Interview with David Jonsson: Unveiling the Allure of Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy on BBC One

David Jonsson, star of the new BBC One adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder is Easy, recently sat down to discuss his role and what drew him to the two parter. With his engaging personality and passion for storytelling, Jonsson opened up about his excitement for joining such a beloved British institution and the cultural impact of Agatha Christie’s works. He delved into the complexities of his character, Luke Fitzwilliam, and shared his insights on the timeless appeal of murder mysteries set in quaint English villages. Read on as Jonsson provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of Murder is Easy, airing on BBC One this week.

In Murder is Easy, we meet David’s character, Luke Fitzwilliam, on a train to London, where he encounters a charming older lady named Miss Pinkerton, played by Penelope Wilton. Miss Pinkerton shares information about a series of deaths that she believes were murders in her English village, arousing Luke’s moral compass and prompting him to take action. Luke, who hails from Nigeria and holds a senior ranking position in the military, finds himself in a tiny English village called Wychwood under Ashe, determined to solve the murders and catch the killer.

When asked about what it meant to join the series, David shared, “First of all, this has got to be the most excited my mum’s been about me doing a job, ever. Agatha Christies mean more than just a regular murder mystery. They’re a British institution – they bring people together and encompass a lot of what it means to be British. So it was great to read a script that felt not only new and fresh with an interesting mercurial character but also brings in a whole new culture that we’ve never seen in an Agatha Christie before. Having a black hero felt incredibly fresh and exciting to me. I feel very privileged that I’m able to do that.”

David believes one of the reasons Agatha Christie’s stories continue to captivate audiences is their ability to touch on social issues. He expressed, “I really do think Agatha Christie was a brilliant writer. She really knocked out some crackers that not only meant a lot at the time but are completely applicable to where we are now. I think that’s a testament to Agatha Christie herself.” He also praised the series for its injection of new culture and the incorporation of female creatives. “We’ve got a female writer and a female director,” he said. “And the story, in particular with Morfydd’s character, looks at the role of women in society.”

David delved into his experience of being in the world of the 1950s, noting, “It was really interesting because this would have been a time just before my parents were born. I’m a real fan of props and costume; it really helps me find the character a bit more.” Immersing himself in the era made him contemplate his own family history, adding a layer of personal connection to his portrayal of Luke Fitzwilliam.

Describing Murder is Easy to someone unfamiliar with the series, David said, “It’s action-packed. It’s full of wit and humor and all the things we love from a British thriller.” The series also explores the theme of social class, emphasizing that “class doesn’t really mean anything. We’re just humans.”

When asked about Luke’s effectiveness as a detective, David explained, “He’s able to switch and relate to various people and find what makes them tick. He’s not afraid of humbling himself, and that’s a trait I think a lot of people struggle with.” Regarding Luke’s journey, David reflected on how meeting Miss Pinkerton alters his path, saying, “I reckon he would have lived a straight and narrow life and continued being incredibly dedicated to the services, the British Colony and advancing it. But what meeting Miss Pinkerton does for him is help him find duty in another way. Which actually I think serves humanity better.”

Wrapping up the interview, David touched on the enduring appeal of murder mysteries set in quaint English villages, saying, “I think the reason why these really work and are effective is because the best things in drama are simple. They always have to be. If you can’t relate to it or you don’t have a simple way in, it’s always going to feel heavy.” He praised Agatha Christie’s ability to create stories that follow a simple structure while incorporating original and interesting elements. David teased that viewers can expect plenty of twists and turns in Murder is Easy, making it difficult to guess the killer’s identity.

With David Jonsson leading the way, Murder is Easy promises to be a thrilling journey through the world of Agatha Christie’s iconic storytelling. Tune in to BBC One this week for a suspense-filled classic Christie experience.

Image Credit: David Jonsson as Luke Fitzwilliam. BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mark Mainz