I am Sher-locked!

Review and personal opinions on the BBC 1 contemporary crime drama based on Sir Arthur Conan Dole’s Sherlock Holmes mysteries.

Opening titles

I first became aware of the Sherlock Holmes series when my husband mentioned it to me. He had been so impressed by the Guy Richie movie produced in 2009 that I believe this was what aroused his interest in the Sherlock TV series. Up until that moment Jeremy Brett had held a special place in my heart for the role of Sherlock Holmes, he still does in some way as I feel Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern depiction cannot be compared with the Victorian, older portrayal that Brett had of him.

The Sherlock series is a more fast-paced approach to the Conan-Doyle stories, with a perfectly chosen score to accompany it. It’s fantastic to see little elements from the novels, or certain items and ideas from older televised versions of Sherlock Holmes crossed over or altered to set a contemporary feel. For example, John Watson writes a blog not journals, Sherlock travels around in black modern day taxi cabs, the bullet holes in the wall resemble a smiley face as opposed to the initials of the current monarch and there is no longer a scandal in Bohemia but in Belgravia. These are just a few to mention.

Sherlock shooting a smiley face into the wall of 221b Baker Street

Why am I obsessed with Sherlock? Simply because it achieves what I believe makes a good story and that is a fabulous confrontation scene between hero and villain. I‘m glad the series brought Moriaty in when they did and presented us with more of his character as the series went along. At first I have to admit I felt a little disappointed when we were first introduced to him at the swimming pool. Since then he grew on me, the more I saw of him the more he fulfilled the role of a mad, evil genius perfectly.

The confrontation between Sherlock and Moriaty occurs several times, but the juiciest ones being at 221b Baker Street, the swimming pool and on St Bartholomew Hospital’s rooftop. It wasn’t over saturated and the conversations between hero and villain are perfect. The cliches worked because they were meant to sound cliche and were superbly acted out by the characters.

Jim Moriaty (left) with Sherlock (right)

“Jim Moriarty: Is that a British Army Browning L9A1 in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me?

Sherlock Holmes: [Draws the gun, points it at Moriarty] Both.”

Such lines as the following made the whole thing stunning to watch.

“Jim Moriaty: Sherlock, your big brother and all the King's horses couldn't make me do a thing I didn't want to.
Sherlock Holmes: Yes, but I'm not my brother, remember? I am you. Prepared to do anything. Prepared to burn. Prepared to do what ordinary people won't do. You want me to shake hands with you in hell? I shall not disappoint you.”

I notice that there are several tumblr blogs and fansites that are dedicated to Sherlock, many owners claiming their undying love for Benedict Cumberbatch (who plays Sherlock). I am always amused when I see such things for I believe they have fallen in love with his role, the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes as opposed to his own for which we barely get a glimpse of.

BBC1’s Sherlock is currently on iplayer. Watch it if you haven’t before it’s pulled down. You won’t be disappointed.

As for word on another series - of course there will be one, it was commissioned at the same time as series two.

Links:

BBC:
BBC iplayer
Sherlock BBC Website
Sherlock’s Science of Deduction Website
John Watson’s Blog

Tumblr Blogs:
Sherlock (BBC)
Because You’re An Idiot
Addicted to Sherlock
F* Yeah Sherlock