S11E02 - Cards on the Table

At an exhibition of snuff boxes, Hercule Poirot meets Mr. Shaitana. The mysterious Mr. Shaitana claims that he collects items that may be of interest to Poirot. Shaitana said that his collections are murderers. Shaitana proceeds to invite Poirot over for dinner in order to meet his 'collections'.

Upon arrival at Shaitana's house, Poirot is met by a number of other guests. Mystery novelist Ariadne Oliver, Scotland Yard's Superintendent Battle and Colonel Race of His Majesty's Secret Service. The other four guests, the doctor Dr. Roberts, a woman of sixty Mrs. Lorrimer, tall and handsome man Major John Despard and the pretty and young woman Miss Anne Meredith. Dinner is prepared. At the dinner table, conversation turns to the topic of murder. Shaitana mentioned that poison was a woman's weapon and about a doctor's opportunities. These comments leave some guests uncomfortable. Mr. Shaitana asks everyone to play Bridge but he himself doesn't play.