Arthur & George

Martin Clunes is excellent as the eponymous Arthur, sporting a genuine Scots accent and a Victorian gentleman's sensibility. Wonderful writing and period scenery provide a convincing platform for the actors to bring the plot to life. I have no knowledge of the historical reality of the plot but the device of having the real life characters of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his secretary as the protagonists in a crime drama provides an interest over and above the validity of the story or the sophistication of the plot. The writing is very well done, with the dialogue couched in antique terms and rhythms. The plot is subtly exposed over time through conversation, rather than the trite expositions of modern crime series. This can easily be enjoyed as a period piece or as an excellent crime drama.

Arthur and George was both a surprise and a delight to watch. Not only did it draw on several real events from Conan Doyle's life, it brought the era to life, the prejudice of superiority, the rules of class society, manners, dress, questionable law enforcement of the day, and yet another insight into the English school system. What most impressed us, in addition to a mystery to be solved and a "who-dunnit", was Doyle's real-life attempt at challenging the English criminal system. Very satisfying, educational in a fun way, and wonderful acting. Kudos also to the director and producers--another fine Masterpiece Theater presentation.

Those lovely nine stars are of course for the program "Arthur & George"(2015). Of which I completely enjoyed. However, my review is on the Sour Grapes reviews of this well written, well acted, well presented, although very short lived piece of television entertainment. To those of you that did Not like, enjoy or were otherwise entertained by this program, I have this to say, and Please feel very free with all the negatives that you do enjoy spewing about a program that I Feel Very Strongly that No One tied you down to watch. ENOUGH!!! If you do NOT want to watch then You Do have The Power to change channels!!! No One wants to read your completely Negative remarks about how awful it all was!!! Thanking you All in advance.

Recently widowed, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle takes a personal interest in a very bizarre case, the son of a Vicar is believed to have carried out a series of animal killings, Doyle strongly believes the flimsy case against Analji is racially motivated.

It plays out very much like an episode of Sherlock Holmes, only this time the case is a real life one, The Wyrley Outrages, and The Detectives, Doyle and Woodie are also real, although they are very much in the guise of Holmes and Watson here.

It's such a strange story, filled with baffling events and oddities, but it is an engaging story, and definitely one to hold your attention.

Set over three parts, it's well paced, very well made, and boasts some terrific acting, Clunes really is the standout as Doyle, a fascinating character, a man with progressive attitudes in his day.

Very atmospheric, very moody, it's well worth watching. 8/10.

Apparently, this TV series and the book that it is based on. Take a lot of "dramatic license" with the actual events that took place. It is an interesting drama, with good acting, plot and production values. I would like to think that what actually happened in the case. Is not too totally different from how it is portrayed in this series. If Mr. Conan Doyle did help right a wrong that was done to an innocent man. That's enough for me, and I think it is good that this series brings the story to light, and gives a well known author. Another reason to be admired by people familiar with his books.

(Unfortunately, because of a technical problem on my streaming service. I was unable to see the second episode of the series, and was only able to watch the first and third episodes of the original three).