Agatha Christie's "Ordeal by Innocence" - Oops Christie Did it Again A Whoops Who Dunnit with Bill Nighy

Agatha Christie (b. UK 1890-1976) is one of the most beloved & prolific murder mystery writers of ALL time.  Her novels & plays are timeless and forever being adapted. This remains a mystery in and of itself; how impregnable & unforgettable her legacy remains.  "Ordeal by Innocence" first released in 1958 has been adapted into a BBC series (2018.)  It's the best deal on TV for a deliciously sumptuous & wickedly entertaining murder mystery caper.  It's set in the 1950s at the wealthy British country-side estate belonging to the prim & proper (so it would seem) Rachel & Leo Argyle.  Of course, not all is at it appears, especially behind closed doors.  Rachel & Leo adopted 5 orphans whom they've raised with the intent of producing thoroughbreds.  But not having been to the manor born, all bets are off.  The 3 part miniseries, directed with cunning & style by Sandra Golbacher (b. UK) begins with the bludgeoned murder of the matriarch on Christmas Eve.  Christie inveigles her constrained murder contenders from within the household.  The suspects become whittled down as the body count goes up.  The exceptional cast of British actors (except for one stray American, a perfect Crystal Park, 1 of 3 adopted daughters) is led by luminary actors Bill Nighy as the patriarch Leo Argyle and Anna Chancellor as the formidable Rachel Argyle.  Though Rachel is one uptight, frigid mum she's the first to go with a blow to the head.  The biggest mystery of all is how the "Downton Abbey" like estate is maintained with only 1 servant (Moven Christen) who serves to cook, clean and carry out all chores.  Regardless, the 5 motley mix of "fortunately" picked orphans grow into a tight knit brood - some are closer than others.  The BBC series is shot using flashbacks of the siblings, Jack, Micky, Kristen, Mary and Hester from their rigid upbringing to the handsome brooding adults they've become.   Mary (Elinor Tomlinson "Poldark") is married to Philip (Matthew Goode ("The Crown."). Almost 2 years after the murder for which Jack was arrested & killed in prison (an unresolved murder) a witness appears Arthur (Luke Treadaway) to provide an alibi that could exonerate Jack of the crime.  Arthur's arrival comes on the brink of Leo's marriage to Rachel's former secretary (the lascivious Alice Eve).  The two outsiders, Phillip & Arthur start to stir the pot which adds a few more corpses to the brew.   "Ordeal by Innocence" takes some liberties with Christie's storyline but this rendition adds an original cast which adds dynamic color & dubiousness for a much darker, sinister plot.  The sneak peek pieces begin to fall into place just when you think you know where the hammer will fall.   No question, "Ordeal" is the best crime drama to be revealed this summer on TV or the big screen.