The Final Problem

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.

Jeremy Brett will forever be the quintessential Holmes! He Is magnificent portraying the elusive genius of Holmes like no other! He lives on forever in the hearts of Sherlock Holmes fans!

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.

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

Holmes is hired by the French government. The unthinkable has occurred: the Mona Lisa has been stolen from the Louvre. In his inimitable fashion, Holmes manages to solve the crime but this creates another problem: Professor Moriarty was behind the attempt to steal the Mona Lisa and is out for deadly vengeance. Moriarty may well be Holmes's final problem.

A fittingly gripping finale to the series. After being introduced to Professor Moriarty in the previous episode he now becomes the focal point of this episode. While Holmes is intellectually Moriarty's equal, if not superior, Moriarty has means at his disposal, violent means, that Holmes cannot counter. This makes for a very tense cat-and-mouse game and a thrilling conclusion.