The problem that the new Sherlock Holmes was unable to solve was how to be in two places at one time. And so, like the first season we have exactly three episodes for the entire second season of Sherlock on BBC One. But what episodes they are. One about romance (a Scandal in Belgravia based on a Scandal in Bohemia and focused on Irene Adler, the true femme fatale) one about the chase for the hounds (the Baskerville Hounds), and one about a life and death struggle with the formidable Dr. Moriarity (Reichenbach Fall).
These shows should not be viewed as TV episodes but rather more like three short films— 90 minutes each, and what films they are. Their production values alone blow away most American TV and many films that show up only at the cinema.
But in the end it is the superb acting and especially the chemistry between Cumberbatch and Freeman playing Holmes and Watson that is a sublime pleasure to watch. Oh yes, you will once again be mesmerized by Holmes 4G speed logic and powers of observation, and be captivated by Watson’s patience and true humanity. And there is more than a little pleasure that comes from seeing how the original stories have been morphed into something truly 21rst century that is neither too retro nor a rip off nor a pale imitation of Jeremy Brett’s wonderful long running British TV series. And believe it or not, we owe a good deal of this to Sherlock’s brother— Mycroft…. well, the man who plays Mycroft in the show who also is involved in producing and scripting it.
I will not spoil these wonderful treats for you, I will only say, I do wish Cumberbatch and Martin would get back to the U.K. jolly soon from filming the Hobbit in NZ, so they can start work on a more fulsome third season of this stellar show. I’m thinking we need episodes based on The Musgrave Ritual, the Blue Carbuncle, the Sign of Four….. and so much more!!
It’s nice to see people get into this series. I gave a copy of the DVD I made to a customer at work and she’s now hooked. The series has been commissioned for a 3rd series and will be shown in 2013. The only problem is that you need to keep your eyes on the show. Bathroom breaks are a No-no or you’ll miss something.
Thank you for mentioning the show on your blog, demonstrating your own “Watson” side in contrast to what we normally see, “Sherlock.” Said with all the best intentions. We recently discovered this show; in terms of creativity and quality, it shames everything else on the tube. Except baseball. :< )
You are so right Michael. You are so right.
The new season has only got better on the old one. Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing to watch, what a great actor! I guess living with that name has given him super ability in tongue twisting speeches!
His efforts to quit the smokes were most amusing. Great TV, but then you don’t have cricket…
Is the second season out already? I have DirectTV and it isn’t listed to show until May. I watched the entire first season on Netflix. Love how they have “translated” Holmes into 2012. I think Arthur Conan Doyle would be proud.
The second season aired in January on BBC One.
Bathroom breaks? How 20th century! That’s why God created DVRs and TiVo…
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and I have to tell you that I enjoy your taste in film as much as I enjoy your taste in theology! Blessings.
The truth is I got my episodes off the usenet (newsgroups). Then burned them to DVD. I have a Western Digital mediabox that allows me to watch them in true HD. But when they show up on the shores of America it will be on PBS. No ads there too. (I think, might be at a time to get you to donate to pbs.). But as Ben says. They are better than the movies.
I came across season 1 on Netflix two weeks ago. Probably going to watch episode 3 tomorrow night after my weekend module class at seminary, before going into a week-long module next week. Loving it as much as I did the BBC’s “Robin Hood” a couple of years ago.