The Musgrave Ritual

It's been said a million times before and I'll point it out again, Jeremy Brett was born to play the great detective. He not only breathed new and invigorating life into the well-worn character, but became the blueprint for those that came after him. The mannerisms, movements, cadence and quirks. The organic humor. You name it, he had it in spades. 'The Musgrave Ritual' is one of my personal favorites; not only within the Granada series, but of the whole Sherlock Holmes canon. The story as told here has a couple of clever work-arounds, while remaining faithful to the original text. The addition of Watson in this episode, as well as moving the happenings forward a few years, makes complete sense; and it's handled very well. The acting is top notch and Brett is the ON. The subtle humor in the first act is worth mentioning, because it gets the ball rolling before the tale takes a darker turn. I hope more people unfamiliar with the series find it. It truly is fantastic.

As a big fan of the Granada Sherlock Holmes series, I may be biased in saying I love this episode, but I do. For me, the best of the "Return" series is between The Devil's Foot and The Six Napoleons, but The Musgrave Ritual is just as good. It is splendidly made as usual, always feeling as though you are actually in the setting with a typically evocative atmosphere. The music really gives the adaptation its punch by how haunting and beautiful it is, the script is intelligent and sometimes playful in tone and the story is full of mystery and suspense, plus it is very creepy especially in the final couple of minutes. James Hazeldine and Michael Culver are excellent in their supporting turns, but as usual the two leads are the ones who dominate with Edward Hardwicke quietly intelligent and Jeremy Brett as commanding as ever. In conclusion, a very good episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

A servant at the Musgrave Manor disappears after one them finds out an obscure written document that has been in the family history for generations, whose meaning remains unknown. This episode is stylish and atmospheric. The final minute at the closing credits is especially creepy. Patrick Gowers music in this one is quite unique and helps pack the punch. Jeremy Brett as usual continues prove why he is the definitive Holmes, Edward Hardwicke as expected makes an excellent Watson, and Michael Culver is a standout as Reginald Musgrave. Also, worth noting is that Jeremy Paul (who wrote many of the Granada episodes) won an Edgar Award for his adapted script.

David Carson directs another atmospheric and cinematic adaptation of Conan Doyle's short stories.

Holmes and Watson attend a shooting weekend at the mansion of Sir Reginald Musgrave, an old university friend of Holmes.

Holmes behaviour is erratic because he has been on cocaine. He has been entertained by the learned butler Brunton (James Hazeldine.)

Brunton's recent reputation has been erratic. Since the death of his wife he has been a womaniser. Sir Reginald is forced to fire Brunton when he catches him looking at some private papers. He got a week's notice but the next day he disappears. Later on the maid Rachel, engaged to Brunton also goes missing.

All of a sudden the shooting weekend comes alive for Holmes. He examines the Musgrave Ritual the document that Brunton was caught examining.

Holmes surmises that this ritual could lead to a treasure hunt, exactly what Brunton was always after.

Brett is in full flourish in this episode, there are some nicely shot scenes such as Holmes on the hunt standing on the boat in the moat. Hazeldine is very good as the butler Brunton. The only bum note is probably Sir Reginald could recall the exact measurements of an old tree from childhood.

Holmes and Watson are visiting with a member of Parliament in the countryside. Holmes is more excited to see the man's Gentleman's Gentleman, as he sees this man as having a strong intellect...unlike his master. However, the servant disappears and soon another member of the household disappears and Holmes think it has something to do with an old family ritual.

This is a pretty good episode and ample proof that people who are smart in some ways can be idiots in others. In this case, the missing man dug his own grave, so to speak, because of the abominable way he behaved towards his wife. Overall, a very interesting tale.