The latest adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Towards Zero’ has sparked online debate due to explicit scenes and criticisms of pacing, with viewers voicing mixed reactions.
Viewers tuning into the BBC’s latest adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel “Towards Zero” on Sunday evening were met with a shocking scene that has since sparked considerable online commentary. The series, which features a cast including Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Neville Strange and Ella Lily Hyland as Audrey, drew attention not only for its audacious content but also for criticisms surrounding its pacing and overall execution.
In the second episode, a notably explicit scene depicted Strange engaging in intimate activities with his ex-wife, Audrey, on a staircase, culminating in oral sex. This moment, which is considered one of the most risqué ever featured in any Christie adaptation, was inadvertently witnessed by Neville’s current wife, Kay, portrayed by Mimi Keene. The explicit nature of this scene, set against the backdrop of a classic Agatha Christie mystery, has left many viewers stunned and spurred criticism across social media platforms.
Comments on X, formerly known as Twitter, illustrated a mix of shock and humour among the audience. One user quipped, “B****y hell, on the staircase (watching with my parents)”, while another suggested the incident would be humorously referred to in their household as “having your cake and eating it.” Critics of the adaptation have shared their discontent with the lack of a traditional murder mystery narrative, voicing frustrations about the slow pacing and lack of engaging content. One viewer lamented, “Christ this Towards Zero programme is slow! 2 episodes in and not a whiff of a slaughter in sight.”
The adaptation, which is based on Christie’s lesser-known 1944 novel, follows the story of a newly divorced British tennis player on holiday in Devon in the 1930s. Despite the intriguing premise, early episodes have faced backlash for what some perceive as excessive stylistic choices and a departure from the traditionally suspenseful plots expected in Christie’s narratives. Specifically, complaints have emerged about the cast’s makeup, which has been described as too modern for the historical setting.
Furthermore, the adaptation has been labelled as ‘woke’ by a segment of viewers, particularly in response to its colour-blind casting choices, reminiscent of the diverse assembly seen in the popular Netflix series “Bridgerton.” Some audience members expressed strong opinions on platforms like X, asserting that the depiction of 1930s England in the series misrepresented historical racial dynamics. One viewer remarked, “It’s been Bridgertoned, fostering the charming fiction that 1930s England was a paradise of racial tolerance & inclusivity. It wasn’t.”
Amidst the backlash, some praise has also been directed towards the cast, with individual performances, such as those of Clarke Peters, Anjelica Huston, and Matthew Rhys, receiving positive notes for their contributions to the show. However, Clarke Peters has himself voiced criticism regarding the application of colour-blind casting in non-fiction portrayals, stating it would be inappropriate in certain contexts, using the example of Ugandan dictator Idi Amin’s characterisation. He reiterated a preference for thoughtful application of this casting approach, distinguishing between fiction and historical representations.
The adaptation, directed by Rachel Bennette, is set to continue to unfold over its three-part run. Initial audience reactions point towards a divided reception, with some enjoying the fresh take on a classic narrative, while others feel disenchanted with the execution and adherence to Agatha Christie’s original storytelling style.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/tv/2025/02/towards-zero-review-hot-mess-of-wonky-accents-dubious-furs-bbc – This article discusses the BBC’s adaptation of ‘Towards Zero,’ highlighting criticisms of its pacing and stylistic choices, as well as the inclusion of explicit content.
- https://laurathompsonwriter.substack.com/p/towards-effing-zero – This piece critiques the modernization of Agatha Christie adaptations, including ‘Towards Zero,’ by incorporating sex and swearing, which some find unnecessary.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source provides an overview of the mixed reactions to the ‘Towards Zero’ adaptation, including both praise for the cast and criticism of its execution.
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27450524/ – IMDB provides details about the cast of ‘Towards Zero,’ including Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ella Lily Hyland, and Mimi Keene, which supports the information about the series’ cast.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001q8y4 – The BBC’s official page for ‘Towards Zero’ offers insights into the series’ premise and cast, aligning with the article’s description of the show.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative appears to be recent, discussing a current BBC adaptation and reactions from viewers on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). There are no indications of outdated information or recycled news.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The quotes provided are from social media users and do not appear to be from any earlier sources. However, without specific dates or original sources for these quotes, it’s difficult to confirm their originality.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication, but one that may have varying levels of reliability depending on the topic. The content seems to be based on current events and viewer reactions.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the BBC adaptation and viewer reactions are plausible and consistent with typical audience responses to controversial content. The narrative aligns with expected reactions to explicit scenes and casting choices in period dramas.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and based on recent events. While the source reliability is generally good, the quotes could not be verified as original. The plausibility of the claims is high, aligning with typical audience reactions to controversial content.
