Ep 1. The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife

The Agatha Christie Hour is a British television series that aired in the mid-1980s. Based on short stories written by the famous crime novelist Agatha Christie, this hour-long drama features a variety of intriguing mysteries and compelling characters.

Season 1 Episode 1, titled "The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife," is a classic whodunit that follows the story of the seemingly happy but soon-to-be betrayed Bess Sedgwick. Bess is a 45-year-old wife of a successful businessman named Colonel Arthur Sedgwick. She is well respected within her community and is the mother of two grown children. However, all is not what it seems within Bess and Arthur's apparently perfect marriage.

As the episode begins, we see Bess complaining about her mundane and uneventful life. She confides in her close friend and confidant, Lady Hermione Lytton Gore, about her desire for excitement and adventure. Hermione, knowing a thing or two about Bess's marriage, suggests that she should go on a trip to Paris and leave Arthur alone for a while.

Without hesitation, Bess agrees to Hermione's proposal and plans a short trip to Paris. Excited for her adventure, Bess packs her bags and heads off to the city of love. However, little does Bess know that her husband has other plans.

Colonel Arthur Sedgwick has been having an affair with a younger woman named Nancy, and he sees Bess's solo trip as an opportunity to take his relationship with Nancy to the next level. He invites Nancy over to their house, where they indulge in champagne and laughter, while Bess is thousands of miles away.

As the night progresses, Arthur and Nancy fantasize about their newfound love and plot Bess's downfall. They soon come up with a cunning plan that involves poisoning Bess with an overdose of sedatives.

Will Bess's friends and her own intuition save her from her husband's nefarious plan? Or will the Colonel finally get what he wants - a chance to be with his young lover without any interference? These are the questions audiences will ask as they watch "The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife."

"The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife" is a well-told tale of betrayal, love and deception - all hallmarks of Agatha Christie's stories. Directed by Guy Slater and written by T.R. Bowen, this episode is a fascinating and suspenseful watch. The series recreates the 1920s era of London with great detail, and fans of historical dramas are sure to love the setting and ambience.

Starring Ralph Bates as Colonel Arthur Sedgwick, Sylvia Syms as Bess Sedgwick, and Angela Easterling as Nancy, the acting in "The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife" is top-notch. The three leads embody their characters so perfectly that audiences are bound to be engrossed in this gripping story.

In conclusion, the first episode of The Agatha Christie Hour is a thrilling and fascinating watch. If you love the mysteries and intrigue of Agatha Christie's novels, then you won't be disappointed with "The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife." So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in this intriguing world where nothing is as it seems.