Agatha Christie's Poirot Season 13 Episode 5
Okay, let's talk Poirot. Specifically, Season 13, Episode 5: "Elephants Can Remember." It's an episode many adore. Me? Well, buckle up, because I have some… thoughts.
A Memory Lane That's A Little… Slow?
The premise is classic Christie. A writer wants Poirot to investigate a cold case. It involves the death of her parents years ago. They died in a messy, potentially murderous situation.
Everyone keeps saying, "Elephants can remember!" implying witnesses hold the key. But honestly? It felt like the elephants had early-onset dementia. The memories were fuzzy at best.
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Poirot wanders around, gently prodding these "elephants". It feels less like detective work and more like a polite tea party. With occasional flashbacks that are visually… interesting.
The Ariadne Oliver Factor
Oh, Ariadne Oliver! The flamboyant crime novelist who's basically Agatha Christie's fictional stand-in. She's always good for a laugh. Her presence usually elevates any episode.
But even Ariadne couldn't save this one for me. She runs around, following hunches. Sometimes her instincts are sharp. Other times she’s as confused as I am trying to follow the plot.
She adds a touch of comic relief. Especially when dealing with her awful book adaptations. I sympathize, Ariadne, I sympathize.
My Unpopular Opinion Incoming!
Here it comes. Brace yourselves. “Elephants Can Remember” is… kind of boring. I said it! Please don't throw your magnifying glasses at me.
The pacing felt glacial. All the reminiscing felt repetitive. And the solution? It felt a little… out of left field. Like Christie pulled it from a hat after forgetting the clues she laid (or didn’t lay) down.
Maybe I'm just impatient. Maybe I prefer my Poirot with a bit more zing. You know, a locked room mystery with a flamboyant villain. Or at least a murder weapon that isn't hidden behind layers of faded memories.
Don’t get me wrong, the acting is superb. David Suchet is always a masterclass in portraying Hercule Poirot. But even he can't make a slow plot suddenly exciting.
And yes, the set design is gorgeous. Those country houses are always to die for (pun intended!). But beautiful scenery doesn't equal gripping storytelling.
Did Anyone Else Feel This Way?
Am I alone in this? Do others find this episode a bit… snooze-worthy? Or am I committing Poirot heresy?
Perhaps the weight of the past and the unreliable nature of memory is too subtle for my taste. Maybe I just wanted a more straightforward, satisfying mystery. With a satisfying culprit that makes sense.
I still adore Poirot. He’s one of my favorite detectives of all time. But "Elephants Can Remember" just isn't one I'll be re-watching anytime soon.
It has its moments. But overall, it felt like a gentle amble rather than a thrilling chase. Even elephants can't remember every little detail. And frankly, after watching this episode, neither can I.
