And Then There Was None - Episode One - Advance Preview, Dialogue Teasers + Promotional Photos

© BBC Pictures
Some critics have taken exception to this new adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel, saying that the bad language, violent deaths and drug taking are not in keeping with what the author intended. Sarah Phelps, the script writer, has defended her position, arguing that all these things did exist in Christie’s day, and that she doesn’t play “fast and loose” with her script as everything she has written is there in the book.

I, for one, have to agree with Phelps. Swearing has existed for over a thousand years, and the upper classes have always been more inclined to make use of it than those of lower standing, who may mind their tongue in order not to be kicked down any further than they already are. The novel was published between the two great wars, therefore violent deaths are not exactly unheard of, and nor are they a surprising element of a whodunnit. And although the novel doesn’t explicitly include the guests getting high, Phelps hasn’t just plucked the idea out of thin air. There is a valid reason for its inclusion, which fits perfectly in keeping with the story, and there are a number of characters who would naturally have the drugs with them too.

The basic premise of the novel, and thereby this three-part adaptation too, is that ten people are charmed into coming to Soldier Island by a Mr. U. N. Owen under the pretence of various offers of either employment, a holiday, etc. Once they arrive however, it soon becomes apparent that their host is not going to be joining them, and after their meal that evening a record is played which denounces each of them as having evaded justice after being involved in the death of another person. Upon hearing that they have been brought to the island to pay for their actions in these murders, most of the guests refute the allegations, with only two of them speaking up and admitting to their past deeds. This doesn’t deter Mr U.N. Owen from carrying out his plans though, and he starts killings his guests one by one, in the manner of the Ten Little Soldier Boys poem which is hung on the wall in every room of the house (and can been seen in the photos below).

This certainly isn’t the most festive of dramas, yet if you’re a fan of solid character driven storytelling, with a first-rate cast and gorgeous, authentic period settings, then this is one you won’t want to miss. It is one of Christie’s most well known novels, so I’m sure that many know the plot before they go in, but I think you’ll find that this reworking will still bring new life to the tale. The tension builds extremely slowly, with the opening scenes seeming rather benign, yet this works wonderfully as the guests become more and more paranoid, trying to work out who they can trust and what is going on.

Talking of the cast, it’s jam packed with names you’ll recognise, with actors from Poldark, Peaky Blinder’s, The Tudors, The Frankenstein Chronicles, Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones, Black Sails, Harry Potter, Torchwood, and more. As for whom the killer is, for those who haven’t read the book, here’s a list of the characters so you have a guide on who’s who before you watch:

Philip Lombard - The Mercenary
Poldark hunk Aidan Turner says, “Philip is the opposite to Ross Poldark. It was a nice change playing somebody who doesn’t care about anyone.”

Vera Claythorne - The Governess
Maeve Dermody says, “What has happened in her past would destroy most people but she is carrying on. She won’t show anyone her true self.”

Thomas Rogers -The Butler
Peaky Blinders’ Noah Taylor says, “Rogers presents a fawning, subservient image to his masters while plotting away against them downstairs.”

Justice Wargrave - The Judge
Charles Dance says, “There’s a mystery to all the characters, and Christie keeps you guessing until the last moment.”

Anthony Marston - The Playboy
Riot Club heart-throb Douglas Booth says, “Anthony is unaware of his darker side. He’s uncaring and self-centred.”

Emily Brent - The Spinster
Miranda Richardson says, “She’s a complete hypocrite. She’s a do-gooder on paper but she’s also a bit repressed and a bit sad.”

Dr Edward Armstrong - The Doctor
Toby Stephens says, “This isn’t something I would normally associate with Agatha Christie as it’s so dark.”

Ethel Rogers - The Bullied Wife
The Bletchley Circle’s Anna Maxwell Martin says, “Ethel is cowed by life, dedicated to her job but very scared of her husband.”

General John MacArthur - The Soldier
Sam Neill says, “The battles of the First World War took their toll on him. He’s a damaged man.”

Inspector William Blore - The Policeman
Torchwood star Burn Gorman says, “He’s got these very dark, hidden secrets he is deeply ashamed of.”

Source for character detail


The first episode airs at 9pm on Boxing Day on BBC One, below are a few dialogue teasers, the promotional photos and sneak peek to see you through until then.

“Bloody hell! Damn you, you stupid bastard!”

“What are you Lombard? A mercenary? A gun for hire? A soldier? Not from any army I’d recognise”

“I wasn’t a good enough swimmer. I just wasn’t good enough. I tried, I really tried to save him”

“We must be strong Mrs Rogers, especially in these times. We must be valiant, and virtuous. We must be English women”

“Miss, we had very strict instructions that you were to be treated as a guest. Guests don’t come below stairs”

“You are charged with the following indictments. Edward George Armstrong, that you murdered Louisa Mary Clees”

“I mean this whole arrangement. The Owens invited me here to meet my friend, and she’s not even here”

“Some Hollywood film star was supposed to have bought it. But no. It’s Mr and Mrs Owen”

“I get instincts about people. I’ve an instinct about you. I think you’re pretending”

“Judge Wargrave, I’m terribly sorry for the clumsy introduction. I’m a, hmm, terrible traveller. Completely lose my bearings”

About the Author - Sandi

Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Poldark, and other UK shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Vikings, Orphan Black, Game of Thrones and The Flash.

Recent Reviews & Articles (All Reviews)