Sherlock (2010)- BBC

Finally!

Sherlock, a 2010 series created for the BBC is now being shown in America on PBS (under the Mystery! label) and it's been well worth the wait. After only seeing the very first episode ("A Study in Pink"), I feel I can safely say that this is the best "reimagining" of the Holmes canon ever. Under the loving guidance of Steven Moffat (who revamped, reimagined and revitalized Dr. Who) this brings Holmes into the 21st century with the appropiate updating of social mores and technology. Benedict Cumberbatch is Sherlock and Martin Freeman (from the Office-BBC!) is Dr. Watson.

The first episode repurposes the "origin story" with some nice twists and turns. Technology takes a role in the story as well but never diminishes the role of the Great Detective. There is inventive use of texting and GPS (so simply and eloquently utlized one wonders why no one has do it in this manner before.) Some pastiches, quotes and motivations from other stories make their way into this modernization, but it never feels hamhanded or forced. Lestrade is more confident and competent though other doubters are brought to cast asperisations on Holmes' sanity.

I was able to guess (I know, it's destructive to the logical faculty) the character twist at the end of the episode fairly early on, but otherwise I was immensely impressed by this show and I cannot reccommend it enough.

A nice, smart exchange that could have been in the canon as well:

WATSON: That was the most ridiculous thing I've ever done.

HOLMES: And you invaded Afghanistan.

This series is playing now on PBS, but the DVD set is available for purchase.

Slightly Off-topic

I don't play Sherlock Holmes games. Especially video-games. Those tend to be fancy picture-searches and I hate those. This clip from YouTube helps support my disdain even though it is hilarious:

Sherlock Holmes (2009, from Asylum Prod.)

I should have waited a few months and it would be full year since I updated.

Let's take a look. I still haven't seen the Sherlock Holmes from 2009 starring Robert Downey Jr. BUT, I have seen the other Sherlock Holmes movie that was released in 2009. It was a straight-to-video release from Asylum Productions, creators of such fine fare as Transmorphers and The Terminators. They go a little crazy by having Holmes fight some dinosaurs (which is weird since England is about 4o degrees colder than dinosaurs would be able to survive... I think they would probably get cold, sleepy and then fall over dead. Anyway...)

Sadly, even though they upped the ante by adding various thunder lizards they also thought it would be prudent to use the Guy Ritchie model* and made Holmes a young, dashing, cad more than the brilliant gentleman of canon. It's frustrating. Just like the big-budget version, this does little more than lip-service to the Great Detective and just trades on the name. The trailer is fun however.