A Scandal in Bohemia

Jeremy Brett's reign as Conan Doyle's famous detective kicked off with this story, one of Conan Doyle's better known tales. Hard to believe this was made back in 1984, it boasts glorious production values, it is wonderfully opulent and decadent, they went for dramatic, a touch of theatre. Glorious costumes and visuals, it's a definite treat upon the eyes, but it's the performances that make this, Brett is incredible in his first outing, his disguises are hugely entertaining, reminiscent of those donned by Basil Rathbone. David Burke does a fine job as Watson, I've always liked both him and Hardwicke equally. Gayle Hunnicutt is utterly glorious as Irene Adler, she has a delicate beauty, and a softness which the character demanded, Wolf Kahler certainly looked the part of the King of Bohemia.

Not my favourite story, as I felt there were better to come, but it's a solid opener, and worth watching for the fine performances. 8/10

As posters have stated, Jeremy Brett is the epitome of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. When I was growing up it was Basil Rathbone/ Nigel Bruce series that introduced me to the characters. Then I read the books. The trouble I had after reading Conan Doyle's stories was the character of Watson. Truly Holmes never suffered fools so why was Bruce's character such a bumbling fool. David Burke and Edward Hardwicke had the best portrayals of Watson...wise and intelligent as he should be. I would say if you haven't watched these shows you are missing one of the greatest British Mystery series of all time.

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.

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

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.