A Scandal in Bohemia

Sherlock Holmes is hired by the King of Bohemia to retrieve a photograph from one Irene Adler. Ms Adler and the King had a relationship several years earlier, the publication of which would jeopardise his imminent betrothal to the Princess of Scandinavia. Holmes finds himself up against a formidable opponent.

A great start to the series. Quite low-key by Holmes's standards as it doesn't involve a murder or a robbery or even the solving of a crime but intriguing and interesting nevertheless.

We are also introduced to Holmes and Watson and the world in which they live. A good way to get into the series.

I have always loved the Sherlock Holmes Granada series, and Scandal in Bohemia is a very strong impression. There may be a slight sense of things not quite settling in like they did later, but this is only slight. As usual, it is of high quality visually, it all feels very atmospheric and has splendid costumes and sets. The music is hauntingly beautiful and sometimes melancholic, the story is as cleverly compelling as you would expect and the script is sophisticated and thoughtful with Holmes' deductions and the whole chemistry between Holmes and Watson delighting. The acting is just as strong, with Jeremy Brett giving an ever commanding performance in the title role and David Burke a composed and intelligent(in a quiet sort of way) Watson. A Scandal in Bohemia is worth noting for the appearance of Irene Adler, played wonderfully by Gayle Hunnicutt. In conclusion, a truly promising start with little wrong, even if the overall series had episodes that were even better(The Blue Carbuncle, The Dying Detective, The Devil's Foot). 9/10 Bethany Cox

The period is romantic, with each scene displaying beautiful costumes and the perfect interior and exterior backdrops. This version of 'A Scandal In Bohemia' made me want to see more from these two actors. It will take less than fifty-two minutes for the director and actors to connect you to a classic story and its famous characters. In my opinion, as Holmes would put it when describing Irene Adler, Gale Hunnicutt is "The Woman." I have seen Batman movies where there is no Robin, but David Burke proved in this first episode that there is no Sherlock Holmes without Dr. Watson. Jeremy Brett offers the viewer a realistic version of Holmes. I could read the book now and see Brett as Holmes in each chapter. I have watched many versions of Sherlock Holmes on television and in the movies, but out of all of them, Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes is the one I always come back to every year since I was twelve. Each scene is the turn of a page while I sit back, sipping on my tea with the feeling of excitement at what happens next.

As always, if you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you watch this series, let me know what you think.

Keep it interesting, Stay Channel Surfing!

Damian at TalkTeaV.

Although it's apparently the first Sherlock Holmes story, this is nevertheless a curious choice to start off the TV series, since the story involves a king and a woman whom Sherlock admits "has a face to die for." Purely an observation on Sherlock's part, of course. But it could easily mislead the first-time viewer, as if this new series would involve the titular character in majestic cases with kings, or have love interests. Which wouldn't be too surprising, considering how far from the source material the countless other adaptations before (and since) have strayed.

Luckily, that's not the case. This is a great story, wonderfully produced and a great start. Jeremy Brett and David Burke's performances here are the key; they would either persuade you to give the rest of the series a chance, or dismiss it altogether from the start. Since they are both perfect fits for their parts, everything works.

Holmes is contacted and employed by a king, who fears that a lady from a past relation may want to ruin his upcoming wedding, which could have an impact on European history. This is no ordinary lady, she's very liberal for her time, an opera singer, and very attractive. However, as Holmes finds out soon, she wants nothing to do with the king.

Although the two title performances are always great (and I must also compliment Rosalie Williams as Mrs. Hudson, who is always a joy to see) for me, the main attraction of the Granada series has always been the production values: the sets, costumes, manners of speech and walking, faithfulness to the original material and dialogue, and the general atmosphere of the final work. This episode, like many others, delivers in all these aspects. It's far from being my favorite, but I can always enjoy it when I catch it.

After Jeremy Brett, British television companies have been reluctant to make period set Sherlock Holmes stories.

The most successful reincarnation has been the modern day version of Sherlock.

Brett would add theatrical flourishes in his interpretation. The opening scenes very much sets out his Holmes. Clever, irascible and if he cannot exercise his mind then he will take the 7 per cent solution.

Watson (David Burke) is solid and reliable. He knows when it comes to intellect that he is second fiddle to Holmes.

A Scandal in Bohemia is a good introductory story with the appearance of the flamed headed Irene Adler. The King of Bohemia wants Holmes to get hold of a photograph with him and Adler.

Holmes has a cunning plan and dons various disguises. He also realises that Irene Adler is a woman of some intellect herself.

This is a wonderfully crafted story from Granada. There is just a hint here and there that the makers were stretched to bring the short story to the one hour long allotted time.