Watch The Return of Sherlock Holmes

The Return of Sherlock Holmes is a British television series revolving around the iconic character of Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The show premiered in 1986 and ran for two seasons until 1988. It was produced by Granada Television and distributed by MPI Media Group.

The series stars Jeremy Brett as the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, along with David Burke and later Edward Hardwicke as his faithful friend and sidekick Dr. John Watson. The supporting cast includes Rosalie Williams as Holmes' housekeeper Mrs. Hudson, Colin Jeavons as Inspector Lestrade, Brian Miller as Dr. John Watson's friend and fellow physician Dr. Percy Trevelyan, Eric Porter as Professor Moriarty, and Charles Gray as Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's elder brother.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes is based on the original stories and characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with each episode adapting one of the original stories or creating a new one in the spirit of Doyle's work. The series stays true to the Victorian era setting of the original stories, with meticulously designed costumes, props, and sets.

The show's atmosphere is dark and mysterious, capturing the essence of Doyle's writing. The music is haunting and evocative, setting the tone for the ensuing drama. The lighting and cinematography are used to great effect, creating a sense of foreboding and suspense.

The heart of the series is Jeremy Brett's performance as Sherlock Holmes. Brett's portrayal is considered one of the most authentic and faithful adaptations of the character, capturing both his intellectual brilliance and the emotional detachment that characterizes him. Brett brings a depth and complexity to Holmes that has rarely been seen before or since, making the character more than just a caricature.

David Burke and Edward Hardwicke are both excellent as Dr. John Watson, playing the part of the loyal companion to Holmes with equal parts humor and pathos. Rosalie Williams' performance as Mrs. Hudson adds warmth and charm to the series, providing a much-needed counterbalance to the cold and aloof Holmes.

Colin Jeavons is a standout as Inspector Lestrade, the bumbling police detective who often relies on Holmes to solve his cases. Jeavons brings a comic touch to the character while still maintaining his dignity and professionalism.

Other notable performances include Charles Gray as Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's brother, who inhabits a world of power and influence that Sherlock eschews. Eric Porter is chilling as Professor Moriarty, Holmes' arch-nemesis and the mastermind behind many of the series' most gripping cases.

Overall, The Return of Sherlock Holmes is a masterful adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic stories, imbued with a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the source material. It is a must-watch for fans of Sherlock Holmes and lovers of classic mystery-drama.

The Return of Sherlock Holmes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (11 episodes) between July 9, 1986 and on MPI Media Group