Towards Zero concluded on Sunday evening (Image: BBC/Mammoth Screen/James Pardon)
‘s Towards Zero received an influx of complaints from disappointed viewers as the programme came to its conclusion on Sunday evening. The three-part drama series is the latest Agatha Christie adaptation and is based on the author’s 1944 novel. During the final episode, Inspector Leach (Matthew Rhys) revealed all in front of those staying at Gull’s Point. Audrey Strange (Ella Lily Hyland) was exposed as the one who had planted the evidence against Neville Strange (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) to force a divorce.
After a compact mirror was hidden in her ex-husband’s car, Neville eventually admitted his infidelity, which turned out to be the catalyst for the murders. A furious Neville sought revenge on Audrey after she left him following a promise that they’d never be apart. It was confirmed he murdered Lady Tressilian (Anjelica Huston) to inherit her estate as her rightful heir before she could change her will. Neville also murdered lawyer Mr Treves (Clarke Peters) so he could point the blame back towards Audrey.
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Matthew Rhys was praised for his portrayal of Inspector Leach (Image: BBC)
In the end, Nevile was set to be hanged for the murders, while Audrey declared that she was finally free. However, viewers were less than pleased with the series as they flocked to social media to complain.
One declared: “I’ve decided that there was almost nothing about #TowardsZero that I liked apart from what the ladies were wearing. Turgid tosh.”
A second agreed: “I really don’t trust the @ with an @agathachristie adaptation as every one has been dreadful and they rewrite them as if #AgathaChristie wasn’t a good enough writer. The estate and family really need to rethink who they give the rights to #TowardsZero.”
Another praised Matthew Rhys for his portrayal of Inspector Leach, but criticised the show as a whole, writing: “I’m always intrigued by actors who give performances far better than their production deserves. Matthew Rhys almost convinces that #TowardsZero on One is rather good. Appearing like a depressed Columbo, he brings depths, richness and complexity not apparent elsewhere.”
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Neville Strange was revealed as the killer (Image: BBC)
A fourth fumed: “Towards Zero is one of my favourite Christie novels, but this adaptation has been utter b******s.”
However, others had more positive things to say about the final episode as they declared it was better than the previous two.
One remarked: “I found the last episode to be much better. Shame I googled a character to see who was playing them and saw them in a wiki list of villains. Gave the game away somewhat.”
Another echoed: “A better episode of #towardszero tonight I m o. Leech has come off better, & I like the way he proved Neville Strange is the culprit!”