Young Sherlock
Season 1 – Episode 2
Episode title: The Case of the Burnt Photograph
Original release date: March 4, 2026
Starring: Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Dónal Finn, Zine Tseng, Joseph Fiennes, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons, Colin Firth
Opening theme: “Days Are Forgotten” by Kasabian
Episode plot: Sherlock is interrogated for Professor Thompson’s murder but cannot remember the previous night. Princess Shou’an denies being with him, and Mycroft’s appeal to Sir Bucephalus Hodge is rebuffed. Moriarty, stripped of his scholarship by Hodge, breaks Sherlock out of prison disguised in a laundry cart. In hiding, they deduce that Shou’an drugged Sherlock’s drink and framed him. They recall a burnt photograph she tried to conceal and trace it to a local photographer, discovering it shows four professors – Thompson, Roberts, Enright, and Malik – all seated nearest the bomb at the gala. The bomb was intended to kill all four. Sherlock and Moriarty race to warn the surviving professors but find Enright already dead. Meanwhile, a secret meeting reveals Shou’an is working with unknown conspirators and has been ordered to eliminate the professors within a week. Two targets remain alive.
* * *
Transcript
Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.
Sherlock! Where are you taking him?
[constable] Step aside!
None of your business!
Yes, it is! What’s the charge?
[constable] The murder of Professor Thompson!
Now, out of my way!
You’ve got the wrong man.
Let’s not play games, Mr Holmes.
Professor Thompson’s dead.
And your knife was found in his back. The blood on your shirt.
And the blood on your face.
I was with Shou’an.
The princess?
Yes.
We…
You what?
I don’t remember.
I know all about your mother, Mr Holmes.
Such afflictions run in the family.
You are obviously deranged.
You planted the bomb so you could turn yourself into a hero
by saving everyone.
The only problem is the professor saw you.
[door slams]
That’s what I reckon.
Which would give you the motive to kill him.
It’s a simple enough conclusion, but unfortunately incorrect.
Talk to the princess, she’ll corroborate my story.
[dramatic music playing]
Out you come, Mr Holmes.
Now strip.
How about dinner first?
[“Days Are Forgotten” playing]
♪ Hey, son I’m looking forwards ♪
♪ You’re aiming backwards Of this I’m sure ♪
♪ Have you had enough? Are you feeling rough? ♪
♪ Does your skull hurt? Well, if it’s war ♪
♪ I’m waiting ♪
♪ Right here now I’m waiting ♪
♪ For someone or something ♪
♪ To take me To take me over ♪
♪ Days ♪
♪ Days are forgotten ♪
♪ Now it’s all over ♪
♪ You’ve simply forgotten How to disappear ♪
[music ends]
[Bucephalus] Have you had breakfast, Mycroft?
Perhaps you care for kippers?
The chef here does the most remarkable kedgeree.
Thank you. I’ve already eaten.
But I insist, it’s far too good to pass on. Sit.
Sit.
In that case…
So, how can I help you?
My brother is not responsible for the crime, sir. He is innocent.
Tedious. You used to be such good fun.
Can we please talk about anything else other than this?
Besides, what’s innocent got to do with it?
I can hardly interfere with police procedure, now can I?
Well, your name does carry a certain amount of weight, sir.
Why are you in Oxford, Mr Holmes?
To assist you.
Precisely.
Not I you. So try to remember your place. You’ve no idea what’s at stake here.
He is my brother.
Good God, man. Are you not listening?
Stay out of it. Leave it with me.
Keeping your brother locked up suits my purposes.
Mr Holmes has lost his appetite.
[server] Very good, sir.
Thank you for your time, sir.
Good morning, sir.
[Bucephalus] Mmm.
You think you’re getting it back, don’t you?
The scholarship?
That would seem appropriate.
The scrolls were found, and, well, I was exonerated.
All part of your young friend’s little show.
Uh, don’t put a hand on me, Moriarty.
Sorry, sir.
Let’s face it, you’ve always struggled to fit in here, haven’t you?
Perhaps you should find a calling better suited to your standing.
I believe I belong here, sir.
I believe you’d do yourself a service if you pack your bags, and leave.
Your time at Oxford is done, sir.
Goodbye.
I’ll do anything–
Goddamn it, man! Unhand me!
Now step out of my way.
I want you out of your room at once.
What are you all looking at?
You fucking sheep.
[heartbeat thumping loudly]
[echoing] James, James! James!
What?
[thumping stops]
That was very unkind.
This world is unkind.
Where will you go now?
I don’t know.
Will you go see Sherlock?
I don’t know.
Well, I need to know what he’s told the police.
Well, I can’t help you.
[“People Are Strange” playing]
[music stops]
[guard] You! Visitor.
Oh, Sherlock.
Can you get me out of here?
Won’t be easy, not this time.
This is a murder charge.
You know, you don’t have to leave me here just to make a point.
I’m not making a point.
It seems as though there are…
Keeping your brother locked up suits my purposes.
…other forces at work.
What forces?
[Mycroft] Not sure yet.
You’ll have to bear with me.
I’ve wired Father in Vienna. Perhaps he can pull some strings.
Does Mother know?
Not yet.
Don’t tell her, please.
Of course I won’t, Sherlock.
But a case like this will hit the newspapers.
The police need to talk to Shou’an.
The princess?
I was with her.
That’s the last thing I remember.
[whispering] Sleep tight.
I’ll see what I can do.
Oxford has become a theatre of death.
Well, that is admittedly unfortunate.
But I’m happy to be reporting that the situation is now in hand.
We have the suspect in custody.
The scout?
Apparently, he’s claiming he was with you last night.
I’m afraid that is not true.
He’s either mistaken or deluded.
Well. Now that’s settled, perhaps you’d be so kind as to send your father a wire and reassure him all is well.
A man lies dead, and your concern is for your trade with my father.
I don’t like to wallow in the past, Princess.
Always look ahead to the next challenge.
[in Mandarin] Those who are patient in anger escape a hundred days of sorrow.
[in English] Sorry?
I pray your assurances are not just dust and shadows.
[Bucephalus] Hmm.
More tea?
Mm-hmm.
Oh. Forgive me.
Mm-hmm. Let me fetch someone.
Edie, if you’d be so kind.
Of course, sir.
My apologies.
Think nothing of it.
Well, I have taken up enough of your time.
Princess.
Take a telegram.
Right away, sir.
To Sir Sidney Bluitt, Minister for War.
Dear Sidney, storm clouds threaten.
I fear our work here is no longer covert.
[tense music playing]
[guard] Laundry in the cart. Move!
Laundry in the cart.
Pick up the clean.
Come on! Move!
Laundry in the cart.
Move! Come on.
Oh.
[guard] Laundry in the cart.
Pick up the clean. Come on.
Put this behind me please, prisoner.
[guard] Move along!
Off you go.
[guard] Move!
Next.
Right. Head down, straight on.
[Sherlock] What exactly are we doing?
[James] I am rescuing you.
So, if we can, save the phoney gratitude. It will only embarrass me.
[guard] Hold up, ladies.
Carry on.
[James] Train stops here.
Come on. Wrap yourself.
You’re going down the chute.
Keep covered. I’ll see you in five.
[“Devil’s Dance Floor” playing]
Excuse me, young lady.
[chuckles]
I said, excuse me, young lady.
[music continues]
[guard] Let me out!
♪ Her breath began to speak As she stood right in front of me ♪
♪ The colour of her eyes Were the colour of insanity ♪
[gunshot]
♪ We’re all just dancers On the Devil’s dance floor ♪
♪ Well, swing a little more Little more o’er the merry-o ♪
♪ Swing a little more A little more next to me ♪
♪ Swing a little more Little more o’er the merry-o ♪
♪ Swing a little more On the Devil’s dance floor ♪
♪ Pressed against her face I could feel her insecurity ♪
♪ Mother’d been a drunk And her father was obscurity ♪
[prisoners cheering]
♪ Tell me somethin’, girl What it is you have in store ♪
♪ She said, “Come with me now On the Devil’s dance floor” ♪
♪ Well, swing a little more Little more o’er the merry-o ♪
♪ Swing a little more On the Devil’s dance floor ♪
[music ends]
Escaped? What do you mean escaped?
My understanding was that nobody could escape from Oxford jail.
Seems like he had an accomplice dressed as a washerwoman.
When? When did this happen?
An hour ago. Our officers are searching the city.
Constable, I do not want some trigger-happy marksman gunning him down in the bloody street.
Pardon me, gentlemen. Detective Fitget. Scotland Yard.
Constable Lestrade.
Is this the crime scene?
It is, sir.
Sounds like this case has turned into something of a shambles, Constable.
With all due respect, sir, a lapse in prison security can hardly be considered my responsibility.
And who might you be, sir?
I’m Sherlock Holmes’ brother, Mycroft Holmes, from the Foreign Office.
Ah. The Foreign Office and his brother, in one tidy package.
I am prepared to help you with your search on one condition.
When he is brought in, no harm will come to him.
My brother is innocent, Detective.
Well, if he’s innocent, Mr Holmes, why is he running?
Why here?
Sherlock, it’s as good as any place to hide out.
It’s dark during daylight hours.
You can get yourself a new outfit.
But we’re not running from here until we sort out this mess.
This mess is my mess, not yours.
You can still have a future at Oxford.
I think we’re all well past that point.
I suppose I should probably, rather awkwardly, say thank you.
For what?
For your flamboyantly impressive extraction.
Ah, there’s no need to thank me.
I’m having a lovely time.
You ready?
Sorry?
Ow! Jesus, James. What was that for?
You need to learn how to defend yourself.
Come on up.
Come on up.
I’d hate to break this to you, but you’re a bit of an embarrassment.
Stop hitting me in the nose!
You need to learn how to stop me from hitting you in the nose.
[chuckles] Very good.
So what happened to you last night?
She came. We drank.
I woke up covered in blood and was arrested for murder.
So you can’t remember anything else?
No, nothing.
Okay. How many did you drink?
Two.
Two?
One and a half.
One and a half drinks?
Yes. Yes.
That’s it? Oh.
Are you suggesting she’s involved?
That would explain as to why she came to your room last night.
Oh, Sherlock. Oh, I just wanted to thank you.
Uh. You’re so pretty.
[laughs]
That’s not bad.
Well, you deserved it.
[James grunts]
She did have her back to me as she poured the drinks.
Your companion James Moriarty is quite brilliant, but not as brilliant as you.
[James] So she slipped something in your drink?
That would explain why I can’t remember anything.
Here’s to your extraordinary future.
Perhaps we do have the right idea.
Just the wrong thief.
She stole the scrolls to ensure the library was locked down, giving her time to plant the bomb.
All good. All good to a point.
If she was trying to kill the professor, why would she go to the trouble of building a bomb?
Why would you not just knife him in the back and get it over with?
Let’s ask her. I would love to see her again.
What’s the collective noun for police?
A plot?
A plot of peelers?
A plod of peelers.
I think we should join the plod.
[associate] The party was not a success.
[Shou’an] No one expected young Mr Holmes to enter the picture.
[associate] What do you intend to do about him?
[Shou’an] Already done.
He’s been arrested for murder.
And on the run, I hear.
Even more reason for them to think he’s guilty.
Is he going to be a problem for us?
I can control him.
He got to you, didn’t he?
Upon that wall are 26 characters from the Hebrew Bible, the numerical value of Jehovah.
Jehovah is both positive and negative.
Yin and yang.
So we double the 26 and we find 52.
That is why we have 52 weeks in a year, and 52 playing cards.
What we don’t need here is a 53rd.
A joker.
The first apostle has been eliminated.
I don’t want to doubt you.
You have one week. Move quickly.
Find Professor Roberts.
Or it will be our blood that is spilled, Princess.
[Shou’an] Oh. Forgive me.
[eerie music plays]
Professor Roberts.
[“Let It Burn” playing]
♪ The sky lights up once again ♪
♪ Like sunrise rode at his fall ♪
♪ You know this ♪
[Shou’an, in Mandarin] Warm.
♪ You showed me ♪
[music stops]
Anything else to tell me?
No, Constable.
Good.
Keep your nose clean.
Will do.
Constable Lestrade.
[Lestrade] Yes. Do you have anything for me?
I found the ledger you were enquiring about. It’s actually quite…
You two.
Here. Now.
Yes, sir.
Young man who worked here as a scout.
Sherlock Holmes.
I need information. Family address. Background.
Already there, sir.
His family estate’s in Appleton.
His father’s scientific pursuits take him abroad and his mother’s in a local asylum.
You seem very knowledgeable, Constable.
I do like to do my own research, sir.
I think it’s fair to say that I would lay down my life for the constabulary.
I also like to do my own research, sir.
And I think it’s fair to say that I would lay down my life twice for the constabulary.
Very good, young man.
What else can you give me?
I hear he is dangerously smart.
That’s not where my investigation has led me, sir.
I hear that he’s not as smart as he thinks he is.
A genius is probably a more appropriate term to describe his intellectual capacity.
I hear he gets all his best ideas from his associate who we recognise to be the true artist.
I think my colleague’s research has taken him down a verisimilitudinous cul-de-sac, if you will.
A barren land is how our saviour might describe this particular cerebral pasture.
[chuckles] Oh.
I think that the acclaim is so often erroneously misplaced to the cosmetic factor in an equation of two.
E pluribus unum, sir.
The moon so often takes the credit for the light that is shone upon it.
Thank you, chaps. Carry on.
Wonderful hat, sir.
Thank you, Constable.
Sir.
Waste of time.
Your constables are very impressive, Lestrade.
You take the room. I’ll take the stairs.
[officer] Detective Fitget said we’re to search these staircases.
[sighs] Well, I’ll stop you there, chaps.
Saved you a job. Nothing up there.
I suggest you take a look at the north stairs. I’ll check the south.
Off you go.
[key turning]
[tense music plays]
I know about you English children and your nursery games.
Shall I be the nanny and you be the little boy?
Are you going to make me come and find you?
That won’t be necessary, Nanny.
I surrender.
Did you find anything incriminating, Officer?
Sadly, my search hasn’t been as productive as I would have hoped.
It seems your obsession with me runs very deep.
More curiosity than obsession.
However, shockingly, I am curious as to why I’m being set-up for murder.
Are you implying in some way that I am guilty?
Well…
Yes. Yes, I think I am.
If I were to scream and they came in here, whose side would they take?
An escaped convict masquerading as a policeman or a highly-esteemed princess of the Qing dynasty?
And yet you haven’t screamed, have you, Princess?
Maybe there’s a reason you don’t want anyone snooping around in here.
Maybe there’s something you’re trying to hide.
[both grunt]
[“Take You Down” playing]
[yells]
[muffled screaming]
[knocks on door]
[person] Everything all right there, Princess?
I’m fine. I’m just doing my exercises.
[shouts]
[music continues]
[music fades]
Aw, that is a shame. It won’t be long now before they come to save the innocent princess from the deranged escaped convict.
[in Mandarin] Farewell…
Princess.
[in English] Well, that was dramatic. Should have taken your job.
[sighs]
Thank you.
Thank you.
Mr Holmes.
I am here to visit my mother.
These two gentlemen wish to speak to the director.
My name is Detective Fitget. Scotland Yard.
Constable Lestrade.
I’ll send for the director.
If you don’t play your cards right, you could end up in a place like this, Lestrade.
No, Judy. Judy. Please, please.
Everything under control, Nurse Bell?
Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Dr Clarke.
Twice in one week.
To what do I owe the pleasure?
[Mycroft] You knew it was me?
I know your footsteps.
The echoes in that corridor are my whole world.
Has he been here?
Sherlock?
You said he was with you in Oxford. What’s happened?
Nothing. I just wondered if he’d been to visit, that’s all.
You’re lying.
The man with the bird’s claw who came after me.
Please, Mother–
Now he’s after Sherlock.
[whispers] He’s hunting.
[shushes] Please, Mother.
Don’t upset yourself. Sherlock is fine.
He’s… He’s settling in. Making friends.
Now I know you’re lying.
Sherlock never made any friends.
I just wondered if he’d been to visit, that’s all.
How to paint a mother’s grief?
She was such a pretty little thing.
She was.
She’ll never grow old.
[Mycroft] No.
[Cordelia] She’ll always be a child to me.
Beatrice!
[parent] Beatrice!
You have been most helpful, sir.
She hasn’t seen him.
The director confirmed your brother, in fact, hasn’t been here.
He’ll be miles away by now.
He won’t run.
No?
He wouldn’t do it to our mother.
My brother is innocent, Detective.
Mr Holmes, your brother remains a fugitive.
The chase continues.
Shou’an was desperate for me not to see something.
What?
A burnt piece of paper in the grate.
[both grunt]
My God, it pains me to see you so defenceless.
Yes, well, I recognise I am a work in progress.
[muffled screaming]
Something silver. Embossed writing.
Can you see the letters?
L and R?
Gothic script. Mean anything?
There was a number too. The signing of the Magna Carta.
That’s 1215.
That’s it.
No, I have seen those letters.
Porters’ Lodge. The photographs on the wall.
It’s not L and R.
It’s L and K.
Lord and Kingsley. The Oxford photographers.
Why would she want to destroy a college photograph?
Well, you have the number.
We can find the original plate. You could make yourself a copy.
Lord and Kingsley, they have a shop on the high street.
If we find out what she burnt, maybe we can find out why.
And so “we stand like greyhounds in the slips, straining upon the start.”
You fancy yourself a king?
If the crown fits.
Good afternoon, gentlemen.
Good afternoon, sir.
We would like to order a copy of a photograph, I believe you have already taken.
It’s number 1215.
[photographer] Okay, um, let me see.
Okay.
Mmm.
I don’t seem to have a plate of that one.
Unfortunately, we don’t have enough room to store all the originals.
What was the photograph?
I don’t recall.
Would you at least be able to tell us whom you made copies for?
One moment, gentlemen. Let me check my other ledgers.
I say, is this a Richard Maddox model?
[chuckles] Good heavens, sir. You certainly know your cameras.
Would I be correct in saying, this works on a gelatin dry plate to produce a shorter exposure?
[photographer] Yes, and it builds on the collodion process to require only two to three seconds of exposure before producing an image.
Must have been jolly expensive.
[photographer] Yes, it was rather.
It only just arrived.
To be honest, I’m still getting to grips with it myself, but it produces a remarkable image.
I think this is going to pave the way to miniaturisation.
Yes, and potentially more adaptable photographic emulsions.
[photographer] Yes.
[Sherlock] A new world beckons.
Well, we shall be back tomorrow to pick up the photograph.
Uh…
Thank you. You’ve been most helpful.
[door opens]
Gentlemen.
Any luck?
Two copies made.
Shou’an burnt one, the other went to the Master’s Lodge at Candlin.
So, we just walk up to his door and knock on it?
[James] Sorry to disturb you, sir. Is the Master at home?
Not here. He has an engagement in London.
Right.
We’re checking all the college premises for this, uh, fugitive, Sherlock Holmes.
Ah! Yes, I heard.
Well, I can assure you he’s not in here.
If I don’t check for myself, sir, my Sergeant, I’ll-I’ll never hear the end of it.
Thank you, sir.
Did you know him, sir?
The scout, Sherlock Holmes?
Never met him.
They say he was an odd sort.
Excuse me, would you, Constable?
I was just about to take the mistress her afternoon tea.
If you wouldn’t mind waiting.
[clock chiming]
Sorry about that, Constable.
Would you like me to give you the tour?
[Shou’an] Good afternoon, Smudger.
Oh! Good afternoon, Your Highness.
I need to speak with Professor Roberts.
I’m afraid he’s not in college at present.
I have to hand in an essay.
“The tunnelling shield perfected by Isambard Kingdom Brunel is the future.
Discuss.”
Sounds fascinating.
He’s very strict about deadlines.
Would you be so kind as to give this to him?
Of course, Your Highness. Lad.
Thank you, Smudger.
My pleasure, Your Highness.
Put it with the others, lad.
When are you going up to his country house?
This evening, sir.
Why the secrecy?
Why not give her his address?
You mind your own business, lad.
Do as you’re bid.
[tense music plays]
[James] Candlin College tennis courts, 1870.
Why would she not want anyone seeing this?
That’s Professor Thompson. Your supposed victim.
[Sherlock] Who are the other three?
[James] You should know, Sherlock.
You waited on them hand and foot.
I cleaned 30 fireplaces a day, I made 30 beds a day. I might need a moment.
Think, man. Think.
What do you think I’m doing? I’m not frying an egg, or milking a cat.
I’m thinking.
This professor in particular was very tidy.
He kept very little in his room.
There were some books on the desk, but nothing that helps me remember his name. Excuse me, sir.
Professor Roberts, that was his name.
Very good, very good. Well, keep going. Keep going. Come on.
I might be a scout, I’m not your scout.
I emptied his waste paper basket.
There were some letters. One of them from a John…
John, John, John. John who?
John Nowell?
John Nowell, or John Howell?
John Howell. How did you know?
Because John Howell is an engineer.
So Professor Roberts is a professor of engineering.
Our work here is done.
That’s Professor Enright.
He’s a meteorologist.
And that is Professor Malik…
Visiting professor from the University of Bombay.
His speciality?
Geology.
[James] So what links all four of them?
The gala opening.
The science building.
[James] There was a guest list by the entrance.
[Bucephalus] To investigate is to wonder.
[Sherlock] They were all on the same table. The table nearest the front,
nearest the podium, nearest the bomb.
So this bomb was designed to kill them all?
That’s why she didn’t want us seeing this.
It’s a picture of her targets.
A way to identify them.
But then the crux of the thing is, why does she want them dead in the first place?
[“The Wild Rover” playing]
♪ If I had half the money ♪
Professor Roberts! Professor Roberts!
♪ It would buy me ten acres ♪
Professor Malik!
Sir!
♪ And my family rear ♪
I need you to give me their home addresses.
I can’t give out private information.
Check their rooms.
Do you think I’d be standing here talking to your fat arse if I hadn’t already done that?
Watch your tone, Moriarty.
You are not listening to me.
Bones will be broken. Blood will be spilled here today.
It’s always drama with you, innit?
Now, on your bike. I’m busy.
Well, you’ve been fierce helpful.
One day I’ll remember that.
Oh, yeah.
[music fades]
It’s no use. The man’s an empty suit.
I couldn’t kick anything out of him.
Excuse me.
Do you really think they’re in danger?
Why? Is there something you’d like to share?
[knocks on door]
Who is it?
[Shou’an] Jephcots. Grocery delivery.
[Roberts] One moment.
Rather late aren’t you, boy?
Well, come on. Chop-chop, bring it through.
[tense music plays]
[knocks on door]
Choked to death.
Barley sugars.
[sighs]
Warm corpse.
[sighs]
We are stumbling through the fumes of her murderous wake.
You’ve got to hand it to her.
Forgive me if I’m not ready to applaud.
I’m a wanted man, you should go to the police.
She’s thrown down this challenge to you, Sherlock.
Not to them. Why let them have all the fun?
There are two professors out there, still alive.
We find them before she does.
We “stand like greyhounds in the slips, straining upon the start.”
[“Twa Corbies” playing]
“The game’s afoot.”
♪ As I was walkin’ all alane ♪
♪ I heard twa corbies makin’ the mane ♪
♪ In behind yon auld fail dyke ♪
♪ I wot there lies a new-slain knight ♪
♪ And naebody kens that he lies there-O ♪
♪ But his hawk and his hound And his lady fair-O ♪
♪ His hawk and his hound And his lady fair ♪
♪ His hound is tae the hunting gane ♪
♪ His hawk tae fetch the wildfowl hame ♪
♪ His lady’s ta’en another mate-O ♪
♪ So we may make our dinner sweet-O ♪
♪ We may make our dinner sweet ♪
♪ Ye’ll sit on his white hause-bane ♪
♪ And I’ll bite out his bonny blue eyen ♪
♪ Wi’ mony a lock of his golden hair-O ♪
♪ We’ll theek our nest When it grows bare-O ♪
♪ Theek our nest when it grows bare ♪
♪ Mony a one for him lies slain ♪
♪ But nane shall ken where he is gane ♪
♪ Oer his white bones When they are bare-O ♪
♪ The wind shall blow forevermare-O ♪
♪ The wind shall blow forevermare ♪
