Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?

Helmed by TV legend Hugh Lawrie and fronted by the phenomenal Will Poulter, Agatha Christie adaptation Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? brings the classic whodunnit formula to the small screen, with a splash of the writer’s razor-sharp wit, for this three-part miniseries. Despite the talent involved in this project, however, the show lacks the spark brought by the core cast. The mystery unfolds at a tediously overdrawn pace, meaning that viewers may have checked out long before any answers are revealed.

Like any Christie page-turner, the show begins with an ensnaring enigma. Bobby Jones (Poulter) discovers a dying man at the foot of a cliff while working as a caddy, presumably having fallen by accident. With his dying breath, the stranger asks the eponymous question which places Bobby in the centre of an ever-growing conspiracy involving hitmen dressed in black, a wealthy family and possibly some shady goings-on at a sanatorium. With the aid of friends Frankie (Sing Street’s Lucy Boynton) and Knocker (newcomer Johnathon Jules), the trio begin their investigation, uncovering shocking secrets along the way.

Poulter and Boyton’s performances are the main reason to see this drama. Poulter fits the part of a Welsh vicar’s son remarkably well, his boyish charms having no trouble winning over viewers before the caper begins. However, Boyton is the real star of the show here. The actor’s boisterous energy and quippy delivery are a joyous combination that mark her character’s involvement as more interesting and entertaining than her accomplices’.  Both stars play off one another brilliantly, though the romantic aspect of their relationship is a severely undeveloped and unnecessary addition to proceedings.

When the focus isn’t on its main stars, however, this mystery becomes a chore to sit through. There’s a lot packed into each hour-long episode, with important discoveries marked with impressive set pieces (a planned car accident being a main highlight). But between these moments, there’s a lot of empty space filled with uninteresting exposition and go-nowhere subplots. Likewise, while the glossy and proper presentation makes for a largely inoffensive viewing experience, it has the unintended drawback of dulling the impact of hard-hitting subjects raised further down the line.

As it stands, Poulter and Boyton’s sensational performances are the only thing stopping this Christie mystery from becoming a relentless bore.

Andrew Murray

Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? is released on BritBox on 14^th April 2022.

Watch the trailer for Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? here: