Watch Murder Rooms: Mysteries of the Real Sherlock Holmes

Murder Rooms: Mysteries of the Real Sherlock Holmes is a British television drama series that initially aired on BBC One in 2000. The series was created by David Pirie and produced by BBC Scotland. Consisting of four episodes, it offers a new perspective on the life and work of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, as well as his creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Ian Richardson and Charles Edwards star in the series as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his mentor, Dr. Joseph Bell respectively. The show draws inspiration from historical facts and real-life mysteries that Doyle and Bell were involved in during their time at the University of Edinburgh. Set in the late 19th century, the series brings to life the period with its detailed sets and costumes.

The central theme of the show is the bond between Conan Doyle and Bell, which is presented as complex and multi-layered. Bell is portrayed as both wise mentor and tough taskmaster, who helps Conan Doyle develop his deductive skills. Richardson's Conan Doyle is a complex character who wrestles with his own demons, including his Catholic faith and his troubled relationship with his father. Charles Edwards delivers an excellent performance as the quirky surgeon who can diagnose people with just one look.

Each episode presents a new mystery that Conan Doyle and Bell attempt to solve using their skills of observation and deduction. These mysteries are not only fascinating but also historically accurate. The creators of the show have done an excellent job of blending fact and fiction in a way that keeps the audience engaged.

In the first episode, "The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes," the detectives must solve the case of a missing child who has been kidnapped from a busy train station. The case leads them to the seedy world of child prostitution and eventually to an upper-class family with a dark secret. The second episode, "The Patient's Eyes," revolves around the murder of a wealthy businessman's wife, and the authorities' suspicion of the businessman being the murderer. Bell and Conan Doyle must work together to prove his innocence and catch the real killer.

The third episode, "The Photographer's Chair," is arguably the strongest of the four episodes. It involves Conan Doyle's investigation into a famous medium who claims she can talk to the dead. Conan Doyle is sceptical of the medium, and his investigation leads him to a terrifying discovery. The final episode, "The Kingdom of Bones," sees Conan Doyle and Bell travel to Yorkshire to solve the mystery of a young woman's disappearance. The case leads them to a sinister cult that practises human sacrifice.

The production values of the show are very high. The setting, costumes, and props are all top-notch, creating an immersive world that the audience can get lost in. The cinematography is similarly impressive, with great use of light and shadow to create an atmospheric mood.

Murder Rooms: Mysteries of the Real Sherlock Holmes is an excellent series for fans of the classic detective character. It provides a fascinating backdrop to the stories of Conan Doyle, who based his character on Bell. The show's mix of history, mystery and character drama is well-balanced, making it both engaging and educational. While it aired more than two decades ago, the show still holds up well today and is definitely worth watching for fans of the genre.