The Dying Detective was the first episode I have seen from the Memoirs series and it is one of my favorites from all. There are many reasons for that. First is that I simply love Jeremy Brett as Sherlock Holmes, he is just perfect and irreplaceable for me. Second, the story itself is very dark, tense and exciting till the last moments. But the most important reason for loving this episode is the sad fact that Jeremy was very ill during shooting, yet he made it through and the result is a masterpiece which I cannot watch without feeling sorry for him, admiring his courage and talent and enjoying the story at the same time.
The supporting cast is excellent as always. Edward Hardwicke is larger than life, he is so convincing as the kind, worrying doctor. Rosalie Williams is a fantastic, motherly Mrs. Hudson. Jonathan Hyde is a perfect choice for the evil, cold-blooded Culverton Smith, you just cannot do anything else but hate him for what he did with his cousin. And he is almost as intelligent as Holmes. The ending scene is so intense and effective, and the whole episode is a true masterpiece for me. Though it always reminds me of the ill health of Jeremy, but of his greatness as well.
The supporting cast is excellent as always. Edward Hardwicke is larger than life, he is so convincing as the kind, worrying doctor. Rosalie Williams is a fantastic, motherly Mrs. Hudson. Jonathan Hyde is a perfect choice for the evil, cold-blooded Culverton Smith, you just cannot do anything else but hate him for what he did with his cousin. And he is almost as intelligent as Holmes. The ending scene is so intense and effective, and the whole episode is a true masterpiece for me. Though it always reminds me of the ill health of Jeremy, but of his greatness as well.