Sherlock (BBC, 2010)

[shariqq]

Sherlock
Season 1 | BBC One | 2010
3 episodes

If the commercialism, crudity and the generally botched up characters in Hollywood's latest Sherlock Holmes movies is putting you off, look no further than 2010's 3-episode BBC series, aptly titled Sherlock. In an astute mix of the original stories and new writing, the series takes liberties but adheres to the main characters' details making them easily identifiable and even respectable.  Made with the elegance required of its lead character, the series exudes the crew’s love for the character, and the actors’ understanding of theirs. With Season 2 ready for broadcast on 1st Jan 2012 (only 3 episodes again), this is as good a time as any to indulge in this well-made series if you have not watched it already.

Sherlock is set in present day London. Dr John Watson is introduced to Sherlock Holmes, a self-styled Consulting Detective who an officer turns to when he is stuck on a case. Since both were looking for room-mates, Holmes & Watson move into 221N Baker Street together. Dr Watson’s qualification and past experience as an Army Doctor come handy for Sherlock Holmes, who uses heightened observation and deduction skills to identify clues and solve crimes. Together, the duo works to solve cases, establish a reputation with the British police and develop a bond of friendship. But Holmes’ isn’t aware that, matching his skill and fascination with mysteries, he’ll eventually have to face-off with a person who will become his arch-enemy – Moriarty.

The series stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson. In casting these two actors, the production succeeds in realizing most of what it achieves. Cumberbatch plays the detective as a young and arrogant genius – his youth easily accentuating his arrogance. His lean figure, height and deep voice lend to the personality splendidly, making him an attractive figure, yet one easy for other characters to dislike for his ability to overshadow them. Dr Watson, though mildly annoyed by this at times, admires this about Holmes. As the soft-spoken, passive character playing second fiddle to the lead, Freeman plays the everyman – a character that the audience will identify with. Though his character is not as charismatic as the detective’s, Freeman’s performance is at par to that of Cumberbatch, perfectly balancing the multiple requirements of bringing normalcy and humor to the narrative.

By having the series set in the present day, the production gives the characters and stories the fresh feel that was much needed. It also gives the writers a shot at being creative, something they take full advantage of. The episodes are, therefore, as loyal to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories as they are defiant. Stories are adapted from the classics, so “A Study In Scarlett” becomes “A Study in Pink”, while the other two episodes are a combination of a few of the original stories.  Tailored for the present day with vigor, the episodes are full of energy and efficiency, matching Sherlock Holmes’ mind-process. Holmes uses text messages and the internet while Dr Watson is a blogger! Even the magnifying glass used by Sherlock Holmes is a modern contraption, while what he does for the traditional pipe-smoking is to be seen. Going by modern day behavior, the characters even address each other by their first names: John instead of Dr Watson; and Sherlock instead of Holmes (hence the title of the Series).

The biggest advantage to the series, making it one of the most accessible good TV series is its limited 3-episode season, each episode running for 90 minutes. This gives the episodes enough time to invest in the mystery, focus on Holmes’ detective work as well as character development. The stories are neither half-baked, nor do they span multiple episodes with cliff-hangers making the series’ format simply perfect. For those not native to the English language and/or English accent, I highly recommend watching the episodes with subtitles – the pace of Sherlock Holmes’ thought process reflects in his lines, and you may not want to miss the details.

My Rating --> 4.5 of 5

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/UdUGJSknnWM&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/UdUGJSknnWM&rel=1</a>

[fizz]

Solid recommendation about a show I've heard nothing but good things about.

Well written too...this should go up on the main site.

[madali]

I saw a random episode (dubbed) in BBC Persia, but wasn't too impressed by it.

[shariqq]

I saw a random episode (dubbed) in BBC Persia, but wasn't too impressed by it.

Random episode? There are only three episodes! And dubbed? Man, that takes away one of the most important traits of the Sherlock Holmes/ Benedict Cumberbatch's performance.

Madali, I expect more than that from you...

[shariqq]

Solid recommendation about a show I've heard nothing but good things about.

Well written too...this should go up on the main site.

Thank you! I'll put it up in a few minutes.

[kaytee]

Shariq, next up - The Shadow Line (1 season, 7 episodes) followed by Luther.

[shariqq]

Cool. And thank you for the excellent recommendation to watch Sherlock.

[madali]

Oh, my judgement is nothing to go by, Shariq. I never watch shows like that. TV was on, it was on, and my wife wanted to watch it, and frankly, I just thought it was a typical BBC thriller, so I wasn't even paying attention to it that much.

Im surprised it is just a few episodes. At the short glance I gave it, I thought it was a case-of-the-week show.

[shariqq]

Update: Season 2 has kicked off to rave reviews. 2 of the 3 episodes have been broadcast (1st, 8th Jan). I have seen the first episode (Irene Adler is introduced in "A Scandal in Belgravia", adapted from "A Scandal In Bohemia"). I am yet to see the second one (The Hound of Baskervilles!). The season finale broadcasts on 15th Jan, followed by the DVD release the next Sunday. The reviews have been stellar, but my detailed thoughts on them once I watch the other two episodes.

News: Benedict Cumberbatch, the British actor playing the titlular role, has been cast to play the lead villain in J. J. Abrams's Star Trek 2.

"We just were looking for someone with the most awesome name in history," Abrams joked to Collider. "That was the casting call. We asked for someone with the most awesome name in history, ever, and Benedict Cumberbatch showed up, so we were like, 'You're cast!'

"He's a genius," Abrams continued. "Honestly, he's just an incredible actor. If you've seen his work in Sherlock, he's just got incredible skills.

[ayaa1977]

I loved the first series, and after watching it I realized I was leaniant with the film, and I think I would have liked it less have I seen the series first. Watching the series was like watching three awesome films. I am loving these British three parts series concept. BTW, there is a series called Black Mirror aired a few weeks ago, and it was amazing. You guys should check it out, it will blow your minds!! It is only three episodes, each between 40-50 min.

[shariqq]

I loved the first series, and after watching it I realized I was leaniant with the film, and I think I would have liked it less have I seen the series first.

Being aware of the genuine character truly shows you how atrocious and vulgar the movie is - and hence my reason to boycott the sequel of the movie. And for fans of the character from the books (and even for those not aware of the characteristics of Sherlock Holmes from the books), these episodes are a joy.

My only (minor) issue with the series remains its mutated interpretation of Mycroft Holmes, which is just absurd. It probably comes from the writers' dislike of that character from the books.