Slick as you like, Sherlock’s third and final episode (of this series) called “The Great Game” was a triumph of detection and intrigue. Sherlock has 12 hours to solve a riddle or an innocent woman dies. But who is behind the bomb threats?

If you’ve missed any or all these magnificent episodes then you can catch up by ordering the DVD or Bluray discs out on the 30^th August – pre order now

Sherlock Holmes is bored! Sitting in his flat at 221b Baker Street Sherlock and Watson have a heated discussion about Watson’s blog and his report of the taxi case. Watson dubbed the case “A study in Pink” and Sherlock took a dislike to how he was portrayed in the blog,

“Sherlock sees through everything and everyone in seconds, what’s incredible though is how spectacularly ignorant he is about some things”

Watson leaves the flat and we are introduced to Mrs Hudson (Una Stubbs) a little earlier in this episode when she comments on Watson’s walk out

“You too had a little domestic?”! Two minutes later an explosion rocks Baker Street and a new case is born. The bomber sends Sherlock a pink iPhone and verbal contact is made through the woman strapped to a bomb in a car park.

Molly’s attempt to forget Sherlock fails dismally when her new “office romance” turns out to be gay who leaves his telephone number for Holmes in the vain hope of the great detective calling him.

It turns out that the case is related to a cold case from twenty years ago, a case Holmes tried to get the police involved but they weren’t interested. A champion swimmer named Karl Powers drowned in a school pool; everyone thought it was a tragic accident. Everyone bar Sherlock Holmes. DVD out on 30th August.

As with the previous episodes the production values are extremely high, quick camera changes, fast paced dialogue and the confident yes arrogant deduction skills from Holmes. The use of graphics throughout the series has been inspirational, the text messages appearing on the screen, countdown to death and the laboratory shots reminded me of CSI Miami – all very slick.

Not as humorous as “A study in pink” or “The blind banker” the final episode is devoid of one-liners and has a more serious tone to it. Of all three episodes the Blind Banker was my favourite, reminded me of Basil Rathbone’s portrayal of Holmes.

Puzzle after puzzle, life after life – Holmes must use his prowess and deductive skills to get to the truth. Watson attempts to solve a matter of national importance without Sherlock’s assistance.

Walking under the Vauxhall Arches in not the most desirable of neighbourhoods Watson requests an explanation to which Holmes replies

“Homeless network, really is indispensable”, “my eyes and ears all over the city”. To which Watson responds “Clever; so you scratch their backs…” Sherlock interrupts him “..yes and then I disinfect myself”! Dark humour at its witty best.

All three episodes have been of the highest order, world class in fact but then again this is what you would expect from the BBC, elementary my dear Watson.

So who is the masked bomber? Turns out to be none other than …. an old adversary. Not going to spoil it for you, you’ll just have to watch it now won’t you!

Full Cast Listing for “The Great Game”

Benedict Cumberbatch … Sherlock Holmes

Martin Freeman…       Doctor John Watson

Rupert Graves …         DI Lestrade

Una Stubbs     …         Mrs Hudson

Loo Brealey    …         Molly Hooper (as Louise Brealey)

Zoe Telford     …         Sarah

Vinette Robinson…     Sgt Sally Donovan

Jeany Spark     …         Homeless Girl

Doug Allen     …         Joe

Haydn Gwynne…       Miss Wenceslas

John Sessions  …         Kenny Prince

David Ryall     …         Lord Huxley

Deborah Moore…        Crying Woman

Lynn Farleigh  …         Professor Cairns

Lauren Crace   …         Lucy

Rita Davies     …         Blind Lady

Andrew Scott … Jim

San Shella       …         Alan West

Caroline Trowbridge…Mrs Monkford

Di Botcher      …         Connie Prince

Matthew Needham… Bezza

Alison Lintott …         Julie

Kemal Sylvester…       Tube Guard

Stefano Braschi…        Raoul

John Lebar      …         Golem

Paul Albertson            …         Mr Ewart

Nicholas Gadd            …         Scared Man