Netflix’s latest whodunit has all the classic ingredients — a remote island, a mysterious death, a colorful cast of suspects, and a detective with an unusual backstory. But does “The Final Problem” deliver the same sharp thrills as genre favorites like Glass Onion? According to a new review, not quite.
Table of Contents
The Final Problem: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Title | The Final Problem |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Origin | Spain |
| Episode Count | 4 episodes |
| Lead Actor | José Coronado |
| Rating | 2/5 |
| Genre | Mystery, Whodunit |
| Setting | Santa Agueda Island, off Mallorca |
The Premise: A Sherlock Actor Turned Reluctant Detective
The series follows Benjamin Basil, played by José Coronado, an aging Spanish actor best known for once playing Sherlock Holmes in a series of film adaptations. Now struggling with fading Hollywood relevance and sobriety, Basil finds himself invited to a remote island getaway by a producer friend, only to become entangled in a murder investigation after a body is discovered following a stormy night. What initially looks like a suicide quickly unravels into something far more sinister.
Where the Show Falls Short?
The central twist — an actor who merely played a legendary detective now solving real crimes — sounds like it should generate sharp meta-commentary or clever irony. Instead, the show plays this premise frustratingly straight. Basil’s deductions come across as genuinely Holmesian without any acknowledgment of the absurdity, and the story never fully leans into the fun self-awareness that made films like Knives Out so entertaining on this same platform.
The supporting cast doesn’t help matters much either. Despite significant screen time, the character meant to serve as Basil’s “Watson” barely leaves an impression, lacking the complexity needed to create real suspense. The one bright spot is María Valverde’s portrayal of a sharp, ice-cold widow, which injects some much-needed intelligence and edge into an otherwise flat ensemble.
Pacing Problems Undercut the Mystery
Even with every character positioned as a potential suspect — a hallmark of good locked-room mysteries — the show struggles to build real tension. Its glacial pacing means the sense of paranoia or dread never truly escalates, and the story holds its cards so close to the chest that audiences barely get meaningful insight into any character until the finale, which itself doesn’t fully land.
Conclusion
Ultimately, “The Final Problem” struggles both as a satisfying whodunit and as a clever riff on Sherlock Holmes mythology. If you’re craving a stylish, twisty mystery series, fans might be better served revisiting Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery or The Residence instead.
For more Netflix reviews, mystery show recommendations, and streaming updates, check out the latest entertainment coverage on TechnoSports.
FAQs
Is “The Final Problem” worth watching on Netflix?
The review gives it a low 2/5, citing weak pacing and an underdeveloped mystery.
What is “The Final Problem” about?
It follows a former Sherlock Holmes actor investigating a real murder on a remote Spanish island.
