Our Take on The Final Problem — Holmesian Whodunit on a Mediterranean Isle
A retired Sherlock Holmes actor finds himself embroiled in a real-life murder mystery. This Netflix series promises a classic whodunit with a sun-drenched, Spanish twist.
About The Final Problem
- Platform: Netflix
- Release Date:
- IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
- Genres: Crime, Mystery
In the spring of 1959, a retired actor, who previously played Sherlock Holmes, must investigate a murder at a small hotel on a tiny island near Mallorca.
WatchThisFlix Review
By WatchThisFlix Editorial Team
## The Setup
“The Final Problem” transports viewers to the idyllic, yet soon-to-be-disrupted, setting of a small island near Mallorca in the spring of 1959. Here, a singular premise unfolds: a retired actor, celebrated for his portrayal of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, is thrust into an actual murder investigation. The scene of the crime is a modest hotel, suggesting an intimate, contained mystery where every guest and staff member could be a suspect. This setup immediately evokes the classic 'locked-room' or 'isolated location' mystery, a subgenre beloved for its intense focus on character interaction and meticulous deduction. The series, consisting of four roughly 57-minute episodes, suggests a tightly woven narrative, perhaps one that builds suspense and unravels clues with deliberate pacing over a limited run. The title itself, “The Final Problem,” is a direct nod to Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous Sherlock Holmes story, hinting at a potentially formidable challenge for our protagonist, Basil, and perhaps a definitive, career-defining case for the actor turned amateur sleuth.
The year 1959 also adds a layer of historical flavor, placing the narrative in a post-war, pre-swinging sixties era, which could influence the atmosphere, the social dynamics, and even the investigative methods depicted. The Spanish setting, far from foggy London, promises a distinct aesthetic and cultural backdrop for the traditional British-style mystery. The central character, Basil, embodies an intriguing duality: a man who has inhabited the mind of a genius detective for years, now forced to apply that simulated expertise to a very real, very dangerous situation. This meta-narrative — an actor playing a detective becoming a detective — offers rich ground for exploring the lines between performance and reality, intuition and learned skill. The murder itself at a small hotel implies a contained cast of characters, allowing for deep dives into their motives, secrets, and relationships, a hallmark of compelling mystery storytelling.
## What It Has Going For It
“The Final Problem” arrives with a compelling premise that skillfully blends the familiar with the fresh. The idea of a retired actor, specifically one known for playing Sherlock Holmes, stepping into a real-life murder investigation is inherently fascinating. It capitalizes on the enduring appeal of the world's greatest detective while offering a novel twist on the amateur sleuth trope. This isn't just a regular person stumbling into a crime; it's someone with a deep, performative understanding of deduction, observation, and criminal psychology. This meta-narrative could allow for clever self-referential humor or poignant reflections on the nature of truth and performance, making the investigation more than just a puzzle but also a character study.
The casting of Jose Coronado as Basil is a significant draw. Coronado is a highly respected Spanish actor, known for his gravitas and ability to portray complex characters. His presence suggests a performance that will be nuanced and engaging, capable of embodying both the theatrical flair of a seasoned actor and the nascent investigative instincts of a man out of his depth. The supporting cast further bolsters this potential, with names like María Valverde as Adela Figueora, Maribel Verdú, and Gonzalo de Castro. These are accomplished actors who bring a depth of experience to the ensemble, promising strong character portrayals that are crucial for a mystery where every character holds potential clues or secrets. A strong ensemble cast ensures that the interactions and interrogations will be compelling, preventing the narrative from becoming a mere plot-driven exercise.
The setting — a small hotel on a tiny island near Mallorca in 1959 — offers a rich tapestry for the mystery. The isolation of an island inherently creates a sense of heightened tension and limits escape routes, both for the killer and for the truth. The Mediterranean backdrop provides a visually appealing contrast to the often-dark themes of murder, potentially creating a unique atmosphere that is both beautiful and sinister. The 'Crime, Mystery' genres are well-trodden paths, but this series appears to be leaning into the more classic, character-driven whodunit style. With Félix Viscarret directing all four episodes, there's the promise of a consistent directorial vision and a cohesive aesthetic throughout the season. This kind of focused direction can often lead to a more polished and intentionally crafted viewing experience, where every scene contributes to the overall atmosphere and plot progression. The limited episode count also suggests a focused, tightly plotted narrative, avoiding the common pitfalls of dragging out mysteries with unnecessary subplots, ensuring that every minute counts towards solving “The Final Problem.”
## Possible Drawbacks
While “The Final Problem” presents an intriguing premise, there are inherent risks that could temper its appeal for some viewers. The central conceit of a retired actor playing Sherlock Holmes now solving a real murder, while clever, could also lean into self-parody or become overly meta, potentially distracting from the genuine mystery at hand. If the character of Basil is too much of a caricature of Holmes, rather than a distinct individual applying Holmesian principles, it might alienate viewers looking for a more grounded crime drama. The balance between homage and originality will be crucial, and if it skews too heavily towards the former, it might feel derivative rather than innovative.
Another potential drawback lies in the very nature of a classic whodunit. While many appreciate the methodical unraveling of clues, some modern viewers accustomed to faster-paced thrillers or more action-oriented crime dramas might find the ~57-minute episodes and the four-episode structure too slow or too short to fully immerse themselves. The success of such a mystery often hinges on incredibly intricate plotting and genuinely surprising twists. If the solution to the murder is predictable or the red herrings too obvious, the series might fail to satisfy the core desire for intellectual engagement that defines the mystery genre. Furthermore, while the isolated island setting is often a strength, it can also lead to a claustrophobic feeling if not handled well, and the limited cast of characters, while good for focus, means every character needs to be compelling; if some fall flat, the entire dynamic suffers. The 1959 setting, while atmospheric, might also mean a slower pace of investigation, relying more on interviews and observation than modern forensic techniques, which could be a turn-off for those who prefer contemporary crime procedural elements.
## Who Is This For?
“The Final Problem” is tailor-made for viewers who cherish classic, character-driven mysteries, particularly those with a fondness for the golden age of detective fiction. If you're someone who delights in intricate puzzles, enjoys piecing together clues alongside a protagonist, and appreciates a cerebral challenge, this series is likely to resonate. Fans of Agatha Christie, P.D. James, or even the more traditional Sherlock Holmes adaptations will find themselves right at home. It's for those who appreciate the slow burn of an investigation, where dialogue, observation, and deduction take precedence over explosions and car chases. The series is ideal for viewers who enjoy a contained setting where every character is a potential suspect, and secrets slowly come to light within a tight-knit community.
Beyond the mystery aspect, this series will appeal to those who enjoy historical dramas, especially ones set in the mid-20th century. The 1959 Mallorca backdrop promises a specific aesthetic and cultural flavor that will transport viewers to another time and place. If you appreciate a strong ensemble cast delivering nuanced performances, particularly from acclaimed actors like Jose Coronado, María Valverde, and Maribel Verdú, then the character dynamics alone could be a significant draw. This is a show to be savored, perhaps over a quiet evening with a glass of wine, rather than binged in a frenetic rush. Expect to be engaged intellectually and emotionally, to ponder motives and alibis, and to enjoy the journey of unraveling a complex web of deceit. It's for those who want to be entertained by wit and intrigue, rather than constant action, and who appreciate a story that respects their intelligence.
## Final Verdict
“The Final Problem” offers a charmingly meta premise, a stellar Spanish cast, and a captivating Mediterranean backdrop, making it a compelling watch for anyone craving a classic, character-rich whodunit. Don't skip this one; settle in for a clever, contained mystery that promises both intellectual stimulation and a touch of nostalgic charm.
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