TV Thoughts: Sherlock

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

tell that to the Great Detective.

the new BBC series, "Sherlock", balks that old axiom in a manner both brassy and gleeful; Taken from actual Holmes texts and repositioned in a modern context, this is a Sherlock Holmes for the 21st Century.

In a manner of speaking, this "series" is quite interesting; They've recreated an origins approach to the classic pairing of one eccentric detective and one old soldier with a slant for medicine --excellently executed by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman -- and gives us a faithful interpretation of our adventurers.

the series is currently set to premiere in the US later this month, but avid fans can find the UK's airdates from earlier this summer. Rather than a longer, drawn-out season, the writers have opted to have three 90-minute episodes, a format which has only whetted this viewer's appetite for more such runs.



Speaking of the writers, I have to hand it to Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss. they have effectively drawn me into the new series with utter willingness and excitement- something I haven't had to this caliber in quite awhile with any shows that hold my attention. Moffat, who's known for "Coupling", the recent "Jekyll", and the current head writer on "Doctor Who", amongst plenty of other credits, once again brings his brilliant banter to the forefront. In some ways I could even see similarities between Holmes and The Doctor, both geniuses known for helping the greater good in against-the-grain fashion, while a dear companion keeps them tethered and provides a counterpoint to the fascinating heroes. Gatiss I do not know as well, but here he and Moffat have started very strong, and Gatiss is going to continue the brunt of the writing now that Moffat has been the head runner of Doctor Who's current series, but they are doing a fantastic job thusly.

All sorts of elements come into play brilliantly in the series. Mostly, the faithfulness to the characters. Both Holmes and Watson have the undercurrent we know them for, but there's a nice amount of harkening back to the original source as well- without spoiling too much, there is a delicious scene where Holmes, within meeting Watson, can identify everything about his soon-to-be-partner though never having known him before; It's directly paralleled to how it was done originally, though the Pocketwatch is updated to a Cell Phone. Elsewhere in the premiere, cell phones are creatively used to show us Holmes' hardon for science hasn't lessened in this flourescently bright version of old London. if anything it's more illuminated with the greater potential for using sciences alongside his deductive skills to handle these serial killers and heists.

Point is, this series takes many new tricks and updates Sherlock's brilliance to match the technological advances from his previous era. Another modernized quirk is the occasionally repeated implication that one or both of our intrepid protagonists is homosexual- something that i don't think has any basis other than comic relief to poke fun at the two men's unusual lifestyles and approaches. Were we not to respect the novels so much I'm sure we could make wisecracks just as easily at those versions for their quirks and turn of phrase, and here the writers diffuse any awkwardness by blatantly showing that it's a question in modern society but certainly not for these two. just another tip of the hat to the difference between Victorian Age and the Technology Age. Even the quiet nod to a certain arch-nemesis of our dear holmes has the undertones of technological advancement- and since I won't spoil too much, I'll just leave it at that.

Holmes seems a bit more manic and snarky than one tends to imagine, but the fiery passion behind his eyes works brilliantly alongside it. Cumberbatch plays this wondrously, i feel, and after just an hour and a half I'm convinced he's Holmes, no question. Similarly, Martin Freeman takes his frustrated Everyman character to a wonderful place as Watson begins to get entwined in the events that stem from a curious man residing in 221-b, Baker Street. I think he's perfect casting. The writing's choice to update him to a post-Afghanistan soldier gives it a tangible reality, while not overwhelming you with such a heavy chip on his shoulder. I think they've brought fine amounts of energy, potential, and well-executed murder mystery to this version of the Holmes-verse, and hopefully the episodes to come can be as refreshing and thrilling as the first.

Currently there's another 3-episode, 90-minute-apiece series coming next fall. so you've got plenty of time to catch up! happy viewing.

five out of five Smoking Pipes.