I thought it was just bad acting but realise the director clearly asks the actors to ham it up - even cutaways are appalling and well over the top (Miss Marple twinkles, looks confused, spots something, star makes mistake, double take, smiles smugly...).

I think they think it's "style".

It's dreadful. Utterly awful and even worse when Joan Hickson was so good.

Michael Grade should shoot the entire team behind these ghastly remakes.

"Michael Grade should shoot the entire team behind these ghastly remakes."
Why not just shoot Michael Grade?
You can blame his family for a lot of the problems associated with British TV from the past.And as the villian who killed of Doctor Who,well..
I always thought you'd have made a worthwile contribution higher up at the Beeb JK,however I expect your family connections just weren't as good.
I don't live in the UK,so was spared this latest remake,of a remake.I did however get a chance to watch all 4 of the classic early 60s origionals...what a woman old Margaret was,face like John Pertwee,character as tenacious as cousin Tony...but put it all together and you'll see why Agatha dedicated one of her books to Margaret:)

After the first episode of ITV's "Marple" I decided I wouldn't watch any more. They'd changed and destroyed a great concept and character. And, indeed, I haven't watched it since.

I agree the Margaret Rutherford was wonderful as Miss Marple - but she was wonderful in everything.

Joan Hickson was the 'real' Miss Marple, faithful to Agatha's creation.

ITV would be better putting their efforts into something original rather than messing up old classics.

And hugely under rated, the wonderful Ken Howard/Alan Blakely music from the Hickson series (remember that harpsichord?).

Where are Ken and Alan these days? They launched Dave Dee, Dozy etc as well as Peter Frampton and The Herd.

A very talented couple.