Original Airdate: 21 February 1993 Written by: Douglas Watkinson Directed by: Ken Grieve Recurring cast: Inspector Japp
Tropes
Cowboy Cop: As a policeman in Brussels on the eve of WWI, Poirot would do things like investigating a crime while off-duty and breaking into a suspect's house, things that would cause much consternation from Da Chief Superintendent Boucher.
Did Not Get the Girl: Even after solving the case, Poirot didn't end up with Virginie. His friend Jean-Louis, on the other hand...
Five-Second Foreshadowing: When Jean-Louis introduces his sons Henri and Hercule to Poirot, he notes how the two boys look familiar... then in comes their mother, who happens to be the former Virginie Mesnard.
Framing Device: Instead of Poirot telling the story to Hastings, here he tells it to Japp as the two arrive in Brussels, where Japp is set to receive a prestigious award.
"Near and Dear" Baby Naming: Jean-Louis and Virginie name one of their sons Hercule after their detective friend.
Origins Episode: Not for Poirot himself, but for the brooch he wears. Though given how the events of the case take place before The Mysterious Affair at Styles, this one could be argued to be his first case in chronological order.
Translation Convention: Given that most of the story is set in Brussels, it can be assumed that the characters are speaking in French, which is presented as English for the audience's sake. Poirot speaks his usual Poirot Speak, even in his native language.
You Just Told Me: When Madame Deroulard recounts what happened with the chocolate boxes, she makes an error regarding their description, which allows Poirot to realize she's the killer.
Your Days Are Numbered: The reason Madame Deroulard escalated her cold war with her son into killing him was because she was told she only had six months to live. When she confesses to Poirot, she makes him promise that he'll only tell the truth once she has passed on.
