A new Agatha Christie adaptation starring Imelda Staunton, Josh Dylan, and Antonia Thomas? Say less. Tommy & Tuppence is everything I could’ve wanted and more, and it’s airing at the perfect time of year, too.
While Only Murders in the Building has become our go-to fall whodunnit, its delayed sixth season will now surely satisfy the winter itch, while Tommy & Tuppence Season 1 effectively delivers an autumn winner now until October. Brilliantly penned by Phoebe Eclair-Powell with stunning direction from Fergus O’Brien and Ellie Heydon in the penultimate plus finale, it’s the perfect amateur sleuth adaptation that also delivers a second chance romance that hits.
Tommy & Tuppence follows our titular characters as they reunite at a party and accidentally stumble upon a murder. The former couple put their sleuthing expertise together to crack the case and essentially start their own business, all while feelings between them continue to reignite like sparks that’ve been waiting dormant for the opportune moment. In other words, it’s the perfect show for fans of whodunnits and the romance genre—a must-watch, without question.
People who’ve read the books likely know exactly what’s coming, but for the sake of keeping this review spoiler-free, know that every part of it is as glorious as you can imagine. The modernized quips blend thoughtfully with classic tropes, and more importantly, the characters are already so fleshed out, it’s easy to appreciate everything that we get in the six episodes. Few things consistently impress me the way that a British series can pack so much substantial material into six episodes, but it happens every time without fail, and that much is true in Tommy & Tuppence Season 1. We get such exceptional material throughout that it’s hard to believe the show isn’t longer. Because of this, the pacing is excellent, and splitting each mystery into two episodes is a clever decision to keep the material thrilling.
In addition, as one of Christie’s most beloved duos, sparks sizzle in every frame for the titular characters. Dylan and Thomas have such electric chemistry that every scene they share dazzles—I’m talking giggling and kicking your feet all throughout. As someone who loves the second chance romance trope, it’s already so gorgeously done in Season 1 that it’s easy to be on pins and needles for Season 2 when the credits roll on the sixth episode.
It’s also not every whodunnit that has a rewatchability factor to it, but the moment I finished, I immediately wanted to go back to the beginning and start over. The writing isn’t just sharp, but it glitters alongside the performances. The directing is so picturesque that if autumn is your favorite season, you’ll find yourself completely entranced by every frame.
Interestingly, it’s not just a show for genre aficionados, but there’s something particularly inviting about the story right off the bat. There’s something incredibly nostalgic about it, all while it also feels refreshing and new. Layered, thoughtful, and riveting in all that it approaches, it deserves to be on everyone’s radar. There’s not a single whodunnit like it right now, and that alone should be reason enough to watch.
Tommy & Tuppence Season 1 premieres exclusively on BritBox on September 15.
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