Sherlock (TV Series-BBC) Season 2 (2012)

I want to be Sherlocked! Season two of the BBC's Sherlock series is a maddening rollercoaster ride.

Three episodes is not nearly enough per season. The first episode bring you back in from season one and the third episode walks you out. There is only one lone episode for you to get comfortable. It leaves you wanting at least three more episodes in-between. Its a rather contradicting feeling because its so good you desperately want more, but yet you leave pouting and unfulfilled.

The problem with having only three episodes per season is the lack of foundational development. Watson's relationship with Mycroft takes a huge leap from season one without explanation. It isn't difficult to figure out, but it is a direct consequence of limited time. They do however remedy most of it with superior writing and directing. The show effortlessly moves at rate that allows you to understand their passage of time.

All three episodes were so vastly different but the entire season had an overarching theme; that Sherlock Holmes is vulnerable. Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Holmes is much more somber than in season one. No where is it more apparent than in episode three. Cumberbatch humbly and appropriately gives way to Andrew Scott who plays Jim Moriarty. Moriarty is the most fantastic villain. You hate him so much, you want to squeeze and twist his stupid face off and then pull out his vocal chords! He is brilliant!

Although season two doesn't allow for savoring, its simply remarkable to watch the supreme level of excellence by the entire cast and crew.

On a scale of 1-10, Sherlock Season Two: 9.0

Performance distinction for Benedict Cumberbatch: underrated.

Scene Spotlight: Sherlock and Moriarty on the roof.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1475582/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Sherlock (TV Series-BBC) Season 1 (2010)

Yes, I know. I'm beginning my movie review blog with a review of a television show. Speak of the elephant and it will no longer exist.

On we go then.

A edgy twist of the Sherlock Holmes series written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as the TV credits constantly remind. Probably one of the more fascinating shows I have seen in awhile. The writer's have chalked it full of witty dialogue; surprisingly though, it doesn't interfere with the chemistry of the characters, as the "other Sherlock series" does. The chemistry of the actors is apparent from the start; the pilot episode makes you feel as though all the actors have been working with each other for many seasons.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock, is an awkward and lanky fellow. He has brilliantly created Sherlock to be unlikeable yet lovable. If you can imagine the leads from Psych, Lie To Me, Dexter, CSI, Monk, & House blended into one, then add a mint leaf; that's Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock.

Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson is probably the only part of the show that confuses me just a little. His energy is perfect opposite Cumberbatch, but his back story seems to contradict his very mellow persona. He teeters on ignorance and stupidity without ever getting there; very much like a lost little puppy dog, which seems to be the point. Its just a tad bit of a jump to accept Dr. Watson this way when he is after all, a doctor and a soldier.

Una Stubbs as Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock and Dr. Watson's landlady. She is a wonderfully kooky woman who creates a solid foundation for the show.

Throughout the episodes, we are taken on a Sherlock fun ride. There are crimes, "obviously," and as they work through them, Sherlock breaks down all of his observations and they are at times literally spelled out for us. His incessant ramblings of a crime scene creates a burst of energy that is quite euphoric.

Another fun aspect of the show is their creativity when using Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock stories and weaving it into the series. The pilot episode is called "A Study in Pink" which is loosely based on Doyle's "A Study in Scarlet." There are many factors from Doyle's Sherlock that overlap into the series. Its as if Sherlock, the television show, is Doyle's version in an alternate universe.

On a practical note, all of the actors have British accents and at times because of their accents and British slang, you can miss some of the dialogue. The solution? The more you watch, the more of the slang you pick up on.

Finally I must add, this show is an hour and a half long per episode. I find that a bit tedious to sit that long for one episode; but for the most part, it doesn't feel that long. There are also only three episodes per season. The show is on the BBC network and produced in the UK, so I'm not sure if this is a usual set up across the pond but I was disappointed when I realized I was done after only three episodes. I wanted more...obviously.

On a scale of 1-10, I would give BBC's Sherlock Season 1...a 9.0

Sherlock-IMDB