A Scandal in Bohemia

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.

I can't express the joy I felt when I heard that a series of Sherlock Holmes episodes was to appear on public television, and that they would be faithful, for the most part, to the original canon. I've seen them all a few times and decided to throw my two cent's worth into the mix. The first episode, "A Scandal in Bohemia," generally accepted as the first story published, gets things off on the right foot. We are introduced to Jeremy Brett, a quirky, self-absorbed Holmes, who puts his own stamp on the character. His Watson is portrayed, not as the bumbling incompetent, but as a worthy assistant who had the intelligence to write and publish the stories of his amazing friend (though seldom given credit for it by his mentor). This episode has several things to recommend it. He has a worthy adversary in Irene Adler. At no time is she the defenseless female of the Victorian novel. We have a masterful plot by Holmes to gain entrance into the woman's house to fetch the damning correspondence. We have Holmes at his best, disguising himself as he often did. We have a case of poetic justice. We also have Holmes dealing with a romantic fixation on the "one" woman. The performances are solid, the milieu of the period is nicely recreated, and we have interpretations of characters that are quite satisfying. It's too bad Irene never appears again, but then Conan-Doyle probably wasn't into sequels.

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

I made a nice error and watched many of the later episodes before viewing this season one, episode one featuring Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes. And now I am glad that I watch the later ones because this episode was the first time Holmes gave any type of credence to women as he finds an interesting woman absolutely fascinating.

Holmes is hired by the soon to be married King of Bohemia to find a woman he had an affair with some years ago. The women, an American actress named Irene Adler, has a compromising picture taken with the King that he feels could lead to a scandal in his reign. So with the help of Holmes he hopes to get the photo returned and save face with his court.

With Holmes and Dr Watson on the case and some brilliant work using facial disguises, the problem will hopefully be solved and the picture returned. But it will not be as easy as speaking a few words for the beautiful woman is not as naive as some, even Holmes, may think.

This episode is more of a laid plain than an ongoing mystery which usually tends to lessen the entertainment value. But this interesting story held up due to the strong characters which includes Gayle Hunnicutt as the enchanting Irene Adler. A woman that even Holmes must remember. Good watch.

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.