Ep 10. The Norwood Builder

"The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" is a British television series that first aired in 1984. The show is based on the popular Sherlock Holmes stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and features Jeremy Brett in the lead role of Sherlock Holmes and David Burke as his sidekick, Dr. John Watson. In season 1 episode 10, "The Norwood Builder", Holmes and Watson are presented with a perplexing case when a young lawyer by the name of John Hector McFarlane is accused of murdering a wealthy builder named Jonas Oldacre.

The episode opens with the discovery of Oldacre's dead body, which is found in the burned remains of his house in Norwood. The authorities quickly arrest McFarlane after finding his walking stick in the debris. McFarlane maintains his innocence, claiming that he had visited Oldacre to discuss a business proposal but had left before the fire broke out. However, the prosecution presents a convincing case, citing McFarlane's financial troubles and past disputes with Oldacre as motives for murder.

Holmes takes on the case at the behest of McFarlane's mother, who is convinced of her son's innocence. As he delves deeper into the case, Holmes uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal. He discovers that Oldacre had faked his own death in order to frame McFarlane for the murder and escape his mounting debts. The real culprit is a long-lost relative of Oldacre who stands to inherit his fortune if the builder is declared dead.

The episode is an excellent example of the show's ability to recreate the clever and intricate mysteries of Conan Doyle's original stories. The plot is full of twists and turns, and the viewer is kept guessing until the very end. Brett's portrayal of Holmes is superb, capturing the detective's sharp mind and dry wit. Burke is equally impressive as Watson, offering a perfect foil to Holmes' brilliance.

The production values of the show are also noteworthy. The sets and costumes are beautifully crafted, transporting the viewer to the Victorian era. The attention to detail is impressive, with every element of the show contributing to the overall sense of time and place.

Overall, "The Norwood Builder" is an excellent episode of "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes". It showcases the show's strengths in terms of storytelling, acting, and production values. Fans of the original stories will appreciate the faithful recreation of Conan Doyle's world, while newcomers will be drawn in by the clever mystery at the heart of the episode.