Agatha Christie penned dozens of novels during her lifetime, which granted her the title of best-selling author of all time and still delight readers to this day. While the most famous character Christie ever created was Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, who's been portrayed by several actors over the year, she also came up with another, arguably as interesting.
Mrs. Marple got her own series of crime-solving stories, completely twisting the notion that only a certain type of character could indulge in the hobby of hunting down killers. This old spinster was witty, kind, and always one step ahead of everyone, all attributes that were wonderfully bought to the series Agatha Christie's Marple. We take a look back at the ten best episodes of the show, which saw two actresses take on the character, ranked according to IMDb.
Murder Is Easy (7.3)
2008's "Murder Is Easy" marked the second episode of season four, and it starred Julia McKenzie, the second actress to take on the role of Miss Marple on the show. Curiously enough, it also guest-stars British actor and Marvel Cinematic Universe's Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch.
The episode sees Miss Marple trying to make sense of a series of seemingly innocent deaths taking place in a small village, only to later discover that nothing is what it seems.
What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw (7.4)
Season 1's "What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw" captivated audiences and critics so much it was actually nominated for a Primetime Emmy back in 2005, in the category of Outstanding Special Class Program. It also stars the first actress to portray Miss Marple one the show, Geraldine McEwan.
The event that sets the plot into motion is a murder witnessed as a train passes by, which leads Miss Marple on a hunt to find the body that may or may not be hidden in the mansion of a wealthy and powerful family.
A Pocket Full of Rye (7.4)
Christie has always had a thing for turning old nursery rhymes into part of thrilling murder mysteries. One such case was her best-selling novel "And Then There Were None". And another one was, of course, "A Pocket Full Of Rye", the first episode of season four, featuring Julia McKenzie.
When a detestable man shows up death with a handful of rye in his pocket and people around him drop dead in a grim recreation of a nursing rhyme, Miss Marple enters the case.
The Pale Horse (7.4)
Miss Marple battling supposed witches? Sign us up! Thankfully, that's exactly what the plot of "The Pale Horse", the first episode of season 5, is all about...or is it?
When her priest friend is brutally killed after visiting a dying old woman, Miss Marple sets on a quest to bring justice to her old companion. What happens when witches enter the conversation? Nothing you would expect!
A Murder Is Announced (7.5)
Small town life tends to get exponentially more interesting when Miss Marple is around, and the residents of Chipping Cleghorn will be the first to tell you that!
When a local newspaper announces that a murder will be committed at one of the residents, everyone shows up but doesn't take it seriously. However, as soon as someone is shot dead, things take a turn for the worse. It's up to Miss Marple to collect the clues and find out what's at the root of it all.
The Moving Finger (7.5)
Told from the point of view of Jerry Burton, a troubled veteran who moves to a small town with his sister in order to recover from an accident, "The Moving Finger" is a thrilling mystery that has audiences gasp at every turn.
Mysterious murders, blackmail letters, and blooming romances, this episode has it all! Plus, it includes model Kelly Brook in one of her earlier acting gigs.
The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side (7.5)
Season 5's "The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side" follows the interesting move of a Hollywood star and her husband to St Mary Mead, Miss Marple's place of residence.
The entire neighborhood is in upheaval at their arrival, and the snooping ensues. But when a fan of the star shows up dead at a party the couple was throwing, Miss Marples smells something funny.
The Blue Geranium (7.5)
Mary Pritchard is not loved by anyone in the neighborhood, so it's no surprise few are left broken when she dies. However, her death was foretold by a medium - but no one believed Mary when she believed her life to be in danger.
Miss Marple immediately suspects something is wrong, and an instant wave of dug up secrets, broken hearts, and war spies - with a final twist that no one could see coming.
A Caribbean Mystery (7.5)
In an exciting turn of events, season 6's first episode sends Miss Marple to the Caribbean. When a guest brags to everyone about having in his possession the picture of a killer, he later wounds up death.
This is when our favorite female detective gets on the case, one that explores completely new ground for the character, including black magic of the ancient kind.
Greenshaw's Folly (7.6)
Moving in chronological order, we arrive at season 6' "Greenshaw's Folly", the second episode of the season, and the highest-rated of the series.
A mother and child are on the run from an abusive situation, and Miss Marple helps by sending off to the mansion of an eccentric botanist. What she couldn't anticipate was that it would eventually become a crime scene...