Problem at Sea

Agatha Christie’s Poirot

Series 1

“Problem at Sea"

A man in a white hat and coat and has a mustache looks at the camera.
David Suchet as Hercule Poirot

I am really starting to think Poirot cannot go anywhere without a murder happening. There are other shows where this happens too. I have to wonder if these characters start to think they are cursed after a while.

Poirot and sea travel do not mix

It should not come as too much surprise that military man and adventurer Captain Hastings likes being out at sea. For his friend, Hercule Poirot, the sea trip they are on together is not enjoyable at all. He especially does not care for the entertainment put on by the other travelers. It is definitely not his style.

The Clapperton’s marriage is in question

One of the travelers is Adeline Clapperton. She is a very high and mighty woman. Definitely someone who believes herself superior to everyone, including her own husband.

Colonel John Clapperton pretty much just puts up with whatever Adeline dishes out. It probably helps that two young female travelers love spending time with John. If Adeline starts driving him crazy, he can always socialize with them. But what did he do before this boat trip? And what is he going to do after?

A boat full of suspects

Part of that question is answered after the boat stops in Alexandria. John goes out to explore, but Adeline decides to stay on the boat. Later, Adeline is discovered in her locked cabin, dead. On the floor of the cabin is a string of beads.

One suspect is a fellow traveler named General Forbes. He is a man who loved Adeline years ago and is somehow on this very same trip.

Another suspect is a crew member. Hastings catches him trying to sell Adeline’s jewelry.

But still, with a boat full of people, there could be all sorts of suspects.

The creepiest reveal so far

The reveal for this mystery is definitely on the creepy side. Poirot uses a doll to tell everyone how Adeline was killed and by whom. He has the doll be a witness and has the doll talk with the help of a young girl. Others may like the cleverness of this to bring out the culprit, but I found it creepy.

Poirot attempts to become a matchmaker

Something else Poirot does is try and help Hastings with his love life. Hastings, however, is only interested in clay pigeons, and the setups never get very far. I’m thinking Poirot should get out of the romance business and stick with solving murders.

Main Cast

Hercule Poirot – David Suchet     Captain Hastings – Hugh Fraser

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