Episode 23: The Abbey Grange
The game is afoot! In this episode, Holmes and Watson sojourn to the Abbey Grange to investigate a grisly murder, we are introduced to enigmatic director Peter Hammond, and we receive a very special letter from someone responsible for many of our favorite moments in the series. Also, Gus and Luke discuss wax blood, an abundance of reflections, the beauty of red, and their shared love of this classically romantic episode of the show. Plus, listener telegrams!
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What?! Another perfect episode of The Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes Podcast!?
HUZZAH, Gus & Luke — thank you both!! : D
Doffing the proverbial cap!
Great – love this format and concept. Am listening to these 1×1 as a review of the series, so great in-depth way to remember the shows.
BTW – grizzly (as in grizzled hair) is not the same as grisly (as in gruesome)! So a “grizzly murder” is either the killing of a famous North American bear, or being killed by the same.
Thanks for the correction, Maikel! And the kind words!
It always makes my day to see a new episode of this podcast, Gus and Luke!
I guess I fit the stereotype of people who adore this episode, since I’m really into Jane Austen, the Brontes, and romantic literature. I think the acting in the supporting roles, however, is some of the strongest and most subtle of the entire second series. Don’t get me wrong, I love the occasional melodramatic turn, but the lack of sentimentality in Mary and her captain’s portrayal of their affection is incredibly moving. And Teresa! What a beautifully understated performance. For these reasons, I find the story genuinely romantic rather than treacly, which sometimes romance can seem in mystery shows (because it’s not fully fleshed out).
I think the letter read on air was spot-on, in terms of the appeal for women of the canon. Even when women are in trouble, they reveal themselves to be far more capable than society believes them to be, based on their gender. And Holmes never patronizes an intelligent woman. Doyle didn’t support women’s suffrage, alas, but his father was mentally ill, and his mother suffered terribly because of it. That compassion is seen in this show. It’s clear that the villain was the victim.
Thank you for writing, Mary! There’s no question this is the most romantic episode of the series and it’s quite enjoyable. Thanks for sticking with us! -Luke
Dear Luke and Gus, it is obvious that you two are incredibly smart, talented and thoughtful people but now I am awestruck at your being asked to work with the great Werner Herzog. Maybe you can spend a few minutes next podcast talking about your experiences with him?
Ted’s delivery of the line “Why do you not write them yourself?” also seemed a little flat to me when I first saw this episode. In the book Watson says he replied “with some bitterness.” But then Jeremy’s reply “I will, my dear Watson, in my declining years!” is more amusingly snarky than described in the book, which makes the exchange less acrimonious and more like playful bickering. They are an old married couple 🙂
Hey Ellie, thank you for your kind words! Working with Werner was a dream come true. We’ve admired him from afar and even had the good fortune to bump into him on different projects in the past, but it was a great honor to be asked to work on his film. I don’t know how much we’re allowed to say about it just yet, but I can say being able to see his methods firsthand and get advice on a vast number of topics was something we’ll both continue to treasure. By the end, he would refer to us as “The Gus” and “My Luke”… in his iconic Bavarian accent.
Hi guys we just caught up with you. My wife and I have been binging all your wonderful episodes alternating with each TV show. Your work adds so much to the show. Truly a Holmes Appreciation 101 course, and even more. We just wanted to say thank you for what you are doing. I am a freelance sci-fi writer and I know your podcast is influencing my work in a positive way. Thanks again and congrats on the Hertzog gig. His Fitzcarraldo film is in my top five. Cheers!
p.s. if you ever need anything made for your films I’m a professional blacksmith and may work at cost for screen credit. I made the hinges for Twelve years a slave 🙂
Thank you, Mark! We’re always glad to know people are finding the podcast and the show as well, of course. We’ll try to share more Herzog news as we’re allowed to. As for having your work show up in Twelve Years A Slave, that must have been special! Congrats! Oddly enough, I JUST had need for some custom hinges, believe it or not. But yes, we’ll definitely hit you up if the need arises. Thanks for writing! -Luke
Hi Gus and Luke,
Thanks for your anatomic insight in this top-notch episode! You’re really doing an excellent job. I have two observations that may be of some interest to you:
1. Aren’t the trembling fingers of the dead body (somewhere at minute ’18) a minor BAD for you? It always puts a grin on my face 😉
2. I have a little theory about the overuse of the color red in this episode. Perhaps the director was aware that the episode A Study in Scarlet would never be produced (in the Granada series) and therefore decided to pay some sort of tribute to that epic story. Thematically, this story is perhaps the closest to the (forbidden) love story from A Study in Scarlet.
Looking forward to your next study!