Watch Agatha Christie's Ordeal By Innocence
- 2018
- 1 Season
Agatha Christie's Ordeal By Innocence is a gripping murder-mystery drama produced by Amazon Studios. The show follows the story of the Argyll family in the aftermath of a murder that took place on Christmas Day. The victim was Rachel Argyll, the wealthy and dominant mother of the family. Rachel was murdered in her mansion, Sunny Point, and there are no obvious clues as to the identity of the murderer.
The drama is set in the mid-1950s and is set against the backdrop of a British society that is recovering from the devastation of World War II. The Argyll family is one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the country, and have their world turned upside down by Rachel's murder. Her widowed husband, Leo Argyll, is arrested and convicted of the murder, and soon after he dies in prison. One of his sons, Jack Argyll, is accused of the murder and is sent to prison as well.
The story begins when a mysterious stranger, Dr. Arthur Calgary, arrives at Sunny Point claiming that he can provide an alibi for Jack, which would prove his innocence. Dr. Calgary has a photograph which shows that Jack was with him at the time of the murder. The problem is that the photograph was taken a year after the murder, which means that Leo Argyll was wrongfully convicted of the murder and died in prison. The real murderer is still at large, and the family is under suspicion.
The Argyll family is dysfunctional and complex, with each member having a motive for the murder. Rachel Argyll was a dominating and manipulative woman, and her husband and children all had reasons to despise her. The cast of characters includes Rachel's remaining children, Mickey, Hester, and Tina, as well as her son-in-law, Philip Durrant, and his wife, Leo's daughter, Mary.
With the alibi that Dr. Calgary has provided, the family begins to suspect each other. They are desperate to clear their names and find the real killer, but the investigation is complicated by the fact that memories have faded, and evidence has disappeared. The show is a classic whodunit, with each episode presenting new clues and suspects, and keeping the audience guessing until the final reveal.
The show is visually stunning, with sumptuous costumes and sets that transport the audience back to the 1950s. The period details are meticulous, and it is clear that a lot of attention has been paid to accuracy. The performances are also exceptional, with a cast of seasoned actors bringing their A-game to the roles. The star-studded cast includes Bill Nighy, Catherine Keener, Matthew Goode, and Eleanor Tomlinson, among others.
One of the strengths of the show is the way in which it delves into the psychology of the characters. Each of the Argyll family members is given a distinct personality, with their own desires, fears and secrets. The show explores how their relationships with each other have been shaped by their interactions with Rachel Argyll, and how her death exposed the fault lines in their family dynamic.
Another strength of the show is the way in which it explores the class tensions of the time. The Argyll family is shown to be enormously privileged, and their wealth and status insulate them from the harsh realities of life. However, the show also portrays the struggles of the working-class characters, who are often at the mercy of the whims of the Argylls.
Overall, Agatha Christie's Ordeal By Innocence is an engrossing and well-crafted murder-mystery drama that will delight fans of the genre. The stunning visuals, strong performances, and complex characters make for a compelling and satisfying viewing experience. The show is timeless in its appeal, and it is sure to keep audiences guessing until the very end.