'Delightful' detective thriller based on Agatha Christie classic streaming free on ITVX

A "delightful" mystery mini-series directed by and starring Hugh Laurie is hailed by fans for its "fun and twisty ride". Why Didn't They Ask Evans? premiered in 2022 and is based on Agatha Christie's classic 1934 whodunnit of the same name.

The story begins with the vicar's son Bobby Jones (played by Will Poulter) finding a dying man at the bottom of the cliffs along the Welsh coastline. Bobby looks after the man in his final moments and hears his perplexing last words, which give the novel its name.

Bobby then teams up with his socialite friend Lady Frances "Frankie" Derwent (Lucy Boynton) to find out what happened.

The series features an all-star cast, including Jim Broadbent as Lord Marcham, Oscar winner Emma Thompson as Lady Marcham, Miles Jupp as Henry Bassington-ffrench, and Paul Whitehouse as the landlord.

Hugh Laurie, who adapted the book for the small screen, also appears in the drama as Dr James Nicholson.

One fan on IMDb said it features "enthralling drama" and that Laurie "did a tremendous job".

"There is not a wasted line, every word, while not essential to the plot, adds humour and colour, and brings the characters to life," they wrote.

They added that the series is "beautifully shot, and the character acting is top drawer".

Not everyone was blown away by the series, and one fan said it is too slow. "Perhaps two instalments instead of three? Not Christie's best, and hasn't aged especially well," they said. "Laurie gets a lot of slack from me, and I hope he gets involved with more classics, but this one was a bit turgid."

Others were quick to defend the show, including one who gave it 10/10 and called it a "delightful caper".

"I don't understand the complaints here," they wrote. I found this one of the most satisfying Christie adaptations. In fact I watched it twice, more or less back to back.

"There's a lightness of touch and a wry amusement that I find refreshing compared to the older versions, which take themselves, and the story, so seriously."

They acknowledged that "the plot of WDTAE is contrived and overly complex - but, hey, people it's AGATHA CHRISTIE. Sheesh".

"And agreed, the confession/resolution at the end does feel rushed," they added. "But the excellent dialogue helps rise above the heavy plotting.

Another fan said: "All of the characters had a purpose and we were left in the dark just enough so as not to waste time trying to guess. The two leads took us on a fun and twisty ride."

The episodes have 12 certificates and feature things like violence, bloody images, language, and suicide references - so they may not be for everyone.

Why Didn't They Ask Evans? is streaming free on ITVX.

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