S1, E6: Daringly, Cooper dramatised this tale of robbery, murder and revenge as a comedy. James Bree, is priceless as the Napoleon-obsessed Barnicot. The depictions of the distrustful Browns and the self-regarding Horace Harker are not far behind, but none of the story’s excitement and ingenuity is sacrificed to the humour. The real joy of this episode is the introduction of the lantern-jawed Peter Madden as a sardonic, capable Inspector Lestrade.
