Labours of Hercules" is the one I would say Dunno to but then I would add Probably, Halloween Party is a yes for the same reason as Dead Man's Folly and The Clock a definite Must because I love the book and ofcourse Curtain    

Lone_Wolf 09 Mar 10 at 5:46 p.m. GMT

I actually don't feel the disconnect between the "new" and the "old" as much as you guys, because I buy Poirot films on DVD here, and due to that I watch the episodes not in the order of their filming. Therefore, the balance seems perfect to me - when I'm tired of drama, there's a light episode for me to watch, when I'm tired of light episodes, I can have the drama!

If every episode watched by me was dark, I'd definitely miss something, and vise versa.

Having said that, due to the fact that "Five Little Pigs" is my favourite Poirot film too, I guess when all's said and done, I prefer the darker feel. I can even say that more deep (dark if you like), phsychological approach makes a film more escapist for me, not less.

As to the remaining episodes. frankly, I don't think "The Big Four" is worth filming. Let the "Marple" series use the plot of it for their owm purposes, with Mrs. Marple fighting the Four instead of Poirot. It isn't less preposterous then what they already did, anyway.

"Elephants Can Remember" requires a serious rewrite.

"Halloween Party", with a couple of delicate changes here and there, can make a movie which is better then the novel.

For "Curtain", the darker feel is perfect. With good actors that can compensate for the pallidness or original characters, the movie has the potential to be a truly heatwrenching experience. As long as they don't overdo it, anyway.

Dunno about "Folly".

"The Labours of Hercules" is rather light and not really serious in tone, therefore, I believe that it fits the "earlier" Poirot feel more. Attempting to make it all dark would result in the viewing experience being boring.

Tommy_A_Jones 09 Mar 10 at 4:35 p.m. GMT

I enjoyed the light feel of the early Poirot's I dislike the  style of plungeing into the Drama - that I think started with Five Little Pigs Someone said that the balance between Light and hopeful Drama and More Gloomy Drama has shifted towards the latter and I like the lightness of the old Poirot's, perhaps the Fashion isn't rewalistic, but who cares, Poirot is supposed to take you away from yourself and make you forget real life and for me that works perfectly, Yes there should be accuracy but if there isn't all the time it really doesn't matter as long as the Killers and Sexuality of the Characters stay the same and the viewers are happy surely that is what is importan't and for me Poirot could never get to saturation point and if it is getting to dsaturation point it is due in part tpo the ITV decission to put Miss Marple in Dramas she shouldn't be in - well that is my Humble Oppinion anyway.   

Katherine 09 Mar 10 at 1:38 p.m. GMT

I'm kind of on the fence on this.

I don't miss the fairly weak comedy subplots of the earlier episodes, and also the crowbarring of Hastings et al into every episode often didn't work. Plus it used to annoy me that the earlier series often included a pre-titles sequence which completely gave away the motive for the murder.

Since the new production team took over, I think there have been some fantastic episodes: Five Little Pigs which is still the best Poirot film ever in my opinion, and some stinkers: the recent Appointment with Death whilst looking nice just had too many elements thrown in that didn't work.

There is a danger of making them gloomy and dark for the sake of it. It's still a murder mystery after all. I found the recent Three Act Tragedy rather dull as the script lacked any real wit or humour, and the characters were particularly bland.

And it's true that the hair and make up design can make all the characters look rather anonymous: this was a particular problem in Mrs McGinty's Dead, where this coupled with a lot of far away shots of the actors made it very hard to distinguish between the suspects a lot of the time.

Surely not everyone in the 30s was dressed and styled at the very peak of fashion?!

However if there has been a recent dip in the viewing figures, I'd say that's more to do with TV audiences fracturing generally, and the fact that Poirot is screened constantly on ITV3 these days, so it becomes much harder to make the audience aware of the fact that it's a new episode. It's kind of reached saturation point unfortunately.

stylestocurtain 09 Mar 10 at 1:26 p.m. GMT

Yeah I agree ... I don't like it at all ... that's why the ratings have gone down so much

MissQuin 09 Mar 10 at 1:19 p.m. GMT

The filming is very dark on Mystery of the Blue Train, cards and other epsiodes of that time, theres lots of black. Also the actors are cast in an an almost eerie blue light. Theres lots of night scenes. It's like a film noir style. Theres little in the way of humour and the actors are often shown in shadow, looking very serious.

Yeah ceasefire, so sorry. I was listening to a song called Dont Cry Out earlier today that says seize fire!

stylestocurtain 09 Mar 10 at 1:19 p.m. GMT

go_leafs_nation

But its film technique was quite primitive. Its static feel made for a far more dull viewing experience.

I disagree entirely. The music and film technique of Murder on the Links were top notch and garnered much, much critical success. These recent ones all merge into one they're so bland.

go_leafs_nation 09 Mar 10 at 1:15 p.m. GMT

But its film technique was quite primitive. Its static feel made for a far more dull viewing experience.

Katherine 09 Mar 10 at 1:15 p.m. GMT

MissQuin

Well said Styles, a seizefire should be called for.

Would it be VERY annoying (and not strictly within the spirit of conciliation that has been called for) to point out that it's a ceasefire...?

stylestocurtain 09 Mar 10 at 1:11 p.m. GMT

go_leafs_nation

After two series that had at least one awful episode (Cards & Co. as well as Appointment), the recent series is back on par with the wonderful 2004 series (DOTN, etc.), which I'd say is the Poirot's best series to date. The tone is closer to that of AC and we needn't suffer through forced attempts at humour involving Hastings, Japp, & Co.

I'd like to know in that case how the tone differed in say, Murder on the Links, from one of the recent "darker" episodes and why the said recent ones are truer to the book? For Murder on the Links was also dark ...

MissQuin 09 Mar 10 at 1:08 p.m. GMT

I will sign your treaty of peace go leafs. I hope you share your cookies with us all as a sign of goodwill.

go_leafs_nation 09 Mar 10 at 1:06 p.m. GMT

Speaking as a member of the grammar police, I call for an end to this conflict and declare that I enjoy eating cookies. That is all.

After two series that had at least one awful episode (Cards & Co. as well as Appointment), the recent series is back on par with the wonderful 2004 series (DOTN, etc.), which I'd say is the Poirot's best series to date. The tone is closer to that of AC and we needn't suffer through forced attempts at humour involving Hastings, Japp, & Co.

MissQuin 09 Mar 10 at 12:32 p.m. GMT

Well said Styles, a seizefire should be called for.

stylestocurtain 09 Mar 10 at 12:23 p.m. GMT

Come on everybody, let's all play nice now ...

Lone_Wolf 09 Mar 10 at 12:05 p.m. GMT

"I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry LoNe wOOlf, I didn't reralise you had to be brilliant at Grammer to be on here, you are obviously a Retired Teacher who is now a member of the Posting Police."

Lulz. I'm a 19-year-old college student.

It's not really about the grammar - posts written in ALL CAPS are annoying not because they're ungrammatical, but because they shout at you. Random capitalization barks at you.

And I'm sincerely interested as to the origins of your posting style. I mean, I can understand people who don't capitalize at all, people who write in lolspeak, people who omit punctuation, but people who go though additional effort of pressing shifts?

stylestocurtain 09 Mar 10 at 11:38 a.m. GMT

Personally, I'm not all that surprised the ratings have plummeted - the shine really has gone out of the series. Arty-farty camerawork and a Poirot who rabidly shouts at all the suspects throughout the final twenty minutes...

I totally agree - Poirot from 2004 onwards has gone totally downhill! I am a dedicated Poirot fan but only bother watching them up to "Murder in Mesopotamia" because the ones from then on don't really resemble Poirot .... as they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating and it looks like this Poirot pudding isn't agreeing with many audiences!!

Nowadays I content myself with Murder on the Links, Death in the Clouds, Lord Edgware Dies, One, Two Buckle My Shoe etc ... they were the good old days!

It'd be interesting to see actually how the ratings have done throughout the series ... My guess is that after 2004 everyone was pleased to have Poirot back in some form but not really as he is now.

Sadly I'm not really that bothered if they don't complete the set - I won't make a habit of watching them anyway!

HeiseiHolmes 05 Mar 10 at 3:41 p.m. GMT

I agree, I think it's a great idea! Also, they could promote the DVD a little more, don't you think? Surely they make money from that?

Tommy_A_Jones 05 Mar 10 at 3:24 p.m. GMT

One way of beating them at their own game is buy entering the Competitions free Online, Actually when I emaikled ITV I suggested if they were stopping Poirot for Financial reasons they could do what Channel 5 do with CSI and NCSI and that isa ask a question afterwards, I know it isn't ideal but if it kept Poirot on Television it would be worth it sorry if people don't aggree. 

MissQuin 04 Mar 10 at 4:59 p.m. GMT

Ive never phoned ITV and I wont start now.

They don't even use the money to make programmes, I think it goes into the the directors pockets. They could start a Agatha Chrisite quiz, the funds go towards making Poirot new a moustache. You see... most people are too wise to phone in.. so the small amount of money made, is only enough to pay for fake facial hair.

HeiseiHolmes 04 Mar 10 at 4:50 p.m. GMT

Oh, I HATE those competitions! I wonder how much they actually make from them? And they all have really stupid names, like "Santa's Magic Money". I mean, what the heck is that? If they do axe Poirot, maybe they'll do one called "Poirot's hidden fortune" or something else like that, with an obvious answer.

MissQuin 04 Mar 10 at 4:28 p.m. GMT

Angella Sutcliffe was in Three Act tragedy. She is a mature actress, she's witty, stylish and she did once have a thing going on with Charles Cartwright. Mr Satterwaite thinks her "an adorable creature".

ITV are too busy rigging their phone line competitons, to answer any emails.

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Mar 10 at 4:25 p.m. GMT

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry LoNe wOOlf, I didn't reralise you had to be brilliant at Grammer to be on here, you are obviously a Retired Teacher who is now a member of the Posting Police.

And Katherine you are right the Information is importan't but Spence appears so rarely in Christie's books it is a shame not to have him when he shpuld appear, I doubt wether Halloween Party will suffer but it would be nice to have him I obviously think Spense is more importan't than you do, I diodn't notice Angella Sutcliffe not appearing (Actually I can't remember who she is but not having Cyrus is silly as Numbers are important in Murder On The Orient Express

detective conan I got the same kind of letter, shows what ITV think of us, In my experience if you wantt a proper replay you have to write by Hand and enclose an SAE

MissQuin 04 Mar 10 at 4:24 p.m. GMT

I'd never watch ITV again! I think Poirot is one of the better programmes on there. Marple is rather mixed. But the programmes give everyone something to talk about! Usually moan about, but often justified!

HeiseiHolmes 04 Mar 10 at 4:20 p.m. GMT

I really hope not... I would never have any respect for ITV ever again.

MissQuin 04 Mar 10 at 4:16 p.m. GMT

This topic had gone so far off track, I couldnt even think what it was originally about. Thanks DC for bringing it back. Is Poirot going to be axed, was the all important question!

HeiseiHolmes 04 Mar 10 at 3:51 p.m. GMT

Tommy_A_Jones

What do you expect? They aren't Mind readers and there is a Recession on.

I expected them to answer my questions, since I asked them directly! Even in the recession they could at least have properly read my email. They offended me, since I took so long typing it. :(

MissQuin 04 Mar 10 at 2:41 p.m. GMT

Puffinjill

Lone Wolf, does the style of other people's posts really annoy you that much? Can't you look past how something is written and concentrate on what is being said? What the post is about is the important thing, isn't it?

My sentiminets exactly PuffinJill

I'm not sure why one person's posts have to be examined, scrutinised and disected.

I think it would be good to have another long running character, who pops up now and again. Someone you can look forward to seeing, played by a superb actor. Apart from Mrs Oliver and George, there isnt anyone else.

go_leafs_nation 04 Mar 10 at 11:25 a.m. GMT

Well said. Spence is basically there to sip tea in the background and watch the investigating process, giving Poirot one or two bits of information and then gardening.

Katherine 04 Mar 10 at 9:32 a.m. GMT

Tommy_A_Jones

Are you both talking about the same Book? Spence gives Poirot local Knowledge and I think he is very important I admity not as importan't as Mrs McGinty who brings the Mystery to Poirot but without Spence they couldn't have progressed so easily and No Katherine I don't think sayinmg I am 'Appalled' is over the top Any Change is bad but not including a Character who we have so little chance of seeing anyway IS Appalling, I can only hope the Adaptation works without him as well as Three-Act Tragedy works without Mr Satterthwaitte. 

Yes, Tommy, we are talking about the same book. Spence does indeed give Poirot local knowledge - but as LoneWolf and I have already pointed out, it's the information that is important, not the character who relays it. And when you mention Mrs McGinty, do you mean Mrs Oliver?

And as I've already said, why get so hysterical about omitting him anyway? You've seen him in two adaptations already so he has at least been represented in the TV version of Poirot. I just find your and MzLemon's reactions rather bizarre. Actually going as far as complaining to ITV?! Why not go the whole hog and have a rant about Angela Sutcliffe being cut from Three Act Tragedy, or Cyrus Hardman from Murder on the Orient Express? These are characters who will NEVER be portrayed in the Suchet canon but I find it difficult to work myself up into a state of outrage on their behalf!

Sorry, but I really can't see Halloween Party suffering all that much from the deletion of a minor supporting character.

Puffinjill 04 Mar 10 at 6:44 a.m. GMT

I shall have to learn text speak then, MissQuin, as I normally write mine in longhand - I'm SO behind the times!!! But, as you can see, I'm perfectly good with the exclamation marks!!!

Lone Wolf, does the style of other people's posts really annoy you that much? Can't you look past how something is written and concentrate on what is being said? What the post is about is the important thing, isn't it?

MissQuin 03 Mar 10 at 6:52 p.m. GMT

How about this!!! Exlamation marks on the end of every sentence!!! Very annoying!!!

Or if everyone spoke in text speak? R U OK wth dat?!!

Lone_Wolf 03 Mar 10 at 6:02 p.m. GMT

Better write in toggle. For more fun, you can vary the bold and italics with every letter.

MissQuin 03 Mar 10 at 5:33 p.m. GMT

Maybe Everyone Will Begin Using Captials, Just To Give You Something To Be Annoyed about.

Lone_Wolf 03 Mar 10 at 5:27 p.m. GMT

I'm not policing anything. I just find reading Tommy's posts a surreal experience and want to know the origins of his unorthodox style.

And Tommy is not commiting any mistakes here. It's a conscious style.

I guess I just need to be thankful that Tommy iSn'T wRiTiNg HiS pOsTs In ToGgLe.

MissQuin 03 Mar 10 at 5:21 p.m. GMT

Are you policing the forum for spelling and grammar mistakes?  You have your work cut out.. especially with me on here.

Lone Wolf, I was wondering if your the reincarnation of a stern Victorian school master.. One of those that wears a cap and a long black gown.. they hunt out pupils and cane all those for making mistakes.

Lone_Wolf 03 Mar 10 at 5:11 p.m. GMT

It's just that capitalization in the middle of the sentence causes me to mentally place an heavy accented emphasis on the capitalized word. It reads like this: "Any! Change! is bad, but not including a character! Who..." etc.  It's not as bad as READING STUFF WRITTEN IN CAPSLOCK THAT MAKES THE IMPRESSION THAT THE POSTER IS SHOUTING AT ME, but it's fairly close.   Besides, I'm geniunely interested as to why someone would want to unnecessarily press the shift key so many times.

MissQuin 03 Mar 10 at 5:05 p.m. GMT

I don't mind your capital letters Tommy  as the forum is a place of creative expression and not a school room or uni, which requires perfect grammer and spelling.

Lone_Wolf 03 Mar 10 at 4:46 p.m. GMT

Anyone could give Poirot the local knowledge - any local person he's gonna be questioning about the murder.

"not including a Character who we have so little chance of seeing anyway"

And who only appeared in one chapter and whose functions can be easily transferred to any of the other characters. Please.

And Tommy A Jones, is your mother tongue German? if no, then why do you Randomly capitalize Words in Sentences you Write in your posts? Then again, some of the words you capitalize aren't nouns, so I am truly baffled about that Mystery of the Capitalized Words. That, along with you writing run-on sentences of incredible length, makes reading your posts a surreal, almost Kafkian experience. Then again, some of the words you capitalize aren't nouns, so I am truly baffled about that Mystery of the Capitalized Words. 

MissQuin 03 Mar 10 at 4:46 p.m. GMT

I agree, I never thought Three Act tragedy could work without Mr S, but it did. I don't remember Spense, he left little impression on me. I'm a liitle annoyed that Mrs Oliver wont be in the Pale Horse, I know her parts small, but brings some lightheated moments. But Mrs O and Marple togther could be either a disaster or brilliant.

Tommy_A_Jones 03 Mar 10 at 4:08 p.m. GMT

Are you both talking about the same Book? Spence gives Poirot local Knowledge and I think he is very important I admity not as importan't as Mrs McGinty who brings the Mystery to Poirot but without Spence they couldn't have progressed so easily and No Katherine I don't think sayinmg I am 'Appalled' is over the top Any Change is bad but not including a Character who we have so little chance of seeing anyway IS Appalling, I can only hope the Adaptation works without him as well as Three-Act Tragedy works without Mr Satterthwaitte. 

Katherine 02 Mar 10 at 9:53 a.m. GMT

Lone_Wolf

Don't remember any integral part Spence played in "Halloween"...

No, nor do I. Doesn't he just give Poirot some information that could equally well come from another character?

I'll wait till I've actually seen it before I judge whether or not it's a good adaptation. Poirot already has one sidekick in the story in the shape of Ariadne Oliver. They probably decided another one wasn't necessary.

Lone_Wolf 02 Mar 10 at 5:09 a.m. GMT

Don't remember any integral part Spence played in "Halloween"...

MzLemon 02 Mar 10 at 12:07 a.m. GMT

No, Katherine, I don't believe "appalled" was over the top.  Disgusted works, too.....

Spence has quite a lot more than two scenes in "Hallowe'en Party".  I'm re-reading it right now.  His part was integral and very much necessary in the story and that's why I'm appalled.  Adaptations shouldn't leave out characters that motivate the main characters....perhaps I should say "Good Adaptations" don't. I would also point out that it's unfair to introduce us to a recurring character that was compatible with books in the storylines and then inexplicably leave him out next time he should appear.  Especially since Mr. Hope did such a splendid job. 

All that being said, I do appreciate budget cuts!

I do hope they include him in "Elephants Can Remember" and believe me, if I knew the right people to contact, I would do so.

Katherine 27 Feb 10 at 5:54 p.m. GMT

Well I suppose I could understand you being a bit disappointed, but isn't being appalled just a little bit over the top?

He's a minor character in the book, not even the main investigating officer: and I think he has two scenes with Poirot? I can't really say that I expect to miss him...

Tommy_A_Jones 27 Feb 10 at 5:13 p.m. GMT

I also find it apalling that Spence is not in Halloween Party as in my view he ios such an important part of the book but to have him they would have to have Elspeth and perhaps they thought it would be tipping the balance somehow (I don't think that) but in these times of recession cuts have to be made and his involvement can be noted without him being there (Poirot comes of the phone to Spence and gives Ariadne a list of what Murders have taken place perhaps) where as Ariadne's can't and the susdpecs obviously have to be includrd but I was looking forward to seeing Richard Hoipe again but I do hope he is in Elephant's Can Remember.

Katherine 27 Feb 10 at 9:33 a.m. GMT

MzLemon

I'm heading over to ITV now.  It was appalling that Richard Hope's Inspector Spence was left out of Hallowe'en Party and I would like to see him in Elephants Can Remember.  I will let you know if I receive a reply.

Why do you find it appalling? Characters are left out of TV adaptations all the time. Maybe Hallowe'en Party didn't need Spence in it. We won't know till we've actually seen it.

MzLemon 26 Feb 10 at 10:47 p.m. GMT

Got the standard:    

Thank you for your email regarding Agatha Christie’s Poirot

I can confirm that your comments have been noted here at ITV Viewer Services.

 

May I take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to contact us here at ITV as we always welcome viewers’ feedback.

Regards

ITV VIEWER SERVICES - jh

MzLemon 24 Feb 10 at 11:41 p.m. GMT

I'm heading over to ITV now.  It was appalling that Richard Hope's Inspector Spence was left out of Hallowe'en Party and I would like to see him in Elephants Can Remember.  I will let you know if I receive a reply.

MissQuin 11 Feb 10 at 4:10 p.m. GMT

Puffinjill

Can't say that Poirot himself strikes me as my ideal Valentine companion, but I can think of worse ways of spending this Valentines day than curling up with a few of his adaptations!

I'm afraid that Greg Wise, Rupert Penry-Jones, Richard Armitage and J J Feild were all too busy on Valentine's day, so I will have to spend it with Poirot instead!

Puffinjill 11 Feb 10 at 6:26 a.m. GMT

Yes, of course MissQuin, as usual the adaptation is set in the '30's - that most elastic of decades - and not in the 60's as AC wrote it so, naturally, any references to 'the times, they are a-changing' are convienently left out. I think you will enjoy it but do let us know what you think.

Can't say that Poirot himself strikes me as my ideal Valentine companion, but I can think of worse ways of spending this Valentines day than curling up with a few of his adaptations!

MissQuin 10 Feb 10 at 5:36 p.m. GMT

Puffinjill

Watching these will be the nicest thing I get to do this Valentines Day!

And Miss Quin, I found the adaptation of Third Girl very well done, but, not being a huge fan of the book, any changes made bothered me less than those in other adaptations. Let us know what you think.

Puffinjill Ok,  I don't have any Valentine's plans either, so I will be spending it with Poirot instead!

 I enjoyed the Third girl book. But I understand there will have to be changes by transferring the time period from 60's to 30's.

Tommy_A_Jones 10 Feb 10 at 4:59 p.m. GMT

What do you expect? They aren't Mind readers and there is a Recession on.

HeiseiHolmes 10 Feb 10 at 4:28 p.m. GMT

This is my reply:

Dear Sir/Madam   Thank you for your email regarding Poirot.   As far as we are aware we are expecting some new episodes this year however titles and when they are due to air has not been confirmed in our current schedule.   May I take this opportunity to to thank you for taking the time to contact us here at ITV.   Kind Regards   ITV VIEWER SERVICES-AF  This doesn't answer any of the points I made in my email. I feel cheated!

Puffinjill 09 Feb 10 at 6:32 a.m. GMT

Watching these will be the nicest thing I get to do this Valentines Day!

And Miss Quin, I found the adaptation of Third Girl very well done, but, not being a huge fan of the book, any changes made bothered me less than those in other adaptations. Let us know what you think.

MissQuin 08 Feb 10 at 3:20 p.m. GMT

It's going to be Poirot weekend here in England on ITV3. I have seen all the Poirot's their showing except for Third Girl. So Ive set my box to record it and if it is very bad and least I can see who plays the delectable David Baker!

Puffinjill 06 Feb 10 at 3 p.m. GMT

Thanks, McGinty, perhaps I'll try that! Or perhaps I should drink a large bottle of wine beforehand.......shame I've given up drinking.....

MissQuin 06 Feb 10 at 11:51 a.m. GMT

Puffinjill Ive felt like hurling objects at the TV before! Murder is Easy was the most anger inducing! Good points about Appointment with death are the beautiful scenery and the acting was V good. Three act tradegy that was the last Poirot shown here in the UK, was top notch.

MrsGinty- your right about the subject change. It does do well to complain about a programme, then protest it's being axed!!

McGinty 06 Feb 10 at 9:06 a.m. GMT

Jill, it starts off well but then becomes something completely different to the book. When you watch it, pretend it isn't Appointment With Death you're watching but a whole new story you've never read. At least that way it is entertaining. It's a major let -down, put another way it makes the Ustinov/Michael Winner movie seem like one of the great cinematic triumphs of all time ! But at least it doesn't plumb the depths that the Marple Nemesis episode sank to.

By the way, how come this thread has morphed into something other than 'Poirot to be axed' ?? LOL

Puffinjill 06 Feb 10 at 7:03 a.m. GMT

I'm still avoiding watching it, although I've had the DVD's since Christmas, solely because it's my favourite book and I've read such scathing reviews of it on this site. But I shall have to bite the bullet sometime....probably best if all heavy objects were removed from my living room before I watch it as I can't afford to replace my TV after throwing things at it and smashing it in anger at the liberties they have (apparently) taken.

TheButlerDidIT 05 Feb 10 at 3:01 p.m. GMT

Appointment with Death WHAT?! I couldn't be more different if Poirot was investigating the murder of an alien ! SORRY! I just feel strongly about the horifc adaption of a fantastic book!

Tommy_A_Jones 04 Feb 10 at 4:50 p.m. GMT

Evil Under The Sun, After The Funeral, ABC Murders, Mrs McGinty's Dead, Cat Among The Pigeons, Three-Act Tragedy and Appointment With Death.

TheButlerDidIT 03 Feb 10 at 5:36 p.m. GMT

My fav Poirot adaptions are as follows in no order - Evil Under the Sun, Death in the Clouds , Mrs Mc Ginty's Dead, After the Funeral and The ABC Murders. What are yours?

Tommy_A_Jones 03 Feb 10 at 4:32 p.m. GMT

I have received an email confirming my thoughts have been noted and thanking me.

Tommy_A_Jones 02 Feb 10 at 4:09 p.m. GMT

I sent my email off this afternoon just incase.

wolfbridge 02 Feb 10 at 9:22 a.m. GMT

i had a repyl from my sources inside, and Poirot is not in danger!

GKCfan 01 Feb 10 at 9:05 p.m. GMT

Yes, they politely thanked me for my e-mail, but didn't provide any other details other than graciously encouraging me to send more feedback.   Keep the e-mails coming!

MissQuin 01 Feb 10 at 4:48 p.m. GMT

Has anyone had a email reply from ITV?

Tommy_A_Jones 31 Jan 10 at 1:48 p.m. GMT

The way things are finacially with ITV I think there is a real risk of Poirot being axed I think, we should all be worried about Poirot.

Bundle_ 30 Jan 10 at 5:39 p.m. GMT

I made a mistake: I did not know that Poirot was always on ITV. I guess I got confused w/ when Joan Hickson was on BBC and now Miss Marple is on ITV. I didn't know that my blunder was that big of a deal. We all make mistakes.

To Katherine: What I also meant was that I didn't consider this to be a publicity stunt at first. But after several of you mentioned that it was just a scare tatic I didn't fear Poirot being canceled anymore. And I was just comparing British shows to American shows in that when American shows usually have a hint of being cancelled they usuallya are canceled. So I guess that's why I took ITV's threat of cancelling Poirot seriously. I'm sorry: I can't explain it anymore clearer than that.

End of subject, for me at least.

Tommy_A_Jones 30 Jan 10 at 4:39 p.m. GMT

MissQuinn who did you address the Letter to?

To Bundle I found your Post comnfusing also, Poirot has ALWAYS been on ITV.

ITV have an obligation to show the ones which have not been seen but that doesn't mean ITV Have to recommission the series but the series is on Boxed sets so if the series were to end the Series would be incomplete so surely there are legal obligations.

MissQuin 30 Jan 10 at 10 a.m. GMT

I have emailed ITV to show my support for Poirot, thanks GKCfan for posted the email link. I kept it short and to the point, that if they are considering axeing it, I would like them to reconsider.

Katherine 30 Jan 10 at 9:29 a.m. GMT

Bundle_

Katherine

And, Bundle, Poirot has always been on ITV.

Okay. Well you all know what I mean, so...

Besides it's kind of hard to keep track where Poirot airs there, bc over in the US it used to air on PBS, then it aired on A&E. And how did us Americans know if they really meant to stop filming? Once a show has announcemnet of its being cancelled over here then they really mean to cancel it!

But I'm glad to know that I need not panic.

I'm sorry, Bundle, I didn't and I don't know what you mean! :) You said you wished Poirot had never switched to ITV, and I just pointed out that it's always been there. What was the point you were trying to make that I misunderstood?

And if you read the original post, you'll see that it really is scare-mongering. There hasn't been an announcement of it being cancelled at all. The facts are that no decision has yet been made.

GKCfan 30 Jan 10 at 8:19 a.m. GMT

Even though we shouldn't panic, everyone should please send a brief, polite e-mail to ITV telling them how much we enjoy David Suchet's portrayal of Poirot.  If you want to tell them how to adapt the books or film the telemovies a certain way, go ahead.  Just remember to be respectful, please.  If we inundate them with e-mails telling them to keep making Poirots, the odds of renewal will be significantly increased.  Remember, just four years ago they decided to stop the series, but fan protests changed their minds.  Please, let ITV know that there's a market for these adaptations!

Bundle_ 29 Jan 10 at 7:20 p.m. GMT

Katherine

And, Bundle, Poirot has always been on ITV.

Okay. Well you all know what I mean, so...

Besides it's kind of hard to keep track where Poirot airs there, bc over in the US it used to air on PBS, then it aired on A&E. And how did us Americans know if they really meant to stop filming? Once a show has announcemnet of its being cancelled over here then they really mean to cancel it!

But I'm glad to know that I need not panic.

McGinty 29 Jan 10 at 6:01 p.m. GMT

It's typical tabloid journalism - inventing stories where there are no facts to base their gossip on. As Katherine has already stated - ITV have ALWAYS made the Poirot series, and as they have already shown one new episode the next three will follow, just as the Marple series is continuing to be filmed, expect more Poirot's next year.

Katherine 29 Jan 10 at 5:31 p.m. GMT

Oh I wouldn't panic. This is just newspaper scare-mongering which in actual fact just boils down to the news that no decision has been made yet. And that's hardly unusual for British TV.

And, Bundle, Poirot has always been on ITV.

Tommy_A_Jones 29 Jan 10 at 5:23 p.m. GMT

It doesn't surprise me, the way Television and ITV in general is going, I personally don't mind so much if they don't do The Labours of Hercules after all BBC didn't do the short stories but it would be nice to see Dead Man's Folly and Definitely Curtain (They should have filmed that when they had the Money and Kept ot back) Of course there is ther possibility is scare mongering in a twisted Publicity Stunt. If the series does appear on a different channel I bet it will be Sky, I would love too think it would be BBC1 but I bet it wouledn't be, anyway BBC would probably change Poirot like they did with P D James's Dalglish mind you if they did Poirot could be played by Ian Holm or John Moffet, That would be good aqnd then they could start back at the beginning, A Guy can Dream Can't he?...

MissQuin 29 Jan 10 at 4:37 p.m. GMT

No no no nooooooooo! I'll email ITV as well. I know what rubbish they will put on in Poirot's place, if it is axed. I know there have been episodes from 2003 onwards that I havnt enjoyed but the most recent three act tragedy was a good one. I jus like the fact that Poirot is on TV and is accesable to millons of people.

 If the worst happens we will petition, wont we?

Bundle_ 29 Jan 10 at 4:23 p.m. GMT

This is horrible!!! You see: the newer darker Poirot's after 2004 are doing terribly! They don't stick true to the book and the Christie feel is gone just like stylestocurtain mentioned! I mean, who cares about the regular viewers?! It should be the millions of true Christie fans that they should be catering to.

And I wish Poirot had never switched to ITV!  Hopefully some other station will take over the series! It would be too cruel if they just stopped the show before the rest were filmed! It would feel so incomplete and a shame to Agatha! But this is what happens when screen writers, lazy casting directors, and directors and so forth try to put their own "talent" ahead of the author.

I will most definitely write to ITV.

HeiseiHolmes 29 Jan 10 at 4:04 p.m. GMT

They CAN'T! That's so EVIL!! I love watching Poirot. I think I will send them a mail with my thoughts (albeit very watered-down, so as not to offend) as this is such a great show. Thank you so much for bringing this to my attention.

GKCfan 29 Jan 10 at 4:57 a.m. GMT

There were plans to scrap the "Poirot" series about four or five years ago, but a letter-writing campaign helped to keep it going.  Let's start another letter-writing campaign!

You can e-mail ITV at:

viewerservices@itv.com

or send a letter to:

Viewer ServicesITV PlcGas StreetBirminghamB1 2JT

Here's a sample letter:

To whom it may concern,

     I am a loyal fan of the TV series "Agatha Christie's Poirot," and I have heard rumors that the show may be cancelled.  Please keep the show going– there are only a handful of episodes left to be filmed:

   –Dead Man's Folly

   –The Big Four

   –Elephants Can Remember

   –The Lemesurier Inheritance (It's a short story, but as the new Marple adaptation of "The Blue Geranium" proves, short stories can be expanded.)

   –Black Coffee (Based on a play.)

   –The Labors of Hercules (Twelve Short Stories)

   –Curtain

    Please keep producing the final episodes of "Poirot."  I look forward to seeing them.  Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

(Your name here)