The Adventures of Shirley Holmes 

The grand-niece of Sherlock Holmes, Shirley, lives in Canada and solves crime after local crime with the assistance of her boyfriend, Bo Sawchuk, and meeting opposition from Molly Hardy.

Creators:

Ellis Iddon, Phil Meagher, Susin Nielsen

Stars:

Meredith Henderson, John White, Annick Obonsawin

3 wins & 5 nominations.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Meredith Henderson	...	Shirley Holmes 52 episodes, 1996-2000
John White	...	Bo Sawchuk / ... 52 episodes, 1996-2000
Annick Obonsawin	...	Alicia Gianelli 32 episodes, 1996-2000
Blair Slater	...	Bartholomew 'Bart' James / ... 32 episodes, 1996-2000
Chris Humphreys	...	Robert Holmes 28 episodes, 1996-2000
Sarah Ezer	...	Molly Hardy 25 episodes, 1996-2000

Storyline

A teenage girl named Shirley who, with her 'side kick' Bo, (think Sherlock Holmes and Watson) are always in the middle of a new crime that needs solving, and who better to do it than the legendary Sherlock Holmes' great grand-niece Shirley?

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Plot Keywords:

female protagonist | 1990s | private school | amateur detective | girl detective | 

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Genres:

Mystery | Family

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The name of Shirley Holmes' nemesis, Molly Hardy, is a play on the name of her great-grand-uncle Sherlock Holmes' arch-enemy: Professor Moriarty.

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Quotes

[first lines over opening credits]
[Shirley reads a message she found hidden in a family heirloom]
Voice of Sherlock Holmes: To the holder of this letter, my commendations. Solving the puzzle of the chest required more than considerable deductive powers. My work has consumed my life and I have produced no heir to follow in my path, but I picture you a young man of good imagination. Any mystery devised by mortal minds can be solved therewith. Yours faithfully, Sherlock Holmes.

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Connections

Referenced in Lukas: Amor und Psyche (1997)

User Reviews

Sherlock Legacy

This show is an honorable mention in favorite mystery/detective shows, let alone an under the radar gem that has been forgotten overtime. This is also another gem from my adolescence, I saw this show when I was really into the mystery genre and was still reading some of the "Hardy Boys" books.

This show to me is somewhat unique as it's a detective show for young adults which there really aren't that many of (or at least many good ones that stand out). It's premise I'll admit is kind of a wild card but at the same time kind of cool. The main protagonist Sherley Homes is the descendant of Sherlock Homes, I know wild since Sherlock Homes is fictional but it's fun idea a wish fulfillment fantasy, the thought of Sherlock Homes existing and you were his descendent; it's like if you discover you're a descendent of Philp Marlowe or one of the Hardy Boys, now wouldn't that be something.

The mysteries are fun, each episode is always something different. They are slightly thought provoking and do let you participate, your kind the other detective in the group which is part of what makes a mystery/detective show fun. Most of them are colorful plots which are mixed from being serious to some that aren't totally serious (it is a show for kids and teens after all) which to me gives the show variety which is part of what mystery/detective shows thrive on.

However, to me what really makes the show and most detective TV shows are the Detectives themselves and what they do to solve the mystery. Sherley Homes played well by Meredith Henderson, man I remember having a crush on this actress. She was cute with the intelligence and persona to boot. She's a chip off Sherlock's block as she's inherited the deductive reasoning ability, but I like that she's not imitating her predecessor she does do things her own way. She is on the serious side but not oh so serious, at times she exercises sort of a dry wit and humor to her.

I really like that she sorts of a passive aggressive type, which I can emphasize with because that's my personality type. She's a deep thinker as she always thinks things though before taking the necessary actions required. Which is part of how she is able to get out of trouble and resolve certain situations but using her sharp mind and wits to win which is really all you need to win. However, what really makes this character reside for me is she has a secluded humanity and warmth which even though she doesn't always show it you know it's there.

Supporting characters are also good from Bo whom is a solid number two whom is her assistant in her mysteries. Even though he's not on the same thinking level as her, he's a person that is more on the aggressive side as he is willing to take action when needed but always willing to support Sherley when needed as there are some things she can't do alone. He's kind funny sometimes mainly how he a times tries just a little too hard to be cool

Molly Hardy played by Sarah Ezer, she's another actress I had a crush on, she was just fraking hot and a capable actress it's a shame she didn't do more afterward. She this shows version of Morarity, hence her name which is sort of a play on words for that name. She's a good match against Sherley as both have the same level of razor sharp wits. What I like about her is that she's sort of enigmatic, you never really know what her motives really are let alone who she really is. Is she trying to take Sherley out of the picture because she's a threat to whatever nefarious future plans she has, to inflate her ego, or just because she's bored and this is her twisted idea of fun. We can never be sure about anything with her, she constantly reveals something new about herself which I always find fascinating and interesting, than with character we know too well.

Matt (Cowboy): This character is another favorite character in the show, there really could have been a spin off show with this guy (makes me wonder after one episode if they were going that direction). Really like the character he's the guy from out of town since he lived in the country most of his life (hence his nick name). I really could emphasize with this guy because what I like about him is he does what he feels, so he's not afraid to put it out there sometimes. He's also kind of a geek as we see he's a cosplayer (kind of), in most episodes he's always in a disguise which are always colorful but also useful as they do council his identity. As well as a techie as he sometimes works the computer for Sherley and even lets her use some communication equipment with him. It's always great whenever you put both Sherley and him together, sparks just fly and bounce off between the two. Both work well together on the mysteries but most importantly I feel really balances out the dynamic as he brings fun to her seriousness. Which leads to one of the bad things, he's not in the show nearly enough and both characters needed more episodes together.

The other small quibbles were some of the mysteries are rather easy, sometimes the answers get waved right in front of us. Also, this could have used more thrills, it didn't feel like the protagonists we're in much danger, would've like to see these characters in really nervous situations where mortal danger is apparent. It's a fundamental problem most shows aimed at young audiences have, but it doesn't damper things much as I say what the characters do in the episode keeps my interest, so this is something I can overlook.

But the really bad and sad thing is this show didn't get a final season, which sucked because at the end of season 4 it really seemed like they hinted at a revolving plotline for next season which would have been the next step for the show, having for once a developing plot. If not, a season they could have at least a movie, it would have been cool seeing Sherley on one more case along with Matt coming back, what a shame.

Overall, it's a solid detective show, if you're looking for vintage young adult mysteries then this show is worth satisfying your curiosity.

Rating: 3 stars

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Adventures of Shirley Holmes

Filming Locations:

Manitoba, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Credo Entertainment Group, Forefront Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

24 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1