When first produced the Brett/Burke/Jeavons Holmes stories were very popular with Holmes fans. Then, after the first series, Burke upped and quit. How would fans of the show react to a new Waton?
Very well, as it turn out! Burke had already established Watson as someone who wasn't a dunderhead or suffering from senile dementia. All they needed to fill his slot was a skilled and likeable actor who didn't mind second billing.
Edward Hardwicke, who had an impressive track record without making too much of an impact, was the perfect choice. His warm and wise older Watson was more than acceptable, and not just from spite since at first Burke's defection rankled. Hardwicke was an amiable, sensible, laid-back Watson who quickly worked his way into fans' hearts.
And we still had Brett's marvelous Holmes and the occasional visits by Jeavons' iconic Lestrade.
"The Second Stain," "The Bruce-Partington Plans," "The Abbe Grange" and "Silver Blaze" are as good as anything in the Burke series. "The Priory School" is as good, despite the changes they made to Doyle for a more exciting climax. Changes, however, ruined "The Six Napoleons," though it's a welcome showcase for Jeavons, whose Lestrade is here happily close to Doyle and then some. If they'd done the story without the accretions it might be my very favorite.
"Wisteria Lodge" deserves special mention for guest star Freddie Jones. Of all the guest stars in the entire series Jones comes closest to giving Brett a run for his money. He's a sheer delight.
Then there's "The Devil's Foot." It's an unpleasant tale, but that's Doyle's fault. Unfortunately, in this episode Brett's Holmes seems to have picked up a head cold that would dog him for the rest of the series (including my favorite episode in "The Return," "The Bruce Partington Plans").
"The Musgrave Ritual' never made much sense but "updating" it from a pre-Watson tale to one with Watson works well. Unfortunately, as in the original story, it doesn't show Holmes' incisiveness well, since everyone else is simply incurious. Had I grown up in the Musgrave household I'd have discovered the secret as a boy. What's wrong with these people? Inbreeding?
Also included in "The Return" are a couple of TV movies. "The Sign of thr Four" is done very well, with Jenny Seagrove and Ronald Lacey as stand-outs and Gordon Gostelow, and actor I always enjoy, thrown in for spice. As for the much-anticipated "Hound of the Baskervilles," stick with Basil Rathbone.
"The Aventures of Sherlock Holmes" and "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" redefined the characters for a generation and are still the most admired Holes/Watson team by fans of Holmes and Doyle. Brett's the best, though Burke and Hardwicke have to share accolades.
Very well, as it turn out! Burke had already established Watson as someone who wasn't a dunderhead or suffering from senile dementia. All they needed to fill his slot was a skilled and likeable actor who didn't mind second billing.
Edward Hardwicke, who had an impressive track record without making too much of an impact, was the perfect choice. His warm and wise older Watson was more than acceptable, and not just from spite since at first Burke's defection rankled. Hardwicke was an amiable, sensible, laid-back Watson who quickly worked his way into fans' hearts.
And we still had Brett's marvelous Holmes and the occasional visits by Jeavons' iconic Lestrade.
"The Second Stain," "The Bruce-Partington Plans," "The Abbe Grange" and "Silver Blaze" are as good as anything in the Burke series. "The Priory School" is as good, despite the changes they made to Doyle for a more exciting climax. Changes, however, ruined "The Six Napoleons," though it's a welcome showcase for Jeavons, whose Lestrade is here happily close to Doyle and then some. If they'd done the story without the accretions it might be my very favorite.
"Wisteria Lodge" deserves special mention for guest star Freddie Jones. Of all the guest stars in the entire series Jones comes closest to giving Brett a run for his money. He's a sheer delight.
Then there's "The Devil's Foot." It's an unpleasant tale, but that's Doyle's fault. Unfortunately, in this episode Brett's Holmes seems to have picked up a head cold that would dog him for the rest of the series (including my favorite episode in "The Return," "The Bruce Partington Plans").
"The Musgrave Ritual' never made much sense but "updating" it from a pre-Watson tale to one with Watson works well. Unfortunately, as in the original story, it doesn't show Holmes' incisiveness well, since everyone else is simply incurious. Had I grown up in the Musgrave household I'd have discovered the secret as a boy. What's wrong with these people? Inbreeding?
Also included in "The Return" are a couple of TV movies. "The Sign of thr Four" is done very well, with Jenny Seagrove and Ronald Lacey as stand-outs and Gordon Gostelow, and actor I always enjoy, thrown in for spice. As for the much-anticipated "Hound of the Baskervilles," stick with Basil Rathbone.
"The Aventures of Sherlock Holmes" and "The Return of Sherlock Holmes" redefined the characters for a generation and are still the most admired Holes/Watson team by fans of Holmes and Doyle. Brett's the best, though Burke and Hardwicke have to share accolades.