The Memoirs, sadly, don't measure up to the standards set by the first two series. For one thing, Jeremy Brett was in ill health, suffering from congestive heart failure and it shows. He was retaining fluid, a common symptom, and his face had plumped out. In contrast to Hardwicke's constancy, Brett was over acting, alternating between mutters and shouts. His gestures became operatic. Another reason is that the Conan-Doyle stories that have been adapted for the Memoirs were as fagged out as the author was with the character of Holmes. Finally, for whatever reason, some of the episodes meandered and were presented with an abundance of glitz. The earlier series had already shown that none of this was necessary. All that was needed for complete success was a carefully constructed retelling of the tale. What a shame that the series couldn't have gone on to complete all the stories, with their varying quality, starring a healthy and vibrant Holmes, presented with dignity and intelligence.
Review of The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes
