Ep 6. The Priory School

In the episode "The Priory School" from season 2 of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984), the great detective is called upon to investigate a particularly intriguing case involving a missing boy from a prestigious school in England. The episode begins with the headmaster of the school, a man by the name of Thorneycroft Huxtable, reporting the disappearance of a young pupil by the name of Lord Saltire.

The circumstances surrounding Lord Saltire's disappearance are mysterious, to say the least. He was last seen at the school's chapel, where he had gone to attend a service. However, when the service ended and the other students left, Lord Saltire was nowhere to be found. The school grounds were searched thoroughly, but there was no sign of the boy.

Sherlock Holmes takes on the case and begins his investigation by visiting the school and interviewing Huxtable and the other teachers. He also speaks with the other students, one of whom is a young American boy named James Wilder. James is the son of Huxtable's secretary and has been attending the school on scholarship.

As Holmes investigates, he becomes increasingly convinced that there is more to Lord Saltire's disappearance than meets the eye. There are too many oddities and inconsistencies, too many strange behaviors and questionable motives. It soon becomes apparent that someone at the school knows more than they are letting on and that the truth behind Lord Saltire's disappearance is far more complicated than anyone had originally suspected.

Throughout the episode, Holmes is at his brilliant best as he pieces together clues, solves puzzles, and uncovers hidden motives. He is aided in his investigation by his trusty sidekick, Dr. John Watson, who provides his own insights and observations. Together, the two men uncover a web of lies and deceit that lead them to a shocking conclusion.

"The Priory School" is a classic episode of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes that showcases the series' strengths: superb acting, intricate plotting, and a focus on solving puzzles and mysteries. It is a masterful example of the detective genre and a must-see for fans of the series. With its memorable characters, engaging story, and clever twists, this episode is a true gem in the canon of Sherlock Holmes adaptations.