Watch The ABC Murders

The ABC Murders is a thrilling crime drama miniseries that first premiered on BBC One on December 26, 2018. The show is a modern adaptation of Agatha Christie's 1936 novel of the same name and stars John Malkovich, Eamon Farren, and Michael Shaeffer in the lead roles.

Set in 1933, the show follows the story of Hercule Poirot (John Malkovich), a retired Belgian detective who receives a series of anonymous letters from someone calling themselves "A.B.C". Each letter is written on a playing card and contains a list of names of people in different parts of the country, along with a date and a warning that they will be murdered on that day.

Initially dismissing the letters as a hoax, Poirot's interest is piqued when the first victim is found murdered on the designated day. From then on, Poirot must race against the clock to catch the killer and stop them from striking again.

Eamon Farren plays Alexander Bonaparte Cust, a mentally unstable man who initially becomes the prime suspect in the case. Michael Shaeffer plays Inspector Crome, a detective leading the investigation and who initially clashes with Poirot as they have very different methods of solving crimes.

As the body count rises, Poirot must use his ingenuity to decipher the killer's cryptic messages before it's too late. Along the way, he uncovers long-buried secrets and conspiracies that threaten to derail his investigation.

The ABC Murders is a gripping and dark series that explores themes of mental health, prejudice, and corruption, as well as showcasing the intelligence and deductive skills of Poirot. John Malkovich brings a unique portrayal of the character of Poirot, often regarded as one of the greatest detectives in fiction, delivering a performance that is nuanced and complex, and imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability not often seen in previous adaptations.

The show's standout moments include tense and claustrophobic scenes in confined spaces, such as train compartments and small rooms, which heighten the suspense and highlight Poirot's idiosyncrasies. The killer's motive and identity are kept hidden until the very end, keeping audiences guessing until the final reveal.

The ABC Murders received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with praise for Malkovich's performance and the show's dark and gritty atmosphere. However, some fans of the original novel expressed criticism over some of the changes made to the story and characters.

Overall, The ABC Murders is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and Agatha Christie adaptations. With a talented cast and a unique take on one of Christie's most beloved stories, the show delivers a gripping and satisfying mystery that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The ABC Murders is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between February 1, 2019 and on IMG Media