Sherlock

[Uncle Yuan]

I just took a chance on a new series - "Sherlock."  I was quite impressed!  It's a resetting of Sherlock Holmes into modern London, featuring Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson, an Army doctor suffering from PTSD after a traumatic tour in Afghanistan (a beautiful synchronicity in history if ever there was one).  I knew I was in good hands all of three seconds into the show when the credits informed me that it was written and produced by Steven Moffat!

Frustratingly, like most BBC shows there are only a few episodes per "season."  I will definitely be keeping an eye out for more!

[Glitch Girl]

I caught it when they aired it on PBS, not knowing about the ending cliffhanger.  I was all ready for the next episode... only there was none [NOOOOOOOO!!!]

I agree, they managed to make the reset really really work and the two leads are amazing. 

Want more.  Want more now.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Fear not, there are three more in the works, based on some of the most popular Holmes stories of all time.  In this case, A Scandal in Bohemia, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Final Problem will become A Scandal in Belgravia, The Hounds of Baskerville and The Reichenbach Fall, all coming to you next year.

And I agree, very good interpretation.  Lots of references to classic stories, clever modern reimmaginings of classic scenes, and actors that feel right for the original characters.  I liked the big movie version okay, but after seeing these, I realized that wasn't the real Holmes, this was, forget the time period.

[Uncle Yuan]

Fear not, there are three more in the works, based on some of the most popular Holmes stories of all time.  In this case, A Scandal in Bohemia, The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Final Problem will become A Scandal in Belgravia, The Hounds of Baskerville and The Reichenbach Fall, all coming to you next year.

And I agree, very good interpretation.  Lots of references to classic stories, clever modern reimmaginings of classic scenes, and actors that feel right for the original characters.  I liked the big movie version okay, but after seeing these, I realized that wasn't the real Holmes, this was, forget the time period.

It's an interesting contrast, isn't it?  While I enjoyed Downey and Law, their characters felt VERY 21st century.  I agree, this series seems very emotionally true to the originals.

[doctorchallenger]

Who ever takes over for Nolan on the Batman franchise should play the Riddler like they played Moriarty in Episode 3. Excellent series.

[B A D]

Since Freeman is Bilbo and Cumberbatch is voicing Smaug we may have a bit of a wait

[Figure Fan]

I enjoyed Sherlock much more than the Downey movie version. The TV Version is so much fun to watch.

[Talavar]

Since Freeman is Bilbo and Cumberbatch is voicing Smaug we may have a bit of a wait

More Sherlock is coming in 2012.  It's part of the reason the next season of Doctor Who is being delayed.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Actually, Moffat said that is not true and the two things have nothing to do with each other.

[Talavar]

Actually, Moffat said that is not true and the two things have nothing to do with each other.

True enough - I was doing some looking around the internets, and found that they've actually finished filming for the second series already.

[B A D]

Rule #1: Moffat lies.

[RTTingle]

I enjoy both Sherlocks immensely.  Like Batman, I feel as if the character can handle different takes very well.  I found the movie with RDjr very entertaining and true to the spirit and formula of the source material.  Caught the BBC series a few months back on my local PBS station and anxiously awaiting the next season.  The BBC series does the same and pulls off the modern setting seamlessly.  Yes, the small seasons are incredibly frustrating, but I'll take quality over quantity any day.

One of the episodes is named Reichenbach Falls?  Very interesting considering how that location ties into the Sherlock Holmes mythos.

Speaking of Holmes, I'm a HUGE fan of Edgar Allan Poe and until we see more of Sherlock Holmes on either screen... [url]The Raven[/url=http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/independent/theraven/] will hold me over just fine.  I always adored the stories that had Poe as the hero and so happy to see one finally brought to the screen (BTW, Poe Must Die is simply - awesome... FIND IT!).  I love, love, love Poe and think the man is sold all too short as being the writer of creepy short stories and poems, folks do yourself a favor and read everything from the man.  There is a reason why Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jules Verne & H. G. Wells talk highly of the man, his "hoaxes" were incredibly science fiction.

As if the Poe movie isn't awesome enough, I can't wait to see the Nevermore haunted house at Universal Studios in Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights that is supposed to be walking into the nightmares of Poe.  In two weeks... I'm so there!

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Indeed, Poe is often considered to have invented at least 2 major genres still popular today--science fiction and detective fiction.

[Talavar]

Indeed, Poe is often considered to have invented at least 2 major genres still popular today--science fiction and detective fiction.

Detective fiction yes; science fiction no.  He was one of the early writers to work in science fiction, but definitely not the first.  Apart from a number of debatable entries from the 16 - 1700s, Frankenstein was published when Poe was a child.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Here's where it gets a bit fuzzy.  Some people don't consider Frankenstein to be scifi and some do and there are other authors.  I myself don't have an opinion here, which is why I said he is considered to have invented, 'cause it largely depends on who you ask.

[Talavar]

I don't see how Frankenstein couldn't be considered science fiction - not only is it one of the earliest examples of what is clearly science creating a beyond-normal event, it also has the archetypal science fiction theme: the abilities of the scientist have outstripped his moral capacity, and science runs amok.  It's also gothic horror, but it's hardly the first story to fit into more than one genre.

There are other early science fiction-ish writers, mostly in short fiction, but those are all earlier than Poe as well.

[Reepicheep]

Frankenstein can be considered science fiction retrospectively. With nothing (or little) of its kind to compare it to or categorise with, it wouldn't have been able to invent the genre of science fiction. Cat is right in the regard that it could be considered Poe's work that actually gave it the banner.

Also, I personally have very mixed feelings about the Robert Downey Jr. Film. It was exciting and fun, but I just don't think it did Holmes much justice. He is amongst my favourite fictional characters. And if you haven't already some time in your life, try and watch the Jeremy Brett ones - unbeatable.

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

Cat is right in the regard that it could be considered Poe's work that actually gave it the banner.

I would like to point out, again, that I never said anything of the sort, I merely paraphrased an extremely common opinion.  I have yet to state my own views on the matter, primarily because I haven't read Poe science fictiony stuff and thus can't comment much on them.

[Reepicheep]

Indeed, Poe is often considered to have invented at least 2 major genres still popular today--science fiction and detective fiction.

Isn't that something of the sort? Seems something of the sort to me...

[catwhowalksbyhimself]

note the words "is often considered"

[Reepicheep]

Ok, I'll rephrase.

The popular opinion that Cat pointed out (though not necessarily his own) is right in the regard that it could be considered Poe's work that actually gave it the banner.


This is why I'm more of a dog person.

[Previsionary]

Ok, I'll rephrase.

The popular opinion that Cat pointed out (though not necessarily his own) is right in the regard that it could be considered Poe's work that actually gave it the banner.


This is why I'm more of a dog person.

I thought it was because a gang of cats attacked you on your way home from the bakery?

[Tomato]

We all know you orchestrated that prem, don't lie.

[Cardmaster]

Rule #1: Moffat lies.

I doff my cap to you, sir. Well played.

*finger steeple*

Well.... played.....

[Reepicheep]

We all know you orchestrated that prem, don't lie.

This is why I'm more of a premonitioner person.

[Tomato]

Resurrecting this thread rather than making a new one.

So, Sherlock just came back for its second season... and wow, what a way to come back. 85 minutes of awesome (yes, I know it's 90 minutes long, but the first five go from recap to a rather odd scene that completely deflated the cliffhanger from season 1. So, 85  ) I don't want to go too deep into it because I wouldn't want to give too many spoilers, but suffice it to say that this series has, in my mind, completely supplanted the Downey Holmes stories as the best "modern" adaption of the character, and only a month after the second film.

[B A D]

Man I missed this. Was this PBS again? or BBC America?

[Glitch Girl]

BBC America.  I don't have it either so us PBS folks gotta wait until May or dig online. 

[Tomato]

I don't know how much this helps, but apparently there will be a dvd release of season 2 late January. Might be easier to get your hands on then waiting for it to filter to pbs

[RTTingle]

Here you go...

http://suckertv.com/sherlock-season-2-episode-1-a-scandal-in-belgravia?a=watchnow