As some of you are already probably aware, when I am covering a series which is an adaptation from a popular novel I tend to include slightly more detail than I would with my other previews. Therefore, if you are not familiar with the material, or haven’t read the press releases issued, then please be aware that the following will contain some spoilers for the episode.
This week kicks off with another social gathering, although this party is a far grander affair than the get-together at the secluded restaurant that Pine utilised to infiltrate Roper’s gang. Juan Apostol, a business associate of the arms dealer, is hosting his daughter’s birthday celebrations, not that Elena is impressed by the efforts her father has gone to. Maybe it’s the fact that he seems to have invited all his friends along instead of making it about her, or could it be that she has cottoned on to what it is her father does for a living.
So far Hugh Laurie’s portrayal of the alleged “worst man in the world” has been very subdued; it’s hard to imagine that there’s a monster lurking behind the guise of this smooth talking, courteous entrepreneur. As we follow Pine edging his way ever deeper into his confidence however, the thin layers of veneer slowly begin to peel away, revealing over time his villainous traits piece by piece. His reaction to Elena’s death gives us an early clue to what lurks below the surface; it shows a shocking lack of empathy which leads to him regretting his words being heard by someone in particular.
Episode Three airs at 9pm on Sunday 6th March on BBC One and BBC One HD, below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then. Don’t forget to come back and vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you thought.
“Corky can get a little over excited when he’s drunk” “Yes, that is what Mr Barghati is worried about”
“Alternatively, fill your pockets with stones, walk into the sea, and keep going”
“You see, the thing is, I’m not sure that Limpet is quite the abject failure that Angela Burr would have us believe”
“So, the silly sod is insisting on ten percent. And he’s digging his heels in”
“Corky can’t make you out, you see. Suspicious chap, Corks. Got bad vibes about you. Why’d you kill that fellow in Devon?”
“I thought that was my present?” “It can be. If you do something for me”
“Everyone’s cross. And Jed’s not talking to dad. What’s going on?”
“I don’t care who sees me naked, I do care who sees me cry. You tell no-one you saw that, are we clear?”
“Her ex. He’d never been abroad, never had a passport, so I took his name”
“Chief wants to see you. Not you, him”
“There’s three kitchens and a big office by the pool. And, there’s Roper’s secret study in his bedroom”
“She’s caused a lot of other people pain too. We’ve had to reschedule that meeting”
