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!!
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