简介：Three mysteries crafted by the inimitable Dorothy L. Sayers, featuring the exceptional amateur detective Lord Peter Wimsey and the enchanting Harriet Vane, are brought to life with consummate skill in these 1987 BBC adaptations. In "Strong Poison," Harriet, portrayed by Harriet Walter, stands trial for murder. Lord Peter, embodied by Edward Petherbridge, is captivated by her and firmly believes in her innocence. The narrative unfolds as a duality, intertwining Lord Peter's quest to unmask the true assassin with his passionate pursuit of Harriet. Both endeavors are executed with charm. As ever, Sayers has masterfully woven her tale, delivering a gratifying mystery intertwined with a playful comic streak (a subtle jab at the spiritualist movement is especially delightful). The period setting is rendered with authentic flair and meticulous attention to detail, and the adaptation shows a profound respect for Sayers's original novel. The performances are uniformly exceptional. Petherbridge embodies Wimsey to perfection, showcasing his intellect and his undying love without ever compromising his dignified demeanor. Walter invests Harriet with depth and complexity, conveying her character as much through her silences as through her dialogue, and Richard Morant delivers a subdued yet remarkable performance as the enigmatic Bunting.

Upon emerging from the trial, Harriet seeks solace but inadvertently encounters a freshly discovered murder victim in "Have His Carcass." Unable to turn away from the allure of a crime—or, indeed, from Harriet—Lord Peter quickly takes charge of the investigation. In "Gaudy Night," Lord Peter continues to propose at regular intervals, while Harriet, despite her reluctance to accept, also finds herself unable to dismiss Lord Peter entirely. Yet the focus of the narrative shifts from romance. As Wimsey departs for foreign service duties, Harriet returns to her alma mater at Oxford and finds herself in the midst of a poison-pen scandal. As a renowned mystery writer, Harriet's role as an investigator is a natural fit. Sayers clearly relished crafting this tale, employing Harriet to delicately satirize her own profession while simultaneously paying homage to and defending the cloistered life within a women's college. --Ali Davis