The Definitive Holmes

We are inevitably offered too many repeats on television. However, I hasten to add that many of them are of exceedingly good, not to say superb, productions.

One admirable, classic production I never tire of watching occasionally is The Return Of Sherlock Holmes on ITV3. The episode last night was entitled The Empty House, the tale of how Holmes cheated death during a fatal struggle with his arch-enemy, Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls.

Surely the late Jeremy Huggins Brett is now the definitive Holmes on television? Appearances can be deceptive, though: Brett appeared fit and healthy, yet he was a very heavy smoker throughout his life and this habit was aggravated by a weak heart. These symptoms were compounded by manic depression. Sadly, Brett died prematurely at the age of 61.

Last published in February, 2008.