The Master Blackmailer

Charles Augustus Milverton is the worst man in London, which is saying something for a city that also contains Moriarty. He does not rob or stab or cheat at cards. He collects other people's secrets, then sells them back at ruinous prices, smiling throughout. Holmes hates him, and Holmes hates very few men, which is why it is such a pleasure to watch the two of them circle each other in this opening instalment.

The case arrives with the usual wreckage. A young woman of good family is about to be married, and Milverton holds letters she wrote to another man, letters that would end the engagement and her reputation with it. Watson is astonished when Milverton calls at Baker Street, and more astonished to learn that the visit is at Holmes's own invitation. But Holmes has a plan, and a plan from Holmes is a dangerous thing to be standing near.

The two men take the measure of each other over the negotiation. Milverton names his price and enjoys every second of it. Holmes smiles, which should worry anyone who knows him. Around them move the other victims of the Milverton trade: Lady Diana Swinstead, the Dowager, Colonel Dorking, the Honourable Charlotte Miles. Inspector Lestrade hovers, useful and slightly out of his depth, which is his natural state in the better cases. Nothing here is quite what it appears to be, and the episode lets that stand without explaining itself.

Jeremy Paul wrote it, Peter Hammond directed. Robert Hardy plays Milverton, and it is casting of the highest order: a villain who believes he is the reasonable one. Jeremy Brett is Holmes, Edward Hardwicke is Watson, and the rooms are filled by Norma West, Gwen Ffrangcon Davies, Serena Gordon, Sarah McVicar, David Mallinson, Nickolas Grace and Colin Jeavons.

Part one ends with the trap baited. Anyone who knows Milverton's reputation, or Holmes's, will be back for the springing of it.