Ironically, from IMDB's storyline for TEM, it says,
> Brutish Bytes, his "owner", only wants whatever he can get economically by presenting Merrick as a freak.
which is precisely what DL did in BV, but for drug-induced violent rape.
Side note: I loved Freddie Jones in Jeremy Brett's Sherlock Holmes' "Wisteria Lodge", though, ironically, that is the one episode with rape. Of course, it was in no way gratuitous, as it was TV, but obvious nonetheless. As well, she had deliberately risked herself on purpose in order to catch her husband's murderer.
It is truly amazing the depth and breadth of human evil encompassed by that Sherlock Holmes' TV series. I'd dare say they've got it all, by their mostly accurately following 130ish year old books. Doyle really understood human nature. I heartily recommend all 41 episodes, if only for Jeremy Brett's Holmes, but, really, it is outstanding in every aspect.