The Final Problem Review: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
The Final Problem is a simple, stylish whodunit that leans on atmosphere and clever character work rather than shock twists. It doesn’t reinvent the murder mystery format, but its Sherlock Holmes connection and strong ensemble cast make it an easy, enjoyable watch.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Mystery Drama
Director: Félix Viscarret
Cast: José Coronado, María Valverde, Martiño Rivas, Maribel Verdú
Based on Arturo Pérez Reverte’s 2023 novel El Problema Final, Netflix’s newest whodunit comes with a genuinely clever hook. Set in 1959, the story follows Basil, a retired actor once famous for playing Sherlock Holmes on screen, who now finds himself trying to solve a real string of murders on a small islet off the coast of Mallorca.
As bodies keep piling up, Basil has to fight through resistance and suspicion from the other guests stuck on the island with him, all while leaning on the deduction skills he picked up simply by pretending to be a detective for years.
What makes The Final Problem interesting is how it plays with the line between fiction and reality. Basil clearly isn’t Sherlock Holmes, and the show never pretends otherwise, but there are enough traces of the character in him to make his investigation genuinely fun to watch.
His years spent playing the world’s most famous detective have sharpened his instincts in ways even he doesn’t fully realise, and the series has a good time exploring that connection between an actor and the role that ends up shaping him.
Like most classic whodunits, the story is confined to an isolated location where escape simply isn’t an option. It’s a familiar setup, but it works, and the 1959 time period adds an extra layer of tension since the characters can’t rely on phones or modern tools to figure out who the killer is.
Everything comes down to conversation, observation, and careful deduction, which keeps the mystery feeling grounded rather than gimmicky.
At just four episodes, the show doesn’t overstay its welcome or try to overcomplicate things. It’s a good-looking series with strong period costumes and set design, though it’s worth mentioning this isn’t a dark or heavy watch. Despite the murders, the tone stays surprisingly light and breezy throughout, so if you’re in the mood for something gloomier, this might not scratch that itch.
José Coronado carries the show well as Basil, but honestly, it’s the full ensemble that makes this one work. Every actor seems comfortable in their role, and the 1959 setting, and even side characters who aren’t particularly memorable on paper, are elevated by solid performances.
The main characters especially get enough backstory and depth that you might even find yourself sympathising with the culprit by the end, which is always a nice touch in a mystery like this.
The Final Problem isn’t trying to be the next big twisty thriller, and that’s exactly what makes it work. It’s a lighter, more old-fashioned kind of mystery with good pacing, stylish dialogue, and a satisfying explanation once everything comes together. The Sherlock Holmes connection is simply the cherry on top.
If you’re looking for more shows to add to your watchlist, our review of Bakaiti Season 2 and our review of Hunkkaar The Roar are worth checking out as well.