Episode 5: The Crooked Man
In the 5th episode of season one, Holmes and Watson encounter a mysterious, Crooked Man, the cast and crew come to tears over changes to the story, we learn about the legendary John Hawkesworth, and Gus and Luke discuss the minutiae of this enigmatic entry to the series. Plus, we check the post for some listener emails.
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I think I liked this episode more than both of you, partially because of the supporting cast. My heart absolutely breaks in two when Henry Wood says “it was for my good looks Nancy loved me.” It’s almost a throwaway line on the page, but I can still hear it now in my head because of the actor. Ditto the way he says “Nancy” at the end.
I’m also going to disagree with Brett and Burke that something was lost in transposing the meeting to the mission. In fact, I think it adds to the drama of the moment, given the couple is being watched and can’t make a scene.
Fiona Shaw makes so much of this small role, it’s delightful. I love her obvious love and loyalty to Nancy, and the way she says “a promise is a promise.” And it’s completely bananas to see James Wilby, who was the lead role of E.M. Forster’s Maurice, in a nonspeaking role.
What bothers me most about the story is that nothing is done–not by Holmes and Watson, nor by Nancy–to help Henry Wood at the end. It seems a bit out of character for all of them. Some money, assistance, something?
Just found your podcast and am enjoying it a great deal. I watch the episode to refresh my memory, then listen to the podcast. I landed on Crooked Man today – and just started to listen. I was struck by your comment that Brett’s name did not appear.
The version I have (purchased through Amazon Prime Video) has Jeremy Brett and David Burke’s names coming first – right after the violin starts playing followed by “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” and “by Sir Arthur…etc., and finally John Hawkesworth…”
Just wondering about the difference. Is this a version or timing or something?
Thanks for doing the podcast. There are many of us Granada / Jeremy Brett fabs out here!
I really enjoyed this one. Wouldn’t take points from it just because they had to adapt. I love the story, the locked room mystery, it definitely worked for me when I read it as a child, and all the exotic elements, India, the mongoose, being captured and tortured by rebels. Very romantic, and that comes across in the episode.
Bonus, Brett’s perfectly greased back hair as he interrogates the maid, the mad gallop across the lawn, and Holmes trying to smooth the wildly disarrayed hair as he returns to the room. Excellent continuity!