I am in the middle of watching series 1 of Sherlock, a 21st century take on Sherlock Holmes by the BBC and it is AWESOME! Sorry about the caps. But it really is. I wanted to recommend this to you now, because if you missed the replay of series 1 on PBS in January, you may want to catch up before PBS airs series 2 starting Sunday May 6th 2012. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Atonement, War Horse, Amazing Grace) and Martin Freeman (Love Actually, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Hobbit).
Holmes and Watson
I was skeptical at first, but I had this series recommended to me from a few people I trust so I thought I'd give it a whirl. The Squire (my husband) protested at first that it was set in the present and not in Victorian times like the latest theatrical releases with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. In fact he sat through the first episode with his arms crossed. Harrumph! He couldn't wait however for episode 2 the next night, and we plan to watch episode 3 tonight! You can still catch series 1 online at PBS.org.
221B Baker St. London
The stories translate especially well to the present day as in the original books, Dr. Watson was just back from medical service in Afghanistan which seems eerie. Does nothing ever really change? So the opening scenes of the first episode A Study in Pink show Watson having a nightmare about the war. And then he meets Sherlock!
Favourite quotes from Sherlock:
Anderson, don't talk out loud. You lower the IQ of the entire street
Sherlock Holmes:
Shut up.
DI Lestrade:
I didn't say anything.
Sherlock Holmes:
You were thinking. It's annoying.
I'm not a psychopath, Anderson, I'm a high-functioning sociopath, do your research.
Look at you lot, you're all so vacant. Is it nice not being me? It must be so relaxing.
Oh what now? I'm in shock! Look, I've got a blanket.
We've got a serial killer on our hands. Love those, there's always something to look forward to.
What it must be like in your funny little brains, it must be so boring!
I adore this show so much that I watched it twice over Christmas break. (eps 1 & 3 especially, not so much #2). I just love the banter between Cumberbatch and Freeman--they couldn't have been better cast!
Hi Jane, So glad you loved episode 3 as that is what we're watching tonight. We just had a big dump of snow, so I think a nice stew and then some Sherlock is on the menu! I love the banter too.
Even though this one is a bit gritty for me, come to think of it, so are the new movies, anyways...I love it. The lines you quoted still make me laugh. I'm still smiling.
Do you remember Benedict Cummerbatch as a detective in one of the newer Marple's? Perfect of course.
And Watson, what great Watson. Am I a fan, you bet!
I'm so glad you mentioned the grittiness. That's why I was a bit wary at first, but the Brits don't dwell on the gore, and they lighten it up with humour, so I didn't mind at all.
I missed the Marple with Benedict. I'll have to watch for that one.
I was sold as soon as A Study in Pin was first airing on PBS two falls ago. Moffat's style from his episodes of New Who really carries through into Sherlock. So if anyone likes the Moffat written episodes of Doctor Who, they need to give it a try. I prefer this series to the movie franchise.
Steven Moffat did the Britcom "Coupling" as well, which is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. It is a bit risque for American audiences but I really loved it. He has talent!
I absolutely adore this show. The best produced and best cast series I've seen to date. And the tie-ins with the original Conan Doyle stories are so clever. It's absolutely brilliant.
I was really surprised that Dr. Watson had just returned from Afghanistan in the Victorian novels. Apparently the books lend themselves to updating really well. Brill!
Thank you so much for posting this! I have had this in my Netflix instant play queue forever, but never had the nudge I needed to watch it. Thanks for the perfect nudge!:D
I love this show and I love you for writing a post on it as well as including the humorous quotes. I think that's all I have to say at the moment. Haha. I could say so much more but that'd just be talking your ears off and I think it's a little too soon for that :p
Just finished watching this series. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to miss House MD, and this show more than fills the void. I love the two lead actors and the writing, as usual, is spectacular. Looking forward to season 3!
I adore this show so much that I watched it twice over Christmas break. (eps 1 & 3 especially, not so much #2). I just love the banter between Cumberbatch and Freeman--they couldn't have been better cast!
ReplyDeleteHi Jane, So glad you loved episode 3 as that is what we're watching tonight. We just had a big dump of snow, so I think a nice stew and then some Sherlock is on the menu! I love the banter too.
DeleteEven though this one is a bit gritty for me, come to think of it, so are the new movies, anyways...I love it. The lines you quoted still make me laugh. I'm still smiling.
ReplyDeleteDo you remember Benedict Cummerbatch as a detective in one of the newer Marple's? Perfect of course.
And Watson, what great Watson. Am I a fan, you bet!
I'm so glad you mentioned the grittiness. That's why I was a bit wary at first, but the Brits don't dwell on the gore, and they lighten it up with humour, so I didn't mind at all.
DeleteI missed the Marple with Benedict. I'll have to watch for that one.
And yes, Martin Freeman is the perfect Watson.
My Mum loves this adaptation of Shelock! :)
ReplyDelete(Leeds) x
Your mum has good taste!
DeleteI was sold as soon as A Study in Pin was first airing on PBS two falls ago. Moffat's style from his episodes of New Who really carries through into Sherlock. So if anyone likes the Moffat written episodes of Doctor Who, they need to give it a try. I prefer this series to the movie franchise.
ReplyDeleteSteven Moffat did the Britcom "Coupling" as well, which is one of the funniest shows I have ever seen. It is a bit risque for American audiences but I really loved it. He has talent!
DeleteHi Jenny:
ReplyDeleteWell, then you're going to love this too!!!
http://www.dailyblam.com/news/2012/02/17/jonny-lee-miller-to-play-sherlock-holmes-in-upcoming-cbs-pilot-elementary
Can't wait.
Ooooh! We both love Jonny Lee Miller! I hope it does well. Can't wait.
DeleteMy kids love this series and I think it's what I'll start as soon as I'm done w Bramwel, which is v soon. I like the modern setting, I think :)
ReplyDeleteIs Bramwell on Netflix? I loved that when it was on TV!
DeleteI absolutely adore this show. The best produced and best cast series I've seen to date. And the tie-ins with the original Conan Doyle stories are so clever. It's absolutely brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised that Dr. Watson had just returned from Afghanistan in the Victorian novels. Apparently the books lend themselves to updating really well. Brill!
DeleteThank you so much for posting this! I have had this in my Netflix instant play queue forever, but never had the nudge I needed to watch it. Thanks for the perfect nudge!:D
ReplyDeleteLet me know how you like it Cara. Seems like everyone here is a fan!
DeleteI am in love with Mr. Cumberbatch. In love, I tell you!! So glad Season 2 is on the horizon!
ReplyDeleteHey Beth did you hear he's filming the new Star Trek film? He plays a baddie!
ReplyDeleteFabulous!! Thank you!
DeleteI love this show and I love you for writing a post on it as well as including the humorous quotes. I think that's all I have to say at the moment. Haha. I could say so much more but that'd just be talking your ears off and I think it's a little too soon for that :p
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny:
ReplyDeleteJust finished watching this series. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm going to miss House MD, and this show more than fills the void. I love the two lead actors and the writing, as usual, is spectacular. Looking forward to season 3!
Just watched series 1 of Sherlock online and it's great!
ReplyDeleteI loved Series 2 as well. Sherlock box set is on my Christmas list! :) xx
ReplyDelete