It is 1894 and Watson (Edward Hardwicke) is a practicing physician. It has been four years since the death of Sherlock Holmes (Jeremy Brett). Inspector Lestrade wants his input on a recent murder, which Watson is only too happy to provide. The two decide this was just the sort of murder that would interest Holmes. Upon returning to his office, Watson is accosted by an elderly man who wants to sell him some books. Watson is disinterested but polite. The man proves to be Sherlock Holmes, resurrected! Holmes explains the true events at Reichenbach Falls and his subsequent 3-year absence. The remains of Moriarty's gang is still pursuing Holmes, but this recent murder offers a chance to turn the tables. Holmes and Watson resume their old ways to take down the final threat in "The Empty House." Holmes and Watson have another 10 adventures in this series.
David Burke, who played Watson throughout The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, was replaced by Edward Hardwicke. This was a bit jarring initially, as Hardwicke is a smaller and older man, but he proves to be an excellent Watson.
One peculiarity was that Brett insisted that Holmes overcome his drug additions. As part of The Devil's Foot, a side plot has Holmes overcoming his cocaine addiction and burying his hypodermic on a lonely beach. Though outside of canon, Brett didn't want to be a bad influence on children who admired his portrayal of Holmes. Fair enough. This is one of the few versions of Holmes that included his use of cocaine; Rathbones' Holmes was a paragon by comparison.
Tales of the literary Holmes continue. Very entertaining and highly recommended.
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