Wasps' Nest

The original "Wasp's Nest" story, as written by Christie, is not one of her best ones. Although the ending is somewhat clever, the story itself is quite thin. It takes place in only one setting, and there are only two characters (one of whom is Poirot) engaging in dialogue in two scenes. Worst of all, from a mystery reader's point of view, the reader has no chance at all of deciphering the mystery along with the detective. Poirot presents his solution as a fait accompli at the end, and the other character has no choice except to listen and respond. In this episode, however, the writers have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Not only have they, of necessity, fleshed out the details, added scenes, action, and characters (including Japp and Miss Lemon, who mercifully have been given very little to do) but in so doing, they have provided the viewer with a variety of indications of what is going in behind the scenes. While there are red herrings involved, and it is still somewhat unlikely that the viewers will predict how the final scene goes, they will at least spend the episode feeling as though they are making discoveries along with Hastings and Poirot, and not feel quite so cheated at the end.

Hercule Poirot and Captain Hastings are invited to visit a friend in the country, only to find mystery galore. Poirot is stung by a wasp, but can he stop anything more deadly from happening? Captain Hastings lends a hand with his film darkroom, his latest hobby. Chief Inspector Japp is hospitalized with appendicitis. This one has a sad ending, with a different twist than most Poirot mysteries.

Poirot shows his squeamishness in this episode. After Japp's appendectomy, Poirot and Hastings visit him in the hospital. Japp says he wondered if the anesthesia was properly administered, because he thought he could feel every incision and move of the doctor. At which point, Poirot quickly gets up and says that he and Hastings must leave.

As with all of the films of this and other Agatha Christie mysteries, I appreciate the great resources the English have for making old movies. The land, castles, old buildings are one thing. But the great numbers and varieties of vintage cars in so many street scenes are most impressive. Also, the dress and other costuming of the period.

"Wasps' Nest" is an excellent story of intrigue in the Christie and Poirot series. Here are some favorite lines from the film.

Captain Hastings, "I thought a nice afternoon at a garden fete might cheer him up a bit." Chief Inspector Japp, "Hmm. About the only thing that's gonna cheer him up today is the discovery of a body in a lucky dip."

Captain Hastings, "You're not planning to use the bathroom for the next half hour or so, are you Poirot?" Hercule Poirot, "Well, let me check with my diary, Hastings. No, it would seem not." Hastings, "Good. If you need me, you know where I am." He sets up a darkroom in the bathroom.

Hercule Poirot, after being stung by a wasp, "The open air - it should be closed during the summer. Captain Hastings - he wonders why I have a hatred for these crawling, buzzing things; and the reason is, they're always trying to kill me."

Poirot is not in the best of spirits, desperately needing a crime. After attending a fête the chances of a crime seem more likely.

The episode looks utterly fabulous, maybe it's the cars and clothes, but somehow I've always thought of Wasp's Nest as one of the best looking episodes in the series. Royal Doulton aplenty, it's a visual treat, Summer is truly captured.

Suchet's performance is as always first rate, never really in question. I think it's the story itself that makes this episode extra special, it's up there with the very best. Not a huge role for Doctor Who number twelve Peter Capaldi, but he's great as always.

I love the running joke about Mrs Japp, the fact that we never get to see her.

A slightly unconventional episode, but truly enjoyable nonetheless, very very sad. 9/10

This film was puzzling to say the least, and the ending made me want to cry, which is rare for Poirot films as the endings of the hour-long films usually comprise of Hastings doing something silly and Poirot and Japp laughing at him, which is warming for the audience to see after the mystery has unravelled itself. However, I found this film a little more sentimental than the others, because the ending is sad, although I wouldn't have guessed so from the rest of the film which is more typical of the Poirot films. This film is full of red herrings, as always with Agatha Christie- such as the mysterious doctor appearing here and there, etc. I was glad to see that Hastings appeared in this film because he is excluded from some of the films and he is a valuable character, both for humour's sake and the sake of the plot.

One of my favourite Poirot episodes. Beautifully acted by all four leading actors. The venture into 1930s fashion was superb. I always enjoy Poirot for the careful detail and attention paid to period details - clothing (esp. Hats), automobiles, architecture, furniture, and, especially, scenery. Watching Poirot is like time travel. And to have one of my favourite actors, Peter Capaldi (Local Hero, 1982), was such a treat. He plays a fantastically eccentric character, and though the role is minimal, he plays it to perfection. The plot is a treat as well. Without giving anything away, suffice it to say it is unlike any other Poirot dramatization in this wonderful series.