Malice Aforethought

Shown on PBS's Mystery series, the only mystery to this two-part adaptation of a 1931 novel by the English writer Francis Iles is whether the villain--a village doctor (Ben Miller) with a roving eye whose amorous ways lead him to kill his wealthy, imperious wife--will be caught, since his weapons are germs and microbes that are difficult to detect and even harder to trace back to him. Similar to a Columbo episode (though without so prominent or colorful a detective), Malice Aforethought doesn't have the sharpness or sense of surprise that the famous American series starring Peter Falk delivered, and the twist ending falls rather flat. Like virtually all of the British programs from Granada Television, however, David Blair's version is beautifully mounted, with lovely locations and fastidious attention to period attire and settings. Miller is a bit bland as the philandering physician, and even though the rest of the cast bring the right touch of arch affectation to their roles, the result feels like Agatha Christie-lite--capable of holding one's attention but not generating much suspense or excitement. Optional. (F. Swietek)