A lady visits Poirot seeking his help in finding her missing cook. Not used to such trivialities Poirot is initially unsympathetic, wishing only for cases of National importance. Poirot eventually sympathises and takes the case on, he soon discovers that bigger things are at stake then just a missing cook.
Way back to 1989 to where it all started, it is an utterly charming episode, I love how it switches from humorous to serious, it's truly well realised. On the surface it seems like a simple little mystery, but underneath it's very interesting.
Quite incredible how quickly Suchet got into the role of Poirot, I wonder how much work and research was put into the part. You'd be forgiven for not knowing this was his first outing, his performance is that good. Hugh Fraser and Pauline Moran also seem as if they've been in their roles for years.
The supporting cast are excellent, Brigit Forsyth is a lot of fun as Mrs Todd, I loved how she put him down in the initial meeting. Freda Dowie has been a delightful actress, she was great in this, soft and sympathetic. Soon after this she would give an exceptional performance in Oranges are not the only fruit. Dermot Crowley is excellent too, such an understated performance.
A great short story that showcased the lack of constraints on Agatha Christie's imagination. Everyone getting used to their parts, a very good, solid start, brilliance lay ahead.
8/10