WHODUNNIT?
BBC quietly drops all episodes of brand new thriller series – as fans rip into the show’s plot
The three-part series is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie book of the same name, released in 1944
THE BBC quietly drops all episodes of a brand new thriller series - as fans rip into the show’s plot.
The new thriller features many well-known faces, including Netflix stars and a Hollywood actress.
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Towards Zero is set in 1936 England and is an adaptation of the Agatha Christie book of the same name, released in 1944
The star studded cast includes Sex Education actress Mimi Keene who plays Kay Elliott-Strange alongside Hijack actress Ella Lily Hyland as Audrey Strange.
Also appearing is Netflix star Oliver Jackson-Cohen who takes on the role of Neville Strange.
And Hollywood legend Anjelica Huston plays Camilla, Lady Tressilian.
BBC Drama
Actress and writer Jackie Clune also portrays Mrs Barrett and Jack Farthing plays Thomas Royde.
This morning, BBC dropped all three episodes of the show for viewers to binge watch - but the first episode has received very mixed reactions from fans.
Some viewers loved the show and one stated: "I love Jack Farthing he plays a devilish cad so well"
Another said: " Such an impossibly handsome cast."
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"I have just binged #towardszero - I really enjoyed it. Having not read the book, I have no complaints re the plot." exclaimed another.
"Superb opening storytelling, and artistic opening sequences for new #BBCDrama, an Agatha Christie adaptation: #TowardsZero" agreed another fan.
Agatha Christie fans divided over ITV series finale as they complain of 'underused' actor
However some fans were disappointed and ripped into the plot stating it was boring and dull.
"Absolutely nothing happens for nearly the entire first episode. What a load of boring s***e" declared one viewer.
A second wrote: "An utter mess. Impossible to engage with any of the characters and the acting is deplorable."
"The casting seems a bit suspect….yawn yawn" agreed a third.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here's a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman's war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O'Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he's tasked to investigate while Wallander's job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
Another viewer simply said: "Just awful…."
"15 mins into the first episode of #TowardsZero on @BBC1 and NOTHING of the action so far bears resemblance to #AgathaChristie's book!! In trepidation of what is to follow!" stated another.
Another disappointed viewer said: "Shame was expecting a good old Agatha Christie detective drama but it’s really boring me so far."
The official plot for Towards Zero reads: "England, 1936. After a scandalous celebrity divorce.
"Nevile Strange and his ex-wife Audrey make the unthinkable decision to spend a summer together at Gull’s Point.
"Their childhood home and the coastal estate of Nevile's aunt, Lady Tressilian.
"With unfinished business between the former childhood sweethearts, plus the presence of Nevile’s new wife Kay, tensions are running high.
"Add to this a long-suffering lady’s companion, a mysterious gentleman’s valet, an exiled cousin with a grudge, a venerable family lawyer, an inquisitive orphan and a French con man, and soon there will be murder.
"A troubled detective must rediscover his purpose to untangle a toxic web of jealousy, deceit, and dysfunction.
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"Can he solve the crime before another victim meets their death?"
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Towards Zero is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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