"The Return of Sherlock Holmes" (1986) TV series

Seasons:

1 | 2

Release Date:

5 February 1987 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

Plot:

Dr. Watson, finds a mystery in an empty house, while Holmes and he later solve the mysteries of an abbey grange...

Plot Keywords:

Sherlock Holmes | Detective | Victorian Era | Based On Short Story | Private Detective

Cast

Jeremy Brett	...	Sherlock Holmes (11 episodes, 1986-1988)
Edward Hardwicke	...	Dr. Watson / ... (11 episodes, 1986-1988)
Rosalie Williams	...	Mrs Hudson (6 episodes, 1986-1988)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

UK:15 | Finland:K-11 | Portugal:M/12 (some episodes) | Portugal:M/6 (some episodes)

Company:

Granada Television

Trivia:

With this series Edward Hardwicke took over the role of Dr. Watson in the various Jeremy Brett "Sherlock Holmes" TV series and films following the departure of David Burke, who played the Watson role in "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" (1984).

Movie Connections:

Followed by "The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes: The Master Blackmailer (#1.7)" (1992)

Superlative series!

The Return of Sherlock Holmes is an absolutely superb series; I would say flawless. Everything is so good, I really can't bring myself to criticise it in any way. As for the episodes, they are all superbly adapted, and all of them are of exceptional quality. Can't really decide on a firm favourite, but a definitive standout is The Devil's Foot.

The production values in this series are wonderful. The remarkably fine camera work, perfectly captures the always splendid scenery and lovingly designed(if not too fancy) costumes. The music is brilliant, the theme tune is both beautiful and haunting, and the accompanying incidental music never fails to be richly scored. The scripts never fail to bring sophistication and class to the series.

What is really worth of note is the quality of the acting. Jeremy Brett, no matter how good Basil Rathbone, Peter Cushing and Ian Richardson were, is by far the definitive interpretation of Sherlock Holmes, whom along with Morse and Poirot is one of the greatest fictional detectives ever, and it is all to Arthur Conan Doyle's credit. Brett had a gritty baritone to his voice, towering presence in front of the camera work and a certain generosity about him, that made him unsurpassed as the best Holmes. Edward Hardwicke gives an intelligent performance as Dr Watson, and there are memorable supporting turns by other great actors.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes does benefit in general by the faithfulness to the source materials. Yes, I know they toned down Holmes's cocaine addiction, but with everything else as good as they are, I am always obliged to overlook. A truly superb series, with one of the easiest 10/10s I have made recently. Bethany Cox