“Sherlock” Series 1 Review

That's a badass duo

When Guy Ritchie’s pulp version of “Sherlock Holmes” was released two Christmases ago, I was extremely excited; and then I went to see it in the theater. Ritchie’s version of Holmes was a quick hit, quick cut, dicey spectacle that tried to have its phenomenal cast obscure the fact that it was just not well done and certainly not in the spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Since it has been released on cable, it has become watchable for me, but only in the sense that some blockbusters become watchable when they are free and you have nothing better to do. When Netflix Instant recommended the BBC’s “Sherlock: Series 1” to me some time ago, I think I was initially turned away because my disappointment in the Ritchie film was still palpable. Could I bare to be disappointed by such an iconic character twice in the span of under two years? I can only imagine that it would be similar to the disappointment I would feel in hooking up with Kate Upton and Keira Knightley (stay with me, there’s a point coming, I promise) over a short period (preferably in the same evening, though I shan’t be picky) only to discover that they both were lesbians. I mean, I’d still go through with it, but I’d be disappointed that I probably couldn’t go back for seconds or thirds.

In any event, I need not have worried because “Sherlock: Series 1” delivered and then some. It is the perfect casting of little known Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman combined with perfect scripts and perfect execution. Stephen Moffat has succeeded in updating Sherlock Holmes for the 21st century as it always should have been and as Guy Ritchie should never have been allowed. It is available on Netflix Instant, only 3 episodes of 1.5 hours apiece, so there should be no reason whatsoever for you to wait to see this gem. Series 2 is reportedly returning in the Fall and after this series cliffhanger, I can hardly wait. If you don’t enjoy Sherlock, then let me know and I will happily refund your money. What, it’s free? Well, then it’s elementary.

Bob’s Series 1 grade – 93%

With all the channels and programs available at one’s fingertips these days, sometimes it takes a little work to find that true gem of a show that immediately pulls you into its orbit. A little sleuthing, if you will.

‘Sherlock’ the brilliant BBC series created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, presenting a modern take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos, is one such show. In fact, it may be for me, THE such show. Rare is the series that grabs you, completely and ultimately, from the opening scenes and fails to let you go throughout its run. Recently I can think of ‘The Walking Dead’ as one example with possibly ‘The Bachelorette’ a distant third. Surely, I jest. ‘Sherlock’, with only three episodes comprising the first series, benefits from a shorter run, as British series are wont to do. It also thrives despite a dip in quality in the second episode. It’s not poor, but it certainly fails to match the highs of episodes one and three. Not surprisingly, the second episode is the one not directed by Paul McGuigan or written by Moffitt and Gatiss, who penned the first and third installments, respectively.

Episode one, “A Study in Pink” itself a take on the first-ever Holmes book written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, “A Study in Scarlet” is simply truly great television. This is truly a Sherlock Holmes for the modern age, yet one that stays true to the character. And played by Benedict Cumberbatch, he is suitably mesmerizing to watch operate on screen. A socially stunted and self-described functioning sociopath, Holmes is brilliant, arrogant and by miles the smartest person in the room. And he knows it. And he lets others in the room know it as well. Yet he is so engaging as a character you can’t hate him. Under the stewardship of a lesser writer, I’m not sure that would have been the case.

As Dr. John Waston, Martin Freeman (Tim from the British ‘Office’) is our conduit. We meet him at the very beginning of episode one, before Holmes, and he is a man just back from Afghanistan with no real prospect or idea of how to integrate back into society. In fact, the camera shots of Watson sitting idly in a sparse, low-lit room were one of the first things that drew me into the show. It evokes so much without so much as a sound.

Watson is introduced to Holmes through a mutual friend who believes they’d be the perfect flatmates for one another. It’s here Watson serves, as he would in the early stories and is set up to here as a blogger, to be that conduit into Holmes for us. He’s rightfully intrigued and impressed by the man’s reasoning and power for observation, but he’s also slightly put off by the methods and mannerisms. Yet when the opportunity presents itself for him to get sucked into one of Sherlock’s cases, the adrenaline rush, the one he absolutely needs since exiting the battlefield, is impossible to ignore.

And from there we are on our way. These are the type of mysteries you are not meant to solve. You’re simply along for the ride to witness a brilliant yet skewed mind in action. It’s a hell of a ride. Were it simply a modern update of an old character, ‘Sherlock’ would be pleasant enough, but there’s tremendous wit in the writing and tremendous chemistry between Freeman and Cumberbatch, not to mention a host of entertaining supporting characters.

It’s easily the best new series I’ve come across in a long time. Perhaps the best part is you don’t need much Sherlock Holmes knowledge or to really even be a fan of the character.

As I mentioned, the second episode suffers in comparison to its bookends, but what bookends they are. The series, which is slated to pick up again this fall, ends with the introduction of Holmes great nemesis, Moriarty and suitably concludes on a cliffhanger of sorts. Andrew Scott, as Moriarty, infuses the character with a menace that seems at times barely contained within his small frame. He portrays him as a true worthy adversary to Cumberbatch’s Holmes.

I truly can’t recommend this series enough. ‘Sherlock’ has an energy and feel that are second to none, especially on Stateside television right now. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some Lucozade Sport to drink.

Pete’s grade: The Series – 92

Ep 1. ‘A Study in Pink’ – 96

Ep 2. ‘The Blind Banker’ – 82

Ep 3. ‘The Great Game’ – 94