And Then There Were None - Spoiler Free Review

And Then There Were None aired on BBC One over the Christmas period to critical acclaim and ratings success (6 million watched the first episode overnight with consolidated figures of well over 8 million and 9.5 million once iplayer figures are added, the subsequent episodes held up well too). It's easy to see why it was so popular with a stellar ensemble cast, beautifully shot and a great script by Sarah Phelps that brought Agatha Christie's classic up to date; retaining her dark story and characters, whilst making them easily accessible for a twenty-first century audience.

Set on just off the Devon coast, ten strangers are stranded in a house on a small island, seemingly empty but for them, all there at the behest of a mysterious U.N. Owen. The guests (a thoroughly unlikeable bunch on the whole) are played a strange recording accusing them all of heinous crimes, before they start dying. Panic ensues amongst the remaining guests as nobody knows who to trust and if they'll be next.

And Then There Were None is Agatha Christie's best selling work and has been described as the ultimate locked room mystery (plus there's no Poirot or Marple to gently guide us through here). The exploration of the darkest corners of the human mind and the paranoia, guilt and fear that grow as the story develops make for fascinating viewing. The casting is good and all the actors play their parts well and it's set to a fantastic, sinister score.

Of course Poldark fans will be pleased to hear Aidan Turner has an important role and acquits himself very well indeed. He's a fine actor and his presence and charisma is notable throughout the show, a particular achievement when playing alongside the likes of Charles Dance, Miranda Richardson and Sam Neill. You may have heard something about a towel scene (unless you live on Mars). Rest assured the scene is from the book and it's Aidan's charisma and dark, predatory interaction with co-star Maeve Dermody that make this scene thrillingly sexy, as much as his impressive muscles.

This is a very watchable, thrilling whodunnit. Even having read the book I was still gripped by Sarah Phelps's screenplay. It's perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Aidan Turner, murder mysteries or just those who like fine, high quality television.

If you want to find out more about the making of And Then There Were None check out this video of the cast, including Aidan Turner, talking about the show, as well as the links at the bottom of the page. The show was filmed on location in Cornwall (although it is set in Devon) and at Harefield Grove Farm. You can read more about the locations used here.

And Then There Were None comes to the U.S. this spring on Lifetime, with a DVD release date in the USA of 19th April we expect it to air before then. It is available to buy in the UK on DVD on 11th January here in the UK and here in the USA. And Then There Were None is a Mammoth Screen production for the BBC, directed by Craig Viveiros.

You can find out more about And Then There Were None  at the links below.

Watch the official BBC trailer for And Then There Were None

General titbits from the making of And Then There Were None 

Interview with Aidan Turner about his role in And Then There Were None