The Abbey Grange

This is not one of the more popular Sherlock Holmes episodes, yet it still remains a standout. Its plot is not unusual - a wealthy nobleman is brutally murdered, but it's the startling revelations that make it particularly memorable. It's also another example of Holmes rightly applying his own sense of justice. Stories in which Holmes reveals his humanity are among my favorites, and the strong sense of intrigue builds to a satisfying conclusion. It is artfully directed and photographed in a beautiful English countryside. Also, the music by Patrick Gowers is evocative, and Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke continue to shine as the quintessential Holmes and Watson.

I have always been a fan of the Sherlock Holmes Granada series, and while not my favourite of Return...(between The Devil's Foot and The Sign of Four) or of the series(too many to choose from), it is one of the stronger episodes and deserves to be better known. The story is not unfamiliar territory, but it is still as compelling as you'd expect a Sherlock Holmes story to be. What I also liked about the story, aside from how it drew you in with the suspense and the twists and turns, was not only that it didn't feel like a retread of another episode with a similar premise but I too like the episodes that show a more human side to Holmes and The Abbey Grange is one of those. The writing is intelligent, the music is hauntingly beautiful and the episode is splendidly and evocatively made. The supporting cast are solid, but the two leads are the stars. Edward Hardwicke is a loyal and quietly intelligent Watson, and Jeremy Brett's Holmes is as superb as you would expect. Overall, one of the better episodes of the "Return" series and falls into the category that deserves to be better known. 9/10 Bethany Cox

The Abbey Grange was the first episode shot with Edward Hardwicke as Dr. Watson, but you can already notice the chemistry between Holmes and his new companion.I really liked David Burke, but Edward is just as great as he has been.

What I like in this story the most is the deep sympathy Holmes feels towards Lady Brackenstall, who is tortured by her husband. In the Canon Holmes is portrayed as someone who has no emotions at all and who does not care about women.In this episode he tries to help a lady, we see emotions, sympathy, worry and strong sense of justice.Jeremy is so irresistibly young and handsome, he shows more of his true personality.He is calm, understanding and caring, a real gentleman.

The ending scene is perfectly arranged: just watch how Holmes responds to a quite natural thing - Lady Brackenstall tries to hug him. There we see another Sherlock: a solitary, introverted creature, who does not like to be close to someone, who is impatient. This is the miracle of him, he is so multi-layered and complex, he can always surprise us with a move or a sentence.

It's hard to think of any such quality one hour mysteries being produced nowadays, I'm glad I grew up in an era of Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. One of the most memorable of episodes for me is 'The Abbey Grange,' a wonderful mystery, brought vividly to life by all concerned. It's a murder mystery caught up in a love story, with glorious production values, a first rate outing for the detective duo, the banter between them over Watson's writings, and the delightful performance of Anne-Louise Lambert, as Lady Mary, who dazzles with a soft, innocent beauty. I love the ending too, there is a reality in the showdown between Jack and Sir Eustace.

Sure enough the elements are all there, Abbey Grange is a first class episode, one of the best. 9/10

This is one of the more complex stories. Holmes is called to the home a nobleman who has been beaten to death with a fireplace poker. His wife has been tied to a chair in a state of great distress. As the episode unfolds there are series of inconsistent clues which lead Holmes to be suspicious of the lady's story. There is a bell rope to nowhere, a knot that doesn't fit, and a set of wine glasses which aren't as they should be. Holmes must tread lightly because the lady is fragile and must be treated as such. The beauty of this particular episode has to do with the amassing of clues. It has a more contemporary sense to it and requires more decoding. Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke are very adept as the sleuths, and when one hears the wrapping up at the end, it is quite satisfying. It has a side issue which a stickler for traditional justice might find unsatisfying. Holmes must become judge and jury once again.