The Final Problem

As I have said many, many times I am a fan of the Granada Sherlock Holmes adaptations. I love how well made they are, I love the sophisticated stories and writing, I love the music and as much as I do like Basil Rathbone(a lot actually) I consider Jeremy Brett the best Sherlock Holmes.

The Final Problem is for me one of the best and most special of the series. And although that's part of why, it's not only because it has Holmes and Moriaty and a final ten minutes or so that will delight any Holmes or Conan Doyle fan.

The Final Problem also has a loyal and thoughtful script, and the story is thrilling with seldom a dull spot. The adaptation has some of the most beautiful scenery in any of these Granada adaptations, and it is beautifully shot as well. The music score is also one of my favourites in the series, the final moments are orchestrated beautifully especially as if in a reflective and doubtful way, and the direction is reliable.

Jeremy Brett gives a commanding performance as always in the titular role and David Burke is a more than a perfect match for him. Moriaty is also very effectively portrayed by Eric Porter as well. All in all, wonderful and will be always be very special to me. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The Mona Lisa is stolen, a crime orchestrated by Professor Moriarty to sell dozens of imitations for millions. When Holmes recovers the original, it urges the Professor to take the ultimate step to get rid of his rival.

Eric Porter is truly intimidating as Moriarty, and this final episode of the series is filled with great moments of delight. It's the last episode with David Burke as Dr. Watson, before he's replaced by Edward Hardwicke in the following series. This episode has some of the best scenery and score of the series. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes really ends on a high note.

There is a cinematic element to The Final Problem as Holmes faces grave dangers to his life from Moriarty's henchmen right from the beginning.

The Mona Lisa has been stolen and the French authorities have bought in Sherlock Holmes.

Moriarty plans to use the story of the theft to sell expertly forged copies. However his plans are scuppered by the meddling detective.

Holmes and Watson flee to the continent with Moriarty giving chase. There is an encounter between the two at Reichenbach Falls.

Looking back at this know it is astonishing how I have not got used to younger version of the characters in the modern take of Sherlock and the Robert Downey Sherlock Holmes films. Porter really does look old in the part and it shows when the two men grapple when the fight scenes should be more punchy.

Dr Watson breaks the fourth wall and talks to the audience at the end of the episode.

Sadly this was David Burke's final episode as Watson. He decided to concentrate on theatre and spend time raising his young son. I always liked Burke's interpretation of Watson and preferred his version more than Edward Hardwicke's.

Well, I just watched this 1984 Granada production in October 2007 having read the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes in the late 1990's. And I must say that not only was the screenplay as faithful to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story as you could get - it was an absolutely faithful production. For anyone who has read "The Final Problem", you will know that this is a very special and perhaps the most significant Sherlock Holmes tale. To those who are unfamiliar with the story, I shall be careful not to convey spoilers which will diminish the key plot points for you. But let me say that this tale takes Holmes and Watson beyond the bounds of England to face a formidable enemy, and in doing so expresses the depths of the friendship between Holmes and Watson, while also showing some spectacular scenery. Every minute detail was vividly shown and expressed, and I ACTUALLY applauded Granada at the conclusion of this episode, because their standards of quality and faithfulness to every detail of the story and characters is absolutely flawless. Bravo Granada! Bravo!

For those who really love the Sherlock Holmes stories, this one is where we have our radar up, watching intently to see if the writers and directors have done it justice. Holmes' adversary, Moriarity (played with panache by Eric Porter), has been presented as the equal of Holmes and he and his henchmen have as much at stake as the great detective. Holmes often remarks that the world is lucky that he (Holmes) never decided to turn to crime. After a nice presentation of the evil of his arch rival, Holmes meets him in Switzerland at the Reichenbach Falls. Part of the joy of this episode (and it is really well done) is that for his encounter, he must part ways with Watson and go it on his own. This is out of love as well as practicality. The scenery is breathtaking. If one has never seen the beauty of the Alps, the wonderful scenery contrasts the evil of Moriarity. Conan Doyle was tired of Holmes because he was being judged for only one part of his work. This, of course, sets up the next set of episodes.