Ep 5. The Illustrious Client

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a classic British television series that ran for a total of ten seasons from 1984 to 1994. Based on the famous stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the show stars Jeremy Brett as Holmes and David Burke (later replaced by Edward Hardwicke) as his loyal friend and colleague Dr. Watson.

In season 3 episode 5, titled The Illustrious Client, Holmes and Watson are hired by a wealthy and powerful man named Baron Adelbert Gruner (played by John Castle). Gruner is a notorious seducer of women, and has set his sights on Violet de Merville (played by Natasha Richardson), the beautiful young daughter of a high-ranking diplomat. Despite her father's objections, Violet is determined to marry Gruner, and has gone to great lengths to keep him interested in her.

Gruner's previous victims, however, have not been so lucky. One young woman, a French ballerina named Margot, has disappeared entirely, while another, a Welsh heiress named Annie, has been driven to madness and now lives in a sanitarium. Holmes and Watson are horrified by Gruner's behavior, but are initially reluctant to take on the case. It's only when Violet herself comes to Holmes, pleading with him to find evidence of Gruner's evil deeds, that they agree to help.

What follows is a complex and dangerous investigation, as Holmes and Watson try to gather evidence against Gruner while also protecting Violet from his advances. They enlist the help of Margot's former dance partner, as well as Annie's brother, a young doctor named James, who is determined to avenge his sister's suffering. As they delve deeper into the case, however, they realize that Gruner is even more cunning and ruthless than they thought, and that their own lives may be in danger.

As always, Jeremy Brett's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes is both brilliant and unsettling. He is a man obsessed with justice and truth, but also one who can be callous and manipulative in pursuit of his goals. David Burke is a staunch and loyal Watson, always willing to follow Holmes into danger but also quick to bring him back to reality when needed. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with John Castle giving a chilling performance as the sadistic Gruner and Natasha Richardson exuding both vulnerability and strength as Violet.

Overall, The Illustrious Client is a tense and engrossing episode of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, showcasing the show's masterful storytelling and impeccable acting. It's a reminder of why these stories have endured for so long, and why generations of viewers continue to be captivated by the enigmatic detective and his loyal friend.