"Sherlock," new BBC series--anybody else seen it?

SmartAleq · #1 27th July 2010, 04:00 PM

And if you haven't WTF is WRONG with you?! Seriously, this is the shit--written by Steven Moffat (of Doctor Who fame,) Martin Freeman (ne Arthur Dent

) plays Dr Watson and the seriously scrumptious and fabulously named Benedict Cumberbatch is the eponymous Sherlock Holmes. Apparently Mr Cumberbatch turned down the role of Doctor Who and although I'm rather bummed about that (since he'd have been brilliant in the part) I'm glad he didn't because the role of Holmes suits him right down to the ground.

The series is set in present day, and the dialogue is seriously snappy, quite a bit more grownup than Doctor Who is allowed to be, and the interplay between Holmes and Watson is everything you'd expect and a whole lot more of what you'd always hope it'd be. First episode--while I suspect Steven Moffat was a total geek who saw The Princess Bride a thousand times, he brought a nice little twist to the story and it kept me guessing right to the end. Oh, and this looks to be the death knell of the "Watson as total moron, useful as tits on a boar hog" meme, which couldn't come soon enough for me--why would a Sherlock Holmes waste his time on a fool? Answer, HE WOULDN'T.

All in all a fabulous reboot to the Holmes canon, I can't wait to see where it goes! See it, see it, see it!

Baldwin · #2 27th July 2010, 04:22 PM

Well, we can't see it in America yet, so don't spoil it for me.

MarkF · #3 27th July 2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldwin

Well, we can't see it in America yet, so don't spoil it for me.

Has Smartaleq's state left the union then?

I missed the first 20 minutes unfortunately but quickly got into it. I thought it was very well done. Freeman delivered a much more steely performance than his usual and Cumberbatch is suitably quirky and eccentric. Some of the minor (police) characters were a bit weak but only a little. Phil Davis, as usual, was great.

First programme I have seen in way too long that is really good, innovative telly.

SmartAleq · #4 27th July 2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldwin

Well, we can't see it in America yet, so don't spoil it for me.

How terribly remiss of me! See where it says "Single file download" under the synopsis there? Yep.

tunaman · #5 27th July 2010, 09:37 PM

heh. I always wonder about some people: "But we can't see it yet! It's not on TV!! BBC America won't show it until April 2012!!!" Yeah, rlslog.net fixes that easily, along with a few dozen other sites.

I really like the series so far, and am a bit sad that there's only 3 episodes (they are, however, 90 minutes each). I thought it was incredibly well done, modern and smart, yet with just enough tradition to keep it grounded. I also liked all the visual clues onscreen, something that normally annoys me.

So yeah... I won't spoil anyone for anyone, but I will say that the new series is fuckin' GREAT!

Oh, and when I think of Steven Moffat, I think of Coupling... since I can't stand Doctor Who. There, I said it.

SmartAleq · #6 27th July 2010, 10:19 PM

Well, you could think of Jekyll, which also had its moments. I still haven't seen Coupling, I should remedy that. *skips off to Demonoid to look for full seasons*

The visual clues were a little gimmicky, but I guess it's a good way to avoid having to turn Holmes into Constant Exposition Man--and proving that the clues are indeed there to be seen if you're paying attention.

And LOVED the comment about having scrubbed the floors... I fell out!

And IMDB is listing four eps--one an unaired pilot. If anyone finds a link to that, I'd be much obliged if it were shared!

ETA: Well wouldja look at that--the full run of Coupling is available for streaming on Netflix! Yay!

tunaman · #7 27th July 2010, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

Well, you could think of Jekyll, which also had its moments. I still haven't seen Coupling, I should remedy that.

Never saw or even heard of Jekyll, but I'll look for it once I'm done with Underbelly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

The visual clues were a little gimmicky, but I guess it's a good way to avoid having to turn Holmes into Constant Exposition Man--and proving that the clues are indeed there to be seen if you're paying attention.

I liked the map. I thought it looked cool. And it was kinda neat having text messages on the big screen, instead of showing the tiny cell phone screen itself (I watch a lot of TV on an Archos player with a 4" screen, and having to stop and zoom in gets annoying).

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

And IMDB is listing four eps--one an unaired pilot. If anyone finds a link to that, I'd be much obliged if it were shared!

I'll keep an eye out, but I didn't find anything an Demonoid or UKNova, so the outlook isn't that good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

ETA: Well wouldja look at that--the full run of Coupling is available for streaming on Netflix! Yay!

IMHO, Coupling hasn't aged very well, and although I hate to make the comparison, in the same way that Friends hasn't aged all that well, either. I guess it would still be funny if viewed for the first time, but my cableco had several episodes OD not too long ago, and my GF refused to believe it was ever funny. Normally I'd argue with her about it, but I actually agreed at the time.

iampunha · #8 28th July 2010, 12:00 AM

Am I slightly off, or is the music around 13:37 into the first episode similar to the music playing in Cuban Miami in "Dexter" roundabout the beginning of that series? It also appears when Dexter is alone on his boat in season 3 (Jimmy Smits etc.) -- and, for all I know, various other places.

blank · #9 28th July 2010, 12:15 AM

http://www.giraffeboards.com/showpos...4&postcount=39

I really enjoyed it. I especially like Martin Freeman as Watson and an uncredited Mark Gattiss as Mycroft. But Phil Davis was superb and Benedict Cumberbatch brought something new to the character of Sherlock- Interestingly he was considered for the new Doctor Who but turned down the part. I see a lot of similarities between him and Matt Smith.

blank · #10 28th July 2010, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tunaman

Oh, and when I think of Steven Moffat, I think of Coupling...

and Press Gang and Joking Apart and Chalk and Jekyll and Tintin (next year).

Baldwin · #11 28th July 2010, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldwin

Well, we can't see it in America yet, so don't spoil it for me.

How terribly remiss of me! See where it says "Single file download" under the synopsis there? Yep.

That looks to me like an illegal bootleg. Am I wrong?

SmartAleq · #12 28th July 2010, 07:56 AM

There's no such thing as an illegal bootleg of a broadcast television show. Just think of Releaselog as your remote Tivo and you're good to go!

blank · #13 28th July 2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

There's no such thing as an illegal bootleg of a broadcast television show. Just think of Releaselog as your remote Tivo and you're good to go!

I'm not sure about that. People in the UK have to pay a license fee to watch those shows. And there's a reason why the BBC iPlayer will not work outside of the UK.

SmartAleq · #14 28th July 2010, 09:48 AM

Ask me how worried I am that the BBC might come after me--go on, ask! Besides, the shows get here eventually and are broadcast on our channels so I figure it's nothing more than a time shift. The whole purpose of TV shows is to force people to watch the ads, and I can't buy stuff that's advertised in the UK anyway, so that's right out--and then the US channels buy the programming from the BBC to be rebroadcast to us but we can block ads anyway so quite frankly I'm having a hard time seeing who's being damaged in any way by me watching an amusing show a bit early, touting it up to my US compatriots and generating interest for when it does get here. They ought to pay ME for my services! Hmmph.

ETA: Also, a simple proxy server is all that's needed to get past all that high security on the BBC or any other web site that intends to restrict access to a geographical location. And proxy servers aren't illegal, so again, who's getting hurt?

tunaman · #15 28th July 2010, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldwin

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

How terribly remiss of me! See where it says "Single file download" under the synopsis there? Yep.

That looks to me like an illegal bootleg. Am I wrong?

Oh noes! Will God kill a kitten if Baldwin downloads it?

ETA: who wants to watch this stuff on BBA anyway? You know they're going to cut the hell out of it so that they can put commercials in. I've often wondered why the BBC would allow BBCA to CUT a TV show instead of simply ADDING the commercials. So make Spooks a 75 minute show with commercials instead of a 42 minute one with commercials.

Uthrecht · #16 28th July 2010, 10:03 AM

The short of it being yes, it is. Use your own discretion to decide whether to use it.

Moving along about the show discussion.

MarkF · #17 28th July 2010, 10:23 AM

[moriarty] <steeples fingers> I wonder if I should post some tidbits in advance of the next episode? That'll learn them 'merkins! </steeples fingers> [/moriarty]

I, of course, won't do this because SmartAleq will tell me off. That is all.

The Futility of Nihilism · #18 28th July 2010, 11:18 AM

OK, so if I download the program so I can watch it now and then I later watch it on BBA for the commercials am I in the clear?

SmartAleq · #19 28th July 2010, 12:45 PM

Another thing I loved about the show is that while it's definitely set in present day, and Sherlock prefers using text messages to pretty much any other form of communication, there are unmistakeable retro touches in how Holmes dresses and the sets and lighting definitely convey that sort of Basil Rathbone Victorian milieu that we kind of expect a SH story to contain. The juxtaposition of our expectations with reality, especially concerning technology and attitudes (like the "not that there's anything wrong with that" type comments) and dialogue give a nice subtextual edge of tension that's quite enjoyable.

And did I mention the snappy dialogue?

rayh · #20 28th July 2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

Ask me how worried I am that the BBC might come after me--go on, ask! Besides, the shows get here eventually and are broadcast on our channels so I figure it's nothing more than a time shift. The whole purpose of TV shows is to force people to watch the ads, and I can't buy stuff that's advertised in the UK anyway, so that's right out--and then the US channels buy the programming from the BBC to be rebroadcast to us but we can block ads anyway so quite frankly I'm having a hard time seeing who's being damaged in any way by me watching an amusing show a bit early, touting it up to my US compatriots and generating interest for when it does get here. They ought to pay ME for my services! Hmmph.

You might have a good point there, except that the BBC doesn't have adverts, everything is paid for through the license fee.

Baldwin · #21 28th July 2010, 02:09 PM

Sounds like an interesting take on Holmes. (Wondering about the title -- surely they don't call each other Sherlock and John?)

I'll wait until I can watch it without having truck with thieves.

MarkF · #22 1st August 2010, 01:02 PM

Something everyone can enjoy without worrying whether Sherlock will be on their trail, test your deductive powers!

blank · #23 1st August 2010, 01:57 PM

An excellent second episode. Possibly better than the first.

WormTheRed · #24 1st August 2010, 03:11 PM

I just have to chime in and say that I really liked the first ep; will be looking forward to following it!

tunaman · #25 2nd August 2010, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blank

An excellent second episode. Possibly better than the first.

I concur!

I read many of the Holmes stories when I was 12 or 13ish (someone gave me an anthology for Christmas one year). I don't remember them all that well, so... how well do these episodes stick to the original stories (aside from modernizing them, I mean).

SmartAleq · #26 3rd August 2010, 01:19 AM

That was a cracking good story, I love the traditional sensibilities mixed with modern trappings. Bit more whizbang and action this time around, fun that they brought in a different cop who's quite a bit more sceptical of the Holmes magic--and how much did I love poor Watson's date! I sure hope they keep making these, because I am digging it.

blank · #27 3rd August 2010, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tunaman

Quote:

Originally Posted by blank

An excellent second episode. Possibly better than the first.

I concur!

I read many of the Holmes stories when I was 12 or 13ish (someone gave me an anthology for Christmas one year). I don't remember them all that well, so... how well do these episodes stick to the original stories (aside from modernizing them, I mean).

The first episode A Study in Pink was obviously a rework of A Study in Scarlet and there is a lot of effort taken to mirror the two stories:

Holmes deduces the character of Watson's brother from his pocket watch in the original story and does the same with Watson's phone in the new version - even ending with almost the same line about 'you will not find these marks on a sober man's phone (watch), you will always see them on a drunkard's'.

Then there is his analysis of Watson's service status; The neat thing is both the original and new Watson served in Afghanistan.

There's even the classic 'I can tell if a man is a compositor from his left thumb' but it has been updated to 'airline pilot' as has a similar line about a 'software designer'.

But it isn't just a series of references, it actually manages to take the essence of the characters and transfer them into the modern day to deal with modern problems in modern ways.

blank · #28 8th August 2010, 01:17 PM

They saved the best till last. The Great Game (brilliant reference) is fantastic. Loved when Sherlock asked Mycroft about the diet (Mark Gatiss isn't as portly as Mycroft is written).

I really hope they make more.

tunaman · #29 8th August 2010, 04:38 PM

Cool! Can't wait (downloading as I type!)

SmartAleq · #30 8th August 2010, 10:38 PM

I have it about halfway downloaded, will be watching tomorrow!

Promethea · #31 9th August 2010, 01:52 AM

I didn't chip in about episode two because I thought it was pretty terrible and I didn't want to rain on everyone's parade if it turned out that for me episode one was a glorious fluke. However, I really, really enjoyed episode 3. I still think episode one was the cleverest and the most solidly constructed in terms of story progression but this one had the most heart. For instance, I've no idea if it is in fact the case but ep 3 often felt like several standalone tales stitched together and the joins weren't as smooth as they might have been. However, I liked the characterisation best in this episode. I got a deeper feel for who these people were and was more given to pondering about drives them and cared more about what might happen to them.

Loved Moriarty - kind of like a cross between an evil Ant(or Dec) & James Nesbitt. I think that usually the stuff between hero and villain which goes along the line of 'We're not so very different are we, Mister Powers?' can be a bit tedious and obvious but I thinked it worked well here, making me think about what exactly stops this Sherlock Holmes being just like Moriarty if he's in fact the 'high functioning Sociopath' he sees himself as.

Also, Mark Gatiss as Mycroft was again a delight. I really hope there's a series 2 of this!

Auntbeast · #32 9th August 2010, 05:18 AM

I'm 11 minutes into the first episode and have laughed several times. It is a very clever show and I'm enjoying the hell out of it so far. The texts during the press conference cracked me up.

Uthrecht · #33 9th August 2010, 08:44 AM

PBS will be airing Sherlock on Masterpiece Mystery in the US starting in late October.

Auntbeast · #34 9th August 2010, 11:47 AM

Ok, finished the first episode. What a great show. The twists to modernism are done well, the guy that plays Sherlock is awesome. Dr. Watson, did not immediately appeal to me but by the end of the episode, I found myself quite liking him, especially with texting girl.

Very clever show, thank you for bringing it to my attention. Since it is a BBC production, I assume they won't slash the throat of the series any time soon.

blank · #35 9th August 2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Auntbeast

Since it is a BBC production, I assume they won't slash the throat of the series any time soon.

That's in the hands of young Mr Cumberbach. He's started making noises about not being typecast. Though the ratings should persuade him that he's on a winner. Most discussions I've had about the show nearly always compare him to Jeremy Brett (the best Sherlock Holmes to date)

tunaman · #36 9th August 2010, 11:57 AM

I liked the final episode, but didn't think it was any better or worse than the others, really. Part of that could be because I watched the second half of it on my computer (instead of in bed on a portable player) and I became distracted a couple of times. Still, I really liked the series overall. The way the last episode ended there's no way they could NOT make more episodes.

Personally, I can't wait until tonight's season finale of Identity. The show isn't all that special, but I've really been drawn in to one of the story lines... and having Keeley Hawes in it sure helps. The series is, just barely, greater than the sum of its parts.

SmartAleq · #37 9th August 2010, 04:52 PM

AAAAAGH, FUCK CLIFFHANGER, GAAAHHHH!

*pant pant*

Yes, cracking good episode, what?

*resumes tearing out fistfuls of hair*

blank · #38 10th August 2010, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartAleq

AAAAAGH, FUCK CLIFFHANGER, GAAAHHHH!

*pant pant*

Yes, cracking good episode, what?

*resumes tearing out fistfuls of hair*

What??? The version you got didn't have the explosion at the end???

SmartAleq · #39 10th August 2010, 08:26 AM

NO! And you better not be whooshing me, either! *bangs head on wall*

Pencil · #40 10th August 2010, 09:47 AM

There was no explosion at the end.

Quite good, much better than Jekyll, I thought. I can see why Cumberbatch was one of the candidates to play the Doctor, as he's also quite weird looking, same as Matt Smith.

SmartAleq · #41 10th August 2010, 09:49 AM

Yeah, but he's weird looking in a very gorgeous way...

Then again, I'm really a sucker for those tall, pale, dark haired, light eyed ectomorphs so my bias could be showing.

rayh · #42 10th August 2010, 12:03 PM

The good news is Updated Sherlock 'will be back'. The question is when. Moffat is busy with Doctor Who, so it is a question of finding the time.

SmartAleq · #43 10th August 2010, 12:07 PM

That's good news for sure--the best bit is that since they're based on stories, run ninety minutes and are on Brit TV rather than American, they can bust one out pretty much any time they have a few minutes, rather than having to commit to a long series.

I love Dr Watson blogging the tales, that's one of the best hat tips yet!

Auntbeast · #44 10th August 2010, 12:10 PM

And you know Sherlock reads those blogs obsessively, even if to correct the punctuation and grammar.

SmartAleq · #45 10th August 2010, 12:15 PM

Of course he does, why do you think the wall REALLY got such a workout?

blank · #46 14th August 2010, 04:28 AM

John Watson's blog

Sherlock's Science of Deduction website

eleanorigby · #47 14th August 2010, 07:02 AM

Yay! Something to look forward to when my life slows down, which it will soon. Just reading the thread makes me want to see this show now.

Auntbeast · #48 14th August 2010, 10:51 AM

Fair warning, there are only three episodes. Of course, if you are a Firefly fan, you are used to the pain.

tunaman · #49 28th August 2010, 03:37 PM

If anyone's interested, the original, unaired pilot (a 1 hour version of "Study in Pink") is available for download here.

Also, a week or two ago, the BBC announced that series 2 is absolutely on!

rayh · #50 29th August 2010, 02:49 PM

The BBC have announced he Sherlock will return in Autumn 2011 with another 3 part series.

Quote:

Creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have promised "baffling new puzzles, old friends and new enemies" in three new episodes due in autumn 2011.

Also the next series of Doctor Who will be in two separate runs. The first in spring with a cliffhanger ending, the second in the autumn.

Story here.