The seemingly simple question, “Why didn’t they ask Evans?”, hangs heavily over the investigation in Agatha Christie’s Why Didn’t They Ask Evans? The failure to immediately question the dying man’s cryptic final words in Episode 2 stems primarily from a crucial lack of foresight and investigative experience on the part of Bobby Attfield, compounded by the overwhelming circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body and his subsequent, and potentially misguided, decision to share the information with his friend, Frankie Derwent.
The Central Oversight: A Cascade of Missed Opportunities
The immediate aftermath of Bobby’s discovery is chaotic. He’s a vicar’s son, not a seasoned detective. The shock of finding a dying man undoubtedly rattled him. His immediate reaction is to assist the injured, not dissect their final pronouncements. This initial tunnel vision is understandable, but it’s the first domino in a chain of events that delay, and almost derail, the entire investigation.
The police, upon arrival, are similarly focused on the immediate: securing the scene, tending to the body, and preliminary investigations based on observable evidence. The cryptic words, lacking context, likely registered as the ramblings of a dying man. There’s no immediate indication that “Evans” is anything more than a name, let alone a crucial piece of the puzzle.
However, the real failure lies not just in the initial oversight, but in the lack of follow-up. Even after Frankie Derwent raises the significance of the phrase, neither Bobby nor the police prioritize tracking down someone named Evans. This hesitation is multi-faceted:
- Skepticism: Frankie’s impulsive enthusiasm can easily be dismissed, especially by seasoned investigators used to sifting through false leads.
- Limited Resources: The police likely had other, seemingly more pressing cases. A seemingly random death might not have warranted a significant resource allocation.
- The Power of Suggestion: Once the police have a theory, they tend to look for evidence to support it, potentially overlooking contradictory information. If they’ve already concluded the death was accidental, questioning “Evans” might seem superfluous.
Ultimately, the oversight stems from a confluence of factors: inexperience, resource constraints, and the inherent human tendency to prioritize immediate concerns over the potentially crucial, but initially ambiguous. The delay in asking Evans is not a single error, but a series of missed opportunities that highlight the complexities of criminal investigation.
Unraveling the Labyrinth: Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: Why did Bobby initially believe the death was a simple accident?
Bobby’s limited understanding of crime scenes and his trusting nature led him to initially accept the apparent explanation: a fall from the nearby cliff. He lacked the critical eye necessary to question the inconsistencies and potential foul play. This initial belief was reinforced by the apparent lack of witnesses and the initial assessments of the authorities.
FAQ 2: How did Frankie Derwent’s involvement impact the investigation?
Frankie’s involvement both aided and hindered the investigation. Her enthusiasm and unconventional methods injected much-needed energy and creativity. However, her impulsiveness and tendency to jump to conclusions sometimes led them down dead ends and even put them in danger. Her strong personality could also be seen as a distraction by the authorities.
FAQ 3: What clues pointed to foul play early in the investigation?
Several early clues hinted at foul play: the lack of a car matching the deceased man’s description, the pristine nature of his clothes despite supposedly falling from a cliff, and, most importantly, the cryptic phrase “Why didn’t they ask Evans?”. These details, while seemingly minor individually, collectively suggested something was amiss.
FAQ 4: Who is Moira Nicholson, and what is her connection to the case?
Moira Nicholson is the deceased man’s sister. She becomes a key figure in the investigation as Bobby and Frankie seek her out to understand the circumstances surrounding her brother’s death. However, her involvement proves complex, revealing hidden layers of deceit and family secrets which greatly complicates the investigation.
FAQ 5: Why is the discovery of the photograph significant?
The photograph discovered in the dead man’s pocket is crucial because it provides a visual representation of a woman unknown to the police or Bobby. It presents a face to the mystery and offers a tangible lead to follow. It serves as key evidence that the man’s identity is not what it seems, therefore, suggesting something shady.
FAQ 6: What role does Dr. Nicholson play in the unfolding mystery?
Dr. Nicholson, Moira’s husband, initially appears as a helpful and knowledgeable source. However, as the investigation progresses, suspicion falls upon him as his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and his motives unclear. He embodies the classic Agatha Christie red herring, leading the audience and the investigators down misleading paths.
FAQ 7: How do Bobby and Frankie decide to investigate together?
Bobby, initially hesitant, is drawn into the investigation by Frankie’s unwavering belief that the death was not accidental and her relentless pursuit of the truth. Their contrasting personalities and approaches, Bobby’s cautiousness and Frankie’s impulsiveness, create a dynamic partnership that drives the narrative forward.
FAQ 8: What risks do Bobby and Frankie face while investigating?
Bobby and Frankie face significant risks, including physical danger, as they uncover secrets and confront potentially dangerous individuals. Their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of those who want the truth to remain buried, leading to life-threatening situations and near-death experiences.
FAQ 9: Why does Bobby assume a false identity to infiltrate the Nicholson household?
Bobby adopts a false identity, that of a man named “Alan Carstairs,” to gain access to the Nicholson household and observe Dr. and Mrs. Nicholson up close. He needs to get closer to investigate them properly, as the information is not coming to them, they must go to it. This allows him to gather crucial information without arousing suspicion.
FAQ 10: What are the key themes explored in “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?”
“Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” explores themes of deception, greed, family secrets, and the pursuit of truth. It delves into the darker aspects of human nature and the lengths people will go to protect their interests. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of justice and the power of perseverance in uncovering the truth.
FAQ 11: How does Agatha Christie use red herrings in this episode?
Agatha Christie masterfully employs red herrings to mislead the audience and keep them guessing. Characters like Dr. Nicholson and seemingly inconsequential details are presented as potential suspects and clues, only to be later revealed as distractions. This technique enhances the suspense and keeps the reader engaged. This misdirection is a quintessential element of her writing style.
FAQ 12: What is the significance of the book “Poisonous Plants” in the plot?
The book “Poisonous Plants” plays a crucial role in uncovering the method used in a murder attempt. It allows Bobby to see through the lies and begin to piece together the puzzle. It illustrates the meticulous planning that went into the crime and the importance of attention to detail in solving it.