Sherlock: A Scandal in Belgravia

What a fantastic way to kick off the New Year! The second series of BBC1′s Sherlock hit the airwaves yesterday, starting with a re-imagining of one of Doyle’s most popular Holmes short stories, “A Scandal in Bohemia.” Titled A Scandal in Belgravia, this episode saw the return of Benedict Cumberbatch as the ace consulting detective and Martin Freeman as his ever suffering army doctor sidekick, John Watson. It also saw the premier of Laura Pulver in her role as The Woman, Irene Adler, a dominatrix with a secret and the only one who ever beat Sherlock Holmes.

Synopsis!

A case of blackmail threatens to topple the monarchy itself, but soon Sherlock and John discover there is even more to it than that. They find themselves battling international terrorism, rogue CIA agents, and a secret conspiracy involving the British government. But this case will cast a longer shadow on their lives than they could ever imagine, as the great detective begins a long duel of wits with an antagonist as cold and ruthless and brilliant as himself: Irene Adler. (courtesy of the BBC)

So, how did this episode stack up with those of the previous series? Pretty well, I think. The acting was topnotch, yet again, and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me at the edge of my seat for the full hour and a half. I was a bit concerned when I realized the entire plot of the original story had been stuffed into the first hour (we have a half hour left and nowhere to go!), but the additions Moffat introduced were well thought out and raised the level of the episode as a whole.

The only complaints I have are also those I also have with the Doyle original: not enough deduction! The focus is centered more on the relationship between Holmes and Adler (and Watson) than on tracking down the criminal (since, of course, we know who the criminal is from the get-go). It makes for a much different adventure than that of A Study in Scarlet/Pink or, looking toward the future, The Hound(s) of the Baskerville(s). Viewers curious to see the evolution of Holmes and Watson’s friendship, however, will get a treat, since it is probed in depth–as is the question of Holmes’ romantic interest in Adler. Much is said. Much is implied. Much is still left to the imagination.

Other things I loved: exasperated elder brother Mycroft, Una Stubbs’ kick-butt Mrs Hudson, and Holmes gracing the royal palace in only a towel .

For more info and opinions, check out this podcast by The Baker Street Babes. You can also find out when Sherlock series 2 is airing in your country by consulting Sherlockology on tumblr.

BBC Sherlock: 2 new clips

Two new clips of Sherlock, which is returning to BBC1 this January! This is my favorite adaption of the Sherlock Holmes canon (my apologies my Mr Rathbone), so I am super excited.

Both clips appear to be from episode 1 of the new series, A Scandal in Belgravia, which is based off the Conan Doyle story “A Scandal in Bohemia.” I can’t wait to see Lara Pulver as The Woman, Irene Adler.

Some lucky dogs got to see an early screening. And if this review by On the Box is anything to go by, the second series is promising to be just as wonderful as the first. Blurb!

The writers, directors and producers of Sherlock have not only waved their magic wands for a second time – they’ve attached the show to a rocket and raised the bar for television drama to the very upper limits….It’s delightfully hard to predict too, with a story full of twists, turns and dead-ends that will entertain both young and old alike.

What a ringing endorsement. Now, on to the clips.

Mini Movie Review! Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

I cannot begin to express how excited I was to go see Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows in the theater this weekend. My not-so-subtle obsession with this great literary character has driven my roommate nuts in recent months, so it was a relief to both her and me to at last sit down and watch the Consulting Detective’s next big screen adventure.

Overall impression. Love it! The plot wasn’t nearly as complex as the first one; but then, the movie-makers were channelling Doyle’s story “The Final Problem,” which did not star Holmes’ deductive powers either. The action was just as fun as the first movie, as was the hilariously adorable interactions of Holmes and Watson (yes, adorable!).

The big standout for me, however, was Sebastian Moran, played by Paul Anderson. Not a character we hear much about in the Holmes’ screen adaptions, he is Moriarty’s righthand man and a wonderful foil to Watson. Anderson’s portrayal is incredibly subtle, leaving hints here and there of a connection to Moriarty that is just as deep and devoted as Watson’s is to Holmes. Throw in a bit of humor and a truly frightening ability with a gun, and you’ve got a deliciously scary villain who will no doubt be reappearing in the next installment of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes.

Now I just have to wait for the reappearance of the Holmes on the small screen in the second season of the BBC’s Sherlock this January. Heavens, it’s so hard to concentrate with so much Holmes fever going around!