BBC's Sherlock


{A few words}
So, when one thinks of Sherlock Holmes you immediately think of a tight and proper English gent who wears a deerstalker hat and cape and of course the ever popular catch phrase "Elementary my dear Watson".... 


This however is not the case with Holmes.
But enough about the technicalities..... lets get into the review, shall we? 


{The review}
Most of us mainly know of Mr.Sherlock Holmes because of the Guy Ritchie films that have been released in the last few years. In those films the essence of Sherlock Holmes has been infused with an action steampunk vibe, with highly choreographed  fights and off beat humor. The spirit was there but, to me something just felt off about the films. But at the time it was the best depiction of Holmes and Watson...at the time. 


Then out of a gracious twist of fate I discovered BBC's SHERLOCK, a TV series from the makers of the ever popular DOCTOR WHO. In SHERLOCK, Holmes ditches the Victorian Era in favor of a modern 21st century setting, complete with cell phones other forms of contemporary technology. Aside from the update the spirit of the original stories is alive and well, more so than in the Robert Downey Jr. version.


Benedict Cumberbatch plays Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman is Watson, both actors have incredibly good chemistry together and are a huge step up from Jude Law and Downey. Cumberbatch plays Holmes as a quirky genius who uses his vast knowledge of crime to solve complex problems, simply because he likes the challenge of a puzzle and bores easily. But instead of the flamboyance of Downey, Cumberbatch is more scientific and withdrawn in terms of acting. You might think that that kind of approach might kill the show but because of the nature of Holmes's character this approach works more in the show's favor. In contrast Freeman is a down to earth everyman who is extremely likable and relatable. In short the characters are spot on and are an exact mirror of the ones in the stories!


Also the mysteries are interesting and very complex, in the Guy Ritchie version action trumped brain power. Action is a part of Holmes true but if one wants a good Sherlock Holmes story, the corner stone is always the mystery. Everything else is secondary. Thankfully Sherlock does not disappoint, In the 3 ninety minute episodes Sherlock finds a connection in serial suicides, cracks and ancient Chinese code and butts heads with his arch enemy in a game of wits. Each story keeps you on the edge of your seat and wondering just what could happen next episode. 


Also, if you had a hard time following the story in the Downey films you'll find that this problem is remedied in SHERLOCK. One can follow Sherlock's mental analysis of a crime with the help of POV shots showing you what he sees in a crime scene and the appearance of on screen text detailing the evidence in the scene.  


So...in summary the acting is good, the stories are amazing and the show uses some interesting tricks to get you in the mind of Sherlock Holmes. I personally recommend SHERLOCK to fans of good TV, also if you happen to enjoy a good mystery story now and again. 


It brings a new perspective to the world's most famous detective and is a good example of a literary adaptation that remains faithful to its source material. 


Thus concludes my review!


{A brief note} 

This is my first review so, admittedly there is room for improvement, so comment and critique. Input is welcome. 


Also if you have any recommendations, suggest them to me in the comments and I will definitely consider them for my next post.


Until next time..... this is "A Study In" signing off.