Poulter and Boynton make for a likeable, charming and dynamic double act, bouncing off each other with a natural chemistry. Bobby is loyal, reserved and noble, while Frankie is smart, excitable and witty. The pair are perfectly cast, as Poulter\u2019s performance betrays a toughness beneath his amiable disposition, while Boynton lights up every scene she\u2019s in with a sparkling, quick energy.<\/p>\n

Laurie\u2019s direction is competent and unobtrusive, with his acting background shining through as he allows the performances to take precedence over camera trickery or structural experimentation. That said, the series looks gorgeous, having been shot on location in Surrey and the Gower Peninsula during summer. The sight of sun-dappled cliffs and opulent country houses will never not be appealing, and combined with some excellent set-design and costuming, makes for an old-school visual treat.<\/p>\n

If there\u2019s one thing this series and Sir Kenneth Branagh\u2019s recent Death on the Nile have in common, it\u2019s that they both prove where Christie\u2019s novels are concerned, the stars will seemingly always come out to play. Here we have a supporting cast of big-name actors including Dame Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, Paul Whitehouse, Conleth Hill and Laurie himself.<\/p>

It\u2019s an embarrassment of riches, particularly from a comedy standpoint, and with the stars placed in strategically small yet memorable roles, their appearances never detract from the story at large. Instead, Thompson, Broadbent and Whitehouse help to keep the tone light, while Hill and Laurie play into more dramatic and sinister developments.<\/p>\n

The series clips along at a well-judged pace, taking its time to develop the central relationship and character dynamics while also making sure there are enough thrills, spills and action beats to keep mystery fans engaged. And even if the resolution isn\u2019t the strongest from Christie\u2019s oeuvre (it\u2019s more an \u201cah\u201d than a \u201cwhat?!\u201d and subsequent character beats feel somewhat rushed), the journey is the real highlight here, and viewers are unlikely to come away feeling short-changed.<\/p>\n

Why Didn\u2019t They Ask Evans? may not be particularly innovative or groundbreaking, but it didn\u2019t need to be. Instead it\u2019s a well-told story with an all-star cast on top form, gloriously lush costumes, set design and visuals and more than enough twists and turns to keep things engaging. If you\u2019re looking for a cosy evening in front of the TV, you could do a lot worse.<\/p>\n

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The latest issue of Radio Times is on sale now \u2013\u00a0subscribe now<\/a>\u00a0to get each issue delivered to your door. For more from the biggest stars in TV, l<\/strong>isten to the\u00a0Radio Times podcast<\/a>\u00a0with Jane Garvey.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/body><\/html>\n
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