Gransnet forums

TV, radio, film, Arts

Murder Before Evensong

(74 Posts)
Aldom Wed 08-Oct-25 06:52:49

I watched this last night and rather enjoyed it. As a clergy widow I recognised much of parish life in the storyline. I wasn't expecting to like this drama but I'm very much looking forward to the next episode.

Mollygo Sun 26-Oct-25 08:41:59

I didn’t like the books but DH wanted to watch the screen version.
He watched for a while, then we went back to watching Foyle’s War.

Oreo Sun 26-Oct-25 09:42:05

I hadn’t read the books and as I like Father Brown and also Midsommer Murders thought I’d enjoy this.
I didn’t.
Couldn’t quite say why but think it may be the casting.The vicar as the main character has to have something, and this vicar was colourless and hapless.
Could be that the books give more depth to his character?
I just watched half of the first episode, it was enough.
On a different note is Richard Coles still an active vicar? He spends so much time on writing books and on tv in various programmes that he can’t really be there for church duties.

Oreo Sun 26-Oct-25 09:42:47

Mollygo

I didn’t like the books but DH wanted to watch the screen version.
He watched for a while, then we went back to watching Foyle’s War.

Foyles War is brilliant.

Calendargirl Sun 26-Oct-25 11:10:14

I think the book was much better than the tv version.

I’m not keen on the vicar or his mother.

The lord of the manor was totally different in the book.

And despite his name, I don’t think the policeman was Asian.

w1u7 Sun 26-Oct-25 11:10:29

Richard Coles retired from his priestly duties in 2022.

Usedtobeblonde Tue 28-Oct-25 22:04:08

I really have tried hard with this.
I couldn’t get into the book and I find I can’t get into the TV play.
It is so slow and I am finding the characters uninteresting, boring even.

mokryna Wed 05-Nov-25 18:15:34

I am still enjoying this program, I don’t have the possibility to watch the last episode on streaming, therefore I will have to wait until next week to see which character murdered three people….

Aveline Wed 05-Nov-25 18:41:39

I much preferred the book. The characters all seem very different from it in the TV version. I agree about the policeman.

Sparklefizz Wed 05-Nov-25 19:11:17

I just don't care any more - not about any of the characters and not about the story line.

Allira Wed 05-Nov-25 19:18:28

Sparklefizz

I just don't care any more - not about any of the characters and not about the story line.

I've lost the plot somewhere along the way.
Who is who, who is related to whom and who did what confused

Aveline Wed 05-Nov-25 20:36:26

I agree. I suppose I'm too used to bingeing a whole series these days so just one episode a week makes me forget the characters and storylines.

Moth62 Wed 05-Nov-25 22:07:46

My husband was laughing at Amanda Redman taking the gearbox out of the Land Rover to mend it. (Not as simple as she made it look, apparently… hmm)

Allira Wed 05-Nov-25 22:10:46

Moth62

My husband was laughing at Amanda Redman taking the gearbox out of the Land Rover to mend it. (Not as simple as she made it look, apparently… hmm)

I did wonder how heavy it was 😁

Allira Wed 05-Nov-25 22:12:57

An old Land Rover gearbox weighs between 165lbs and 254lbs, apparently, depending on the model, Moth62

Moth62 Wed 05-Nov-25 23:05:42

Yes, his mother did well to get that out on her own! I’m quite enjoying the series, though I preferred the book. A lot of nuances in the novel that don’t translate to screen.

Allira Wed 05-Nov-25 23:08:48

I'm certainly not going to argue with Audrey.

Crossstitchfan Wed 05-Nov-25 23:23:28

I watched my recording of it tonight. Not greatly impressed, but will give it a chance. It might liven up a bit.

Calendargirl Thu 06-Nov-25 06:34:44

Allira

I'm certainly not going to argue with Audrey.

She came across better in the book.

Not so brusque and hard, although still kept others in their place. Very aware of her status as mother of the vicar.

The dogs were mentioned much more in the book also.

Boz Mon 10-Nov-25 14:03:49

Was it necessary to make Amanda Redman so frumpy?

Allira Mon 10-Nov-25 14:53:43

Well, when we find out who dun wot I shall still be confused as I'm having difficulty remembering who is who.

Perhaps I missed an episode or two hmm

Allira Mon 10-Nov-25 14:56:11

Boz

Was it necessary to make Amanda Redman so frumpy?

Well, I thought she looked absolutely right for the era - but then realised it is not set in the 1950s, as I thought, but in the 1980S
You're right! She does look like a throw-back to the 1950s.

Esmay Mon 10-Nov-25 18:04:04

Thank you I'll watch it .

Esmay Mon 10-Nov-25 18:06:35

Oops !
Posted before on this and didn't see it .
Maybe later !