THE FINAL PROBLEM and THE LAST BOW STORIES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
Digest
This episode of the New 1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories Podcast features the story "The Final Problem." The episode begins with Dr. Watson receiving a surprise visit from Sherlock Holmes, who informs him that he has finally cornered his arch-enemy, Professor Moriarty. Holmes explains that he has been working with the French police and the Royal Family of Scandinavia to bring Moriarty down, and that he will be able to capture him in three days. However, Moriarty, aware of Holmes' plans, confronts him at Baker Street, threatening his life. Holmes, realizing that he is in danger, decides to flee the country with Watson. They travel to Switzerland, where they are tricked by Moriarty's agents into believing that an English woman is in danger. Watson returns to the village to help, while Holmes stays behind. Watson discovers that the English woman is safe, and that Holmes has been tricked by Moriarty. He rushes back to the falls, where he finds Hans injured and a note from Holmes. Hans tells Watson that Holmes and Moriarty fought and disappeared into the falls. Watson returns to England, heartbroken, believing that Holmes is dead. However, Holmes reappears, revealing that he faked his death and has been living in retirement. He explains that he has been working undercover as an American spy, infiltrating a German spy ring. Holmes and Watson then capture the German spy, Baron von Bork, and expose the entire conspiracy. The episode ends with Holmes and Watson reflecting on the end of an era and the coming of World War I.
Outlines
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Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and the story "The Final Problem." It also provides a brief overview of the podcast and its content.
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Holmes' Return and Moriarty's Threat
This Chapter begins with Holmes' unexpected visit to Watson, revealing his plans to capture Moriarty. Moriarty, however, confronts Holmes at Baker Street, threatening his life. Holmes decides to flee the country with Watson to avoid Moriarty's agents.
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The Journey to Switzerland
This Chapter follows Holmes and Watson's journey to Switzerland, where they are tricked by Moriarty's agents into believing that an English woman is in danger. Watson returns to the village to help, while Holmes stays behind.
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Holmes' Return and Explanation
This Chapter marks Holmes' reappearance, revealing that he faked his death and has been living in retirement. He explains that he has been working undercover as an American spy, infiltrating a German spy ring.
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The Capture of Baron von Bork
This Chapter focuses on Holmes and Watson's capture of the German spy, Baron von Bork, and the exposure of the entire conspiracy. Holmes reveals his true identity to von Bork, who is shocked to learn that he is still alive.
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The End of an Era
This Chapter concludes the episode with Holmes and Watson reflecting on the end of an era and the coming of World War I. They discuss the changes that have occurred in the world since their last adventure, and the uncertain future that lies ahead.
Keywords
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He is known for his brilliant deductive reasoning, his eccentric personality, and his ability to solve complex crimes. Holmes is a master of disguise and has a wide range of knowledge in various fields, including chemistry, forensics, and martial arts. He is often assisted by his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson, who narrates his adventures. Holmes' stories have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and other media, making him one of the most iconic literary characters of all time.
Professor Moriarty
Professor Moriarty is Sherlock Holmes' arch-nemesis, a criminal mastermind who is described as the "Napoleon of crime." He is a brilliant strategist and organizer, controlling a vast network of criminals in London and beyond. Moriarty is a shadowy figure who rarely appears in person, but his influence is felt throughout the stories. He is ultimately responsible for Holmes' supposed death at the Reichenbach Falls.
The Final Problem
The Final Problem is a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, featuring the final confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty. The story is set in Switzerland, where Holmes and Moriarty engage in a deadly struggle at the Reichenbach Falls. The story ends with Holmes' supposed death, although he later reappears in later stories.
Dr. John Watson
Dr. John Watson is Sherlock Holmes' loyal companion and chronicler. He is a former army doctor who becomes Holmes' roommate and confidante. Watson is often the narrator of Holmes' adventures, providing a first-hand account of their exploits. He is a good-natured and reliable man, who provides a balance to Holmes' eccentric personality. Watson is also a skilled doctor, who often assists Holmes in his investigations.
Counter-espionage
Counter-espionage is the practice of detecting, preventing, and disrupting espionage activities conducted by foreign intelligence agencies. It involves a range of activities, including surveillance, intelligence gathering, and the use of countermeasures to protect sensitive information. Counter-espionage is a critical aspect of national security, as it helps to protect a country's interests from foreign interference.
World War I
World War I, also known as the Great War, was a global war originating in Europe that lasted from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918. The war involved the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria) against the Allied Powers (France, Russia, the United Kingdom, Italy, Japan, and the United States). The war resulted in an estimated 15 to 22 million deaths, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. The war had a profound impact on the world, leading to the collapse of empires, the rise of new ideologies, and the redrawing of the political map of Europe.
German spies
German spies were a significant threat to the Allied Powers during World War I. They operated in various countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, gathering intelligence and carrying out sabotage. German spies used a variety of methods to infiltrate enemy territory, including disguises, false identities, and secret codes. They were often highly skilled and resourceful, posing a serious challenge to Allied security.
Baron von Bork
Baron von Bork is a German spy who is the main antagonist in the episode. He is a highly skilled and ruthless agent, who is determined to help Germany win the war. He is a master of disguise and deception, and he has a network of spies operating in England. Holmes and Watson eventually expose his conspiracy and capture him.
Q&A
How does Sherlock Holmes manage to escape from the Reichenbach Falls?
Holmes reveals that he faked his death by using his knowledge of Japanese Baritzu to throw Moriarty over the falls. He then climbed the face of the cliff, a difficult and dangerous feat, to escape.
Why does Holmes return to England after years of retirement?
Holmes explains that he has been forced back into action due to the threat of German spies in England. He has been working undercover as an American spy, infiltrating a German spy ring.
What is the significance of the date August 1914?
August 1914 is the date that World War I began. Holmes' return to England coincides with the outbreak of the war, highlighting the importance of his counter-espionage work.
How does Holmes manage to capture Baron von Bork?
Holmes uses his cunning and deductive reasoning to expose von Bork's true identity and capture him. He also uses a clever trick to make von Bork believe that he is winning, allowing Holmes to escape with the incriminating evidence.
What is the significance of the ending of the episode?
The ending of the episode marks the end of an era for Holmes and Watson. They reflect on the changes that have occurred in the world since their last adventure, and the uncertain future that lies ahead. The episode also highlights the importance of their work in protecting England from foreign threats, even in the face of a global war.
Show Notes
Two Holmesclassics from "Stories of Sherlock Holmes"