Episode 15: The Final Problem
In the season’s finale, Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty grapple with the solution to The Final Problem. Also, (with a heavy heart) we say farewell to Mr. David Burke, we learn about the legendary Eric Porter, and Luke and Gus reveal the first collection of Sherlockian Relics (plus listener telegrams and more)!
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What a wonderful unexpected birthday present today!
I feel the same way about “The Final Problem” the story–I don’t hate it, but I don’t love it. It has wonderful scenes, like Holmes slinking into Watson’s flat–“I am not a nervous man”–and the idea of Moriarty is fabulous. Which makes Doyle suddenly saying that there’s one brilliant man behind most of London crime and then abruptly killing him off in a few pages seem all the more ridiculous.
I think the acting is incredible in this episode, particularly Jeremy’s face when he’s looking at Watson for the last time. But I just don’t “believe” in Professor Moriarty, which is truthfully Doyle’s fault, and his hastily cobbled-together story. I feel that it’s a certain kind of Sherlockian who loves this story, who is very interested in picking apart the stories for the sake of The Game, while I tend to prefer the stories that (in my humble opinion) work well as character-driven, atmospheric fiction.
I think this is why I like The Seven-Per-Cent Solution too much, since I find that pastiche much more plausible than the actual original.
Agreed on all counts, Mary. And Happy Birthday!
I think its time to watch The Seven-Per-Cent Solution again. It’s been a while for me.
Wonderful! Thank you! Wonderful news about your items!!! Very, very cool.
I wanted to, respectfully, disagree with one of your opinions. I’m by no means a canon scholar, not even close. But I am an expert on Jeremy Brett’s Sherlock. I think when Jeremy Brett read his part of the goodbye letter to Watson, and he says, “Goodbye, and good luck, and believe me to be…” , that he was spot on. I know you guys didn’t like it, I don’t think it was a matter of not liking it, but you wished it sounded more, sad??? Maybe. I don’t agree. I thought the way he sounded was perfect, for Jeremy’s Sherlock. I don’t think he was an overly emotional man, the character, and his tone, the inflection on the “good luck” especially…spot on.
Anyway, thrilled about your shop and new things. Awesome! Take care, best wishes.
Michelle t
Hello Gus & Luke,
Great effort with Episode 15 ‘The Final Solution’. What a pleasant discovery your podcast was, and continues to be. Your analysis, trivia, historiography, Victoriana and fantastic narration are a real credit both to the Bretton and wider Sherlockiana legacy…CAPITAL!!!
I was an instant convert to Jeremy’s iconic portrayal of Holmes from the instant they first screened in the UK back in the 80’s, and thought I was the only one to marvel at this series. As a young hippy alongside some friends, we would watch endless Woodstock ‘69 performances on VHS tape at my home in Medway, UK. They would invariably invite me out afterward, not quite understanding why I often would decline the offer. Unbeknown to them, TV re-runs of the Grenada series were scheduled and meant that I would have missed the next episode in the series, even though I had seen them all before!!! Sorry friends but Brett and Hardwicke (my Persian slipper) came first!!!
Your hard work and diligence make for a very in-depth and professional outing, every time a podcast is released – Thank you both very much.
My own personal faves? Jeremy’s micro facial expressions in ‘The Second Stain’ when the carpet anomaly is revealed and the end scene in the ‘Six Napoleon’s’ when Lastrade recognises Holmes’s brilliance in finding the pearl of the Borgias- incredible acting!
Very much look forward to the second season’s offerings.
Thanks again,
Simon.
Hi Gus and Luke!
First, may I say that I absolutely adore and appreciate all of the efforts both of you have put into this show; I love being able to geek out with y’all about all of the fascinating trivia you provide! It is comforting to know that the fabulous Jeremy Brett is getting all of this attention from fellow Sherlockians. I’m sure Brett would appreciate all of the hard work you have put into it.
Not entirely sure how to word this next statement, but anyways… The older generation Sherlockian need not worry about Bretts legacy in playing Holmes. I’m on the younger side myself, being born in the early 2000’s, and I proudly recommend Granada to all of my BBC “Sherlock” fans, who are usually shocked when I say that Cumberbatch is not my favorite Holmes. I have had friends over to binge watch Granada, and they usually walk away saying that Holmes and Watson are much happier and loving towards one another than in the BBC adaptation.
I first came across the Granada series on YouTube, trying to find a book-faithful adaptation of “A Study in Scarlett” which as you know, isn’t featured in the Granada series unfortunately. The first episode I watched was “A Scandal in Bohemia”. I was awed by Jeremy and his attention to detail; and even more enthusiastic when I could remember reading what was being said in the show from the canon. (My favorite episode from the first season is “The Solitary Cyclist” 😉 )
(I remember thinking, “Oh, this is the cute guy from ‘My Fair Lady’! I didn’t know he did Holmes!”)
After watching all of the episodes of Granada, I was determined to find some of the score on Spotify. Instead, I stumbled across your podcast! I have listened to all of them while I’m procrastinating schoolwork or doing work around the house. As I said before, thank you thank you thank you for all of your hard work; it is much appreciated! God bless!
~ Serah J.
Thank you, Luke and Gus, for the time and care–and love– you put into the SH podcasts. I use them as companions for the episodes which I ration like pieces of dark chocolate, stretching out the pleasurable anticipation.
My journey with Sherlock Holmes began, like many, with the Canon in 10th grade English class. (Thank you, Miss Smith, wherever you are!) At first I read for the excitement of the chase, the actual mysteries. Now, many reads later, I read to immerse myself in the humor and warmth, to revisit my friends by their cozy fireside at 221B with the rain lashing without, the violin reverberating within.
This is the genius of ACD and also of Granada, that we become Watson, and Brett breathes life into the written page and embodies My Sherlock Holmes, brilliant, brave, intrepid, beloved.
As to the dark “Final Problem,” it is not a mystery like the others. It is a necessary–painful–journey with our hero to the end and we must bear it because it defines who Sherlock Holmes ultimately is. With Watson we share Holmes’s fear, his courage and his sacrifice, and with Watson, we weep.
We at least know there is the resurrection of “The Empty House.” I pity those poor readers in 1893 who did not.