Agatha Christie's beloved detective series Marple has made a significant arrival on Netflix, bringing the quintessential British whodunnits to a new generation of streaming audiences. The ITV-produced drama, which originally aired across six series, joins numerous adaptations celebrating the legendary author's iconic amateur sleuth, Miss Jane Marple.
A Timeless Detective Arrives on Streaming
Christie penned twelve full novels and twenty short stories centred around the sharp-witted elderly spinster from St. Mary Mead, with most finding their way to television screens over the decades. This particular adaptation first graced ITV screens, featuring Geraldine McEwan as the titular character for the opening three series before Julia McKenzie assumed the role from series four through to the finale.
The programme follows Jane Marple, an unmarried woman of advancing years residing in the seemingly tranquil village of St. Mary Mead, who possesses an uncanny knack for stumbling upon complex murder mysteries. Despite initial hesitation from local police regarding her involvement, Miss Marple's impeccable track record in solving crimes ultimately earns their begrudging respect and cooperation.
An Impressive Roster of Guest Stars
While Miss Marple remains the constant presence throughout every episode, this adaptation is distinguished by its impressive array of guest appearances from some of Britain's most recognisable acting talents. Below is a closer look at just a handful of the prominent figures who have featured in this classic detective drama.
Amanda Holden as Lucy Eyelesbarrow
Britain's Got Talent panellist, television presenter, and radio personality Amanda Holden portrayed the character Lucy Eyelesbarrow in a 2004 episode entitled '4.50 from Paddington'. This marked the third instalment of the very first series.
During the episode, Miss Marple becomes entangled in the affairs of the wealthy Crackenthorpe family, convinced that a corpse lies concealed somewhere on their extensive property. Her suspicions are triggered after an acquaintance witnesses a violent strangulation taking place aboard a train travelling parallel to theirs. In Christie's original novel, Lucy Eyelesbarrow is a young acquaintance of Jane Marple who secures a position at Rutherford Hall over the festive period to assist in probing the potential murder.
Joanna Lumley as Dolly Bantry
Joanna Lumley, celebrated for her iconic performances in Absolutely Fabulous, portrayed Dolly Bantry across two separate episodes of the series. She first appeared in the 2004 episode 'The Body in the Library', which launched the entire series, and returned in 2011 for 'The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side', featured as the fourth episode of season five.
In the series opener, Dolly enlists her longtime companion Marple after discovering the strangled body of an unidentified blonde woman in the library of her residence, Gossington Hall. In the season five episode, Dolly attends the village fête hosted at the same hall, once again drawing Miss Marple into a web of mystery.
Tara Fitzgerald as Adelaide Jefferson
Tara Fitzgerald, an accomplished actress across film, television, and theatre particularly recognised for her work in Waking the Dead and Game of Thrones, took on the role of Adelaide Jefferson in the show's opening episode. She portrayed the widow of Frank Jefferson, adding depth to the intricate plot of 'The Body in the Library'.
Ben Miller as Basil Blake
Ben Miller, known for his roles in Death in Paradise and Professor T, appeared as Basil Blake in The Body in the Library in 2004. In the novel, Basil becomes a suspect in Ruby Keene's murder, though Miss Marple remains convinced of his innocence. It subsequently emerges that he had merely relocated her body upon finding it.
Similarly, in the television adaptation, Chief Constable Melchett (played by Simon Callow) believes there's a connection between the murder victim and Basil, creating a compelling red herring for viewers.
Benedict Cumberbatch as Luke Fitzwilliam
Acclaimed actor and Marvel sensation Benedict Cumberbatch featured in an episode of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple: Murder Is Easy as Luke Fitzwilliam. The episode, which was the second instalment of the fourth series, originally aired in 2009.
The plot revolves around a village beset by a string of seemingly accidental deaths. However, Miss Marple suspects foul play when a villager en route to Scotland Yard to report her suspicions conveniently meets her end. Cumberbatch's character, Luke, is the primary investigator in Christie's original novel and a former police officer hailing from the Mayang Straits.
The arrival of Agatha Christie's Marple on Netflix provides a perfect opportunity for both longtime fans and new viewers to appreciate not only the clever mysteries but also the stellar cast that brought them to life. The series stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Christie's work and the quality of British television drama.
