Ep 8. The Devil's Foot
- TV-PG
- April 6, 1988
- 51 min
-
8.1 (881)
The Devil's Foot is the eighth episode of The Return of Sherlock Holmes season one. The episode begins with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson planning to take a much-needed vacation in Cornwall. They arrive at a remote cottage in the countryside, where they meet three siblings, a brother and two sisters, who live nearby. The siblings are the only inhabitants of the area, and they greet the two detectives with a warm welcome.
However, soon after their arrival, the siblings' behavior becomes suspicious. They refuse to talk about the history of the area and warn Holmes and Watson not to venture outside at night. Moreover, strange sounds are heard at night, and one of the siblings falls into a trance after burning a strange herb in the fireplace. The next day, Holmes and Watson investigate further and discover that the siblings' family history is tainted with a bloody past and that the area is cursed.
The plot thickens when one of the siblings dies from a mysterious illness. Although the death is ruled as natural, Holmes is not convinced and starts to investigate further. He finds that the dead sibling was poisoned with a rare toxin extracted from a plant known as the "devil's foot." The case becomes even more complicated when the remaining siblings claim they have seen the dead person's ghost. Holmes and Watson become more determined to solve the case and uncover the truth behind the mysterious events.
The story takes a dramatic turn as Holmes starts to feel the effects of the "devil's foot" toxin. He falls into a trance-like state, and his mind conjures up visions of the siblings' ancestors, who were involved in a gruesome and violent ritual that led to the curse. The curse is said to be so powerful that it could cause people to die from fright.
Can Holmes and Watson solve the case before the curse claims another victim? The Devil's Foot is a thrilling episode full of twists and turns that are sure to captivate viewers. It is a chilling journey into the depths of the human psyche, where fear and superstition can overpower even the most rational minds.
The episode features excellent performances from the show's cast, particularly Jeremy Brett, who portrays a vulnerable and weakened Holmes. The episode's cinematography and set design are also noteworthy, as they successfully create a menacing and eerie atmosphere that adds to the show's overall tone. The Devil's Foot is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a well-crafted thriller.