Paul Evans Poirot and Hastings set off for a well earned holiday in St Looe, Cornwall. At the hotel Poirot twists his ankle and is helped by the gorgeous Magdela 'Nick' Buckley. She tells her story, her beautiful nearby home End House falls into disrepair, more seriously, she's escaped several deadly accidents. Another 'accident' happens in front of Poirot's eyes, a bee flies past her, but on closer inspection the bee has left a bullet hole. Poirot returns the hat, and explains his fears. Poirot takes a personal interest in the safety of Nick, he insists she has someone close to her, she calls for her cousin Maggie Buckley. During a firework show at End house, tragedy strikes, Maggie is found dead, wearing Nick's shawl. The first feature length episode is such a goody, the first in a format that we'd come to love for many a year. I understand there were a few amendment from the book, but they are so minor, it's a very faithful adaptation.I love the whole chocolate poisoning sequence, it looks so effective, re-written from the book, but it works so well.The highlight of the episode is undoubtedly the ending, the revelation sequences work incredibly well, they are very poignant.The scenery is breathtaking, it is such a beautiful setting. The episode is a visual treat, the scenes in the hotel, the clothes, Freddie in particular gets to wear some great outfits. Wonderful music throughout, it feels so authentic.Polly Walker literally left me speechless in this episode, one of her very first TV appearances, she is absolutely spellbinding, terribly sweet throughout. When I read the book, she is the character I see in my mind's eye.Miss Lemon is particularly good, at last we get to see her glammed up, and her séance scenes are brilliant.For anyone seeing this mystery for the first time, and unaware of the plot the solution will come as a surprise, it's such a cleverly written story.I think it's an excellent episode, truly enjoyable. 8/10

TheLittleSongbird I really liked this adaptation of Peril At End House, actually it's one of my favourites. In fact, my only complaints are some slow moments, and they seemed to have left out the character of Frederica Rice's husband. Although the latter is forgivable, seeming as in the book Frederica's husband is only treated as a suspect, and you don't meet him properly until the denouncement. That said, this is one of the more faithful adaptations of the Queen of Crime's brilliant books. Visually it is a marvel to look at, the Cornish coast was like looking at a work of art, and the music is absolutely beautiful. The script and plot are both solid and complex in construction, and so is the acting, with David Suchet impeccable as Poirot and Hugh Fraser and Phillip Jackson sterling as Hastings and Japp. Everyone else was fine as well, but I have to mention the debut of Polly Walker. What a debut it was! Polly looked stunning beyond words, and was a revelation as Mademoiselle Nick Buckley. The part when Nick "comes back from the dead" was one of the most dramatic scenes in the entire adaptation, perhaps even the most dramatic, and it was such an effective scene. Here, there are plenty of poignant moments and some laugh out loud ones too, making this along with Five Little Pigs and Sad Cypress one of the better Poirot adaptations. 9/10 Bethany Cox

bensonmum2 I love the Poirot movies! There's something about England in the 1920s that I find especially appealing. These movies have a way of transporting me to that time and place. The attention to period detail in this series is remarkable (at least to my untrained eye). Clothing, set decoration, cars, and even mannerisms seem spot on. I'm amazed that in the 1990s, locations could still be found that look as they did 70 years previous.The Poirot "regulars" give their usual wonderful performances. It's taken me awhile, but David Suchet has grown in my eyes to become the definitive Hercule Poirot. He nails the character. In many of these movies, the supporting cast can leave something to be desired. That's not the case with Peril at End House. They're quite good. Polly Walker is especially a standout. She gives her character real life.But if you're really going to enjoy a Poirot movie, I think it helps to be a fan of Agatha Christie's books. I say it helps because those familiar with her work seem to be more forgiving of the plot holes, 2-D characters, and other problems with her plots. Fortunately, I have been a fan as long as I can remember. Peril at End House is classic Christie with red herrings, clues, and intrigue at every turn. As Hastings might say, "It's an all around good show."

cheryl-toh Usually you get a few noticeable clues in each Poirot episode which enables you to solve some (if not most or all) of the puzzle before Poirot reveals all.Not so in this exciting tale (the clues are extremely subtle) but "Peril At End House" is still great fun. There are several twists which will leave you guessing till the end.It is also worth mentioning the scenery in this episode, which is simply marvellous! Fans of Hastings, Japp and Miss Lemon certainly won't be disappointed as they all have significant roles in "End House".