Why Didn't They Ask Evans? is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie that has been adapted into a television series. The book was first published in 1934 and has become a classic of the mystery genre. The TV adaptation was released in 1980 and starred Francesca Annis and John Gielgud. Despite its popularity, the TV series did not receive the attention and acclaim that it deserved. This article will explore the reasons why the TV series did not achieve the same level of success as the book.

One of the reasons why the TV series did not resonate with audiences could be the casting. While Annis and Gielgud are both talented actors, they may not have been the best choices for their respective roles. Annis played the role of Lady Frances Derwent, the love interest of the protagonist, Bobby Jones. Her performance was criticized for being wooden and lacking chemistry with the other actors. Gielgud played the role of Reverend Jones, Bobby's father. While Gielgud is a renowned actor, his performance in the TV series was not well-received. Some critics felt that his portrayal of the character was too subdued and lacked the charisma that was needed to make the character engaging.

Another reason why the TV series did not succeed could be the pacing. The novel is a fast-paced mystery with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The TV series, on the other hand, was slow-paced and lacked the energy of the book. The pacing of the TV series may have been intentional, as the filmmakers wanted to take their time to build tension and suspense. However, this approach may not have worked for audiences who were expecting a fast-paced thriller.

The TV series also suffered from a lack of character development. In the book, the characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities. This makes the reader care about the characters and invest in their journey. In the TV series, the characters are not given enough time to develop, and as a result, they come across as one-dimensional. This lack of character development may have contributed to the wooden performances of the actors.

Another issue with the TV series could be the direction. The TV series was directed by John Davies, who is known for his work on period dramas. While he is a talented director, his style may not have been well-suited for a mystery thriller. The direction of the TV series lacked the tension and suspense that is necessary for a mystery thriller to work. The direction may have also contributed to the wooden performances of the actors.

The TV series also suffered from a lack of budget. The budget for the TV series was reportedly low, which meant that the filmmakers had to cut corners in terms of production value. The sets and costumes were basic, and the special effects were rudimentary. This lack of budget may have contributed to the lack of engagement from audiences.

The TV series adaptation of Why Didn't They Ask Evans? was not as successful as the book. The casting, pacing, character development, direction, and budget all contributed to the lack of engagement from audiences. While the TV series had its merits, it failed to capture the spirit of the book. It is possible that a more modern adaptation of the book, with a bigger budget and more talented cast and crew, could be successful. However, the TV series will always be remembered as a missed opportunity.