Elementary my Dear Watson! (review of Sherlock, Season 1, BBC)

I must say, BBC is certainly keeping me entertained and engaged with their series. First I was blown away by the first season of Luther, starring the lovely and talented Idris Alba, then I was hit again with season one of Sherlock. BBC does big things in a small amount of time. Luther had only 6 episodes in it’s first season, and Sherlock had only three (at 90 minutes each).

The star, Benedict Cumberbatch, depicts Sherlock Holmes in a way I’ve never seen before. My immediate comparison was to Robert Downey Jr.’s recent Sherlock Holme’s performance. It took me a little while to get use to how snarky Cumberbatch was in the character. I’m use to a Sherlock Holmes that is unintentionally off-putting, where as BBC’s Sherlock is very forward in embarrassing and belittling people with his gift. He has the usual smarts of Sherlock Holmes, and is also a “smart Alec.”

Even with the new approach to the character there is still the classic violin playing, the villainous Moriarty and the quirky detective skills. I did enjoy the modernity in the use of technology in the series. iPhones are a big part of the plot, and you won’t catch an episode without multiple text message conversations. Dr. Watson is also a blogger.

The series also plays around with homosexuality a bit. After watching the whole season, at times I thought Sherlock Holmes was gay, or Watson was gay, or both.

I definitely give the first season of Sherlock 5 stars. I’m anticipating the next one.

P.S. - I am just a little sad that in both the recent Sherlock Holmes movie and in Sherlock the phrase “elementary my dear Watson!” is never said. :-\

5 comments

  1. i was surprised too in the movie when it didn't make an appearance (the phrase). But I was too busy drooling over my man RDJ to care one bit ;)

    I want to see the series now!

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  2. @socialitedreams - the series is SO good! I'm sure it will come to BBC America soon over here. I downloaded the BBC version.

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  3. The phrase was never actually said in the originals, films or books.
    It's kid of urban myth, like 'beam me up, Scotty' or 'play it again Sam'.

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  4. @SelahBeth - someone else mentioned that to me, had no idea!

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  5. I still want to here it, though. Since everyone says it.
    I have to check out this show.

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