Poirot attends a meal with his dentist Bonnington. Waitress Molly casually talks about people being creatures of habit, she tells Poirot about fellow diner, Henry Gascoine, an artist and man of habit, broke his long standing routine recently, arriving on a different day, and eating different food. Poirot is instantly intrigued by Henry's deviation, more so when he learns that night poor Henry tumbled down the stairs to his death. Poirot attempts to learn more about Henry, talking to his neighbours and model, Poirot learns that Henry's estranged brother Anthony has also recently died. The little grey cells spring into action as Poirot smells a rat.
Brilliantly acted, I especially loved Holly De Jong's performance as Dulcie Lang, I will forever be a fan of Holly's after her brilliant performance a few years previous in Blackadder II.
As a fan of all things art deco i find this episode in particular a treat, some of the art work on show is just fabulous.
The music hall scenes look so good, a fun era expertly recreated. Some of the costumes too are rather wonderful. The seaside scenes also look so nice, meticulous.
I've always considered this one of the best of the early Poirot episodes. it's a super smart episode, it's a very clever plot, I've always liked the art of misdirection and the use of doubles. Short on suspects, but that seems not to matter.