BBC Towards Zero finale sparks fury as viewers fume BBC ‘can’t be trusted’ with Agatha Christie story: ‘Sorry I watched’
BBC Towards Zero viewers have pulled no punches in their opinion on the series as it concluded this weekend.
The three-part miniseries, adapted from the Agatha Christie novel of the same name, has faced criticism from some fans for its slow pace and lack of resemblance to the original book.
The series, set in the 1930s English south coast, sees retired tennis star Neville Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) holidaying at his Aristocratic aunt Lady Tressilian’s (Anjelica Huston) villa.
Scandal ensues as Strange invites both his new wife, Kay (Mimi Keene), and his former wife, Audrey (Ella Lily Hyland) to visit at the same time – leading to drama with a colourful cast of characters and, of course, grisly murders.
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During Sunday’s finale, it was revealed that Audrey had been behind the plot to force through her divorce from Neville.
Inspector Leach (Matthew Rhys) was then able to uncover that Neville was behind the murder of Lady Tressilian in order to inherit her fortune and Mr Treves to avoid being caught.
In the end, the villainous Neville was sent to the hangman while the exonerated Audrey declaring she was now free to do what she wanted.
While plot points were altered for the adaption, the conclusion had many of the hallmarks of a typical Agatha Christie whodunit.
However, controversy generated by a raunchy scene in episode two was not enough to save the show for fans.
Many less-than-impressed viewers took to social media to vent about the BBC’s adaption.
“I really don’t trust the @BBC with an @agathachristie adaptation as every one has been dreadful and they rewrite them as if #AgathaChristie wasn’t a good enough writer,” one slammed on X.
They added: “The estate and family really need to rethink who they give the rights to #TowardsZero.”
Another devoted Christie fan also raged against: “terrible TV adaptations, like #TowardsZero, with ego driven changes to characters, plots and culprits.”
“Tepid Zero. Turgid Zero. Trudging Towards Zero. Towards Zero is one of my favourite Christie novels, but this adaptation has been utter b******s. #towardszero,” a third savaged.
A fourth despaired: “I’ve decided that there was almost nothing about #TowardsZero that I liked apart from what the ladies were wearing. Turgid tosh”
“#towardszero ponderously slow, I’m sorry I watched it,” a fifth wrote.
However, not all were disappointed with the series. “Absolutely loved #towardszero beautifully acted and directed,” one argued.
A second glowed: “Watched all 3 Episodes of #towardszero last night .. Haven’t read the #AgathaChristie book ~ so didn’t know the Story Loved it #Lush Scenery #Performances #costumes Inspector Leach (Matthew Rhys) superb fabulously complex.” (sic)