The Empty House

After the shocking events at The Reichenbach Falls, Sherlock Holmes returns from the Dead in dranatic style, to once again work alongside his trusted Watson. The Empty House is a personal favourite of mine, it's a rich story, it's dramatic, and features several memorable scenes. Two great moments in particular, one which sees a confrontation between Holmes and the eventual killer, and the best of all, the arrival of Sherlock Holmes from the Dead.

It has real energy, Jeremy Brett is at his absolute best, he's bold, theatrical, and definitely at the top of his game. All supporting cast members are exceptional, Patrick Allen in particular was awesome as the smart, but devious Colonel Moran. I also really liked James Bree, who's Coroner had a great scene with Watson.

As a story, it's somewhat thin, but it does a superb job at reintroducing Holmes, it has some wonderful character play, and of course introduces the great Edward Hardwicke as Watson. A classic. 9/10

The return of Sherlock Holmes was a long-awaited literary phenomenon in its day, and the TV adaptation doesn't disappoint.

Three years after the deadly confrontation with Professor Moriarty which took both their lives, Holmes is now living in his dear friend's memories only, who still reminisces of their days together. Watson is now a police consultant, having moved from Apartment 221B. When a curious case leads him and Inspector Lestrade to a dead end, suddenly a long-lost name from the past appears to give a helping hand.

A noteworthy episode simply for having two Watsons (David Burke appears shortly in the flashback scenes) but there's a lot more to it. Burke and Hardwicke were quite different in their interpretations of Dr. Watson, but they were equally wonderful. They each had their superior points, and I really can't choose one over the other. Burke's Watson was more of a man of action, quicker in his ways, you could still see the former soldier in him. Hardwicke's Watson is older, more experienced in Holmes' methods and has a melancholy about him, he acts more like a lifelong friend than a business partner. His affection for Holmes is felt strongly.

The episode has a warm air of reminiscence and nostalgia, with the usual Holmes mannerisms and deductions. Also must be noted an appearance by Patrick Allen as Colonel Sebastian Moran. With that face and presence, it's beyond me how he didn't become a household name. According to the imdb he has 158 acting roles under his belt, but I still feel he should have been more famous.

Mrs. Hudson's final toast to Holmes is a great ending to a great episode.

I am a huge fan of the Granada Sherlock Holmes, and The Empty House is a strong return for a series that started with such promise and generally apart from a couple of disappointments later on was of consistent high quality. The Empty House follows on from one of the best and most special episodes of the entire series The Final Problem, the ending of which did leave room for a follow-up. While not quite as good, it is just as excellent an episode. There may be parts in the middle that feel as though the story is a little stretched, however the story overall is exciting and very clever. Three scenes stood out, the scene where Watson sees Holmes for the very first time since he was assumed dead, one of the most reflective and most moving beginnings of any of the adaptations of the series and especially the capture of the murderer, tense to start with and then a faithful and brilliantly delivered speech from Holmes(love the snarl). The production values are truly splendid, as is the typically hauntingly beautiful music, and the screenplay is of the usual thoughtful standard. Jeremy Brett is superb as always, and I do slightly prefer Edward Hardwicke's somewhat wiser and understated Watson to David Burke's. Patrick Allen is good as Moran, but Rosalie Williams and Colin Jeavons' supporting turns as Mrs Hudson and Lestrade fare best. All in all, a fine return for one of the most iconic detectives in fiction. 9/10 Bethany Cox

After the monumentally classic "The Final Problem", "The Empty Room" wasn't a letdown. A fine story. A bit sluggish early. Then it kicks into high gear. I think David Burke is sorely missed. Edward Hardwicke is only ok. No real chemistry with he and Brett. David Burke was the perfect Watson. Hopefully Hardwicke's adaptation gets better. Watson is becoming a tad wiser in his sleuthing. Mrs. Hudson is marvelous in this episode.

This episode did have a small mystery of its own but the main story of this tale is the return of Sherlock Holmes that was presumed dead by the hands of Doctor Moriarty. It has been three years and Doctor Watson has been carrying on without his friend and the writings that he so loved. Watson is now working for the police and is helping out in a death of a respectable man on the outside of London. When all of the sudden he gets a visit by an old man bearing books to sale.

The old man turns out to be Sherlock Holmes which has been living 'The life of Riley' for the last few years. And without ruining anymore, Sherlock will go into detail about the reasons he kept away from the public eye and the reasons he has for returning after these many years.

Not only do we get the narration provided by Jeremy Brett's character but the entire matter will also be tied into the mystery of the death that Watson is involved. And it will be the incredible Sherlock Holmes that will again provide guidance to the police to bring this case to a close.

We can look forward to many more tales and many more arrests all due to the fact of the return of Sherlock Holmes.