The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984 Season 1 Episode 5 The Crooked Man

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a classic British television series that aired from 1984 to 1985, featuring the legendary fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, played by Jeremy Brett, and his loyal sidekick Dr. John Watson, played by David Burke and later Edward Hardwicke. The fifth episode of the first season, titled The Crooked Man, follows the dynamic duo as they investigate the mysterious death of a British army officer who is found dead in his quarters, with his wife reportedly having vanished from the scene.

As the episode begins, we see a worried-looking Colonel James Barclay (played by Colin Jeavons) visiting Holmes at 221B Baker Street, seeking his help in solving the murder mystery of his wife, Nancy Barclay (played by Vicki Hodge). The Colonel's account seems hazy and inconsistent, which piques Holmes's curiosity and prompts him to investigate the matter further. Accompanied by Watson, Holmes sets out to Barclay's quarters in Aldershot and begins his investigation.

Upon reaching the barracks, Holmes and Watson are greeted by some of Barclay's regimental comrades, who reveal some interesting facts about Nancy Barclay and her marital discord with James. They also mention that the couple had a heated argument on the night before Nancy's disappearance. Further, the detectives find a copy of a telegram in the Colonel's room, which hints at possible infidelity, and leads Holmes to suspect that the disappearance may not be a simple case of abduction.

As the investigation progresses, more intriguing details come to light. Holmes discovers that the Colonel's past military history and his current secretive behaviour may be connected to the case. Meanwhile, clues suggest that Nancy may have left of her own free will, and is most possibly hiding somewhere in the neighbourhood. Following the trail, Holmes and Watson end up in a seedy backstreet pub, frequented by some of Barclay's old army buddies.

However, the detectives soon realise that they are being watched by someone in the pub, and decide to leave. Shortly after that, they find themselves confronted with an ominous figure, whom they believe is the key to solving the mystery. Fortified by his skills of deduction and observation, Holmes confronts the individual and manoeuvres his way through a maze of lies and secrets to get to the truth.

The episode is a fascinating portrayal of the complex intrigue and mystery that surround the case of The Crooked Man. It showcases the brilliant deduction skills of Sherlock Holmes, who uses his intellect, wit and charm to unravel the twists and turns of the case. The script is taut, the performances are convincing and the cinematography is exemplary, creating an atmosphere that is both eerie and engrossing.

Overall, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a masterpiece in storytelling, and The Crooked Man is a must-watch episode for anyone who loves a good mystery. Whether you are a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle’s work or not, this episode of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes will keep you guessing till the very end.