Miss Marple: Nemesis

Nemesis drops Miss Marple into a case that asks more questions than it answers. Jason Rafiel, a restless benefactor with a sharp eye for mischief, seeks out the elderly village sleuth and asks her to uncover the truth of a possible crime. He provides no specifics, no suspects, and frankly admits he cannot be sure a wrong has even occurred. Marple accepts the challenge with her characteristic calm, reserving judgment, and begins to assemble a mental map of personalities and secrets that cluster around a quiet English town. The pursuit is less a chase for a killer than a careful reading of motives, memory, and the shadows cast by reputation. She listens for contradictions, notes the subtleties of social etiquette, and keeps a ledger of who benefits from keeping secrets.

Released in 1987 as part of ITV's Miss Marple series, Nemesis was directed by David Tucker. The episode adapts Agatha Christie with input from T. R. Bowen, honoring the author while shaping the story for television. The production values include period detail, crisp cinematography, and a faithful recreation of Christie's tone.

This adaptation helped cement Joan Hickson's reputation as the definitive Miss Marple, and the series itself became a touchstone for faithful Christie adaptations on screen. Its restrained pacing and emphasis on village dynamics influenced later mystery dramas that value character and mood over fast action. Hickson's performance blends humor with restraint, keeping the character approachable yet morally firm.

Critics praised the episode for its steady logic and attentive decoding of social cues. The themes center on hidden resentments within respectable circles, memory shaping judgment, and the idea that truth may hide behind polite manners. Marple's quiet deductions turn everyday detail into crucial clues. The episode also highlights Miss Marple's belief in ordinary people's moral capacity, a refreshing contrast to more sensational detectives.

Awards: There are no major nominations recorded for this adaptation, though fans and critics alike have noted its faithful production values and the strength of the cast.