Two Thumbs Up for "Sherlock"! If I Had Another Hand, I'd Give It Three!

[rusty_armour]

Although I, uh, obtained the first episode of Sherlock ("A Study in Pink") on Tuesday, I decided to save it for a treat and watch it tonight. Well, it was definitely worth the wait! It was delicious! It was sublime! I loved it, loved it, LOVED it!

For years, I've been wanting to see a decent adaptation of A Study in Scarlet. Okay, this obviously isn't it an adaptation of A Study in Scarlet, but it may be the closest thing I'm going to get. This first episode of Sherlock contained so many wonderful elements from the first Holmes novel. Watson arrives in London after having returned from Afghanistan. He's still recovering after being injured and finds he's having trouble making ends meet. As in A Study in Scarlet, Watson bumps into Stamford, though their reunion occurs in a park rather than the Criterion Bar. However, the famous introduction still takes place at Bart's. Holmes even appears to be conducting an experiment involving haemoglobin when Watson and Stamford enter the lab. [And before that he was testing to see the extent to which a body could be bruised after death, which is something Stamford refers to in A Study in Scarlet when he's describing some of Holmes's stranger habits to Watson.] Holmes doesn't utter the line: "You have been in Afghanistan, I perceive." But he does say, "Afghanistan or Iraq?" There's even the reference to Watson's brother being an alcoholic, though Holmes gains his information from a mobile rather than a pocket watch. We also learn later on that he isn't 100% correct about his deductions regarding Watson's brother. *g*

There were a number of other references to A Study in Scarlet, some of which I've no doubt missed or have forgotten. A few were fairly subtle, such as the use of "Lauriston Gardens". One of my absolute favourite references is the scene in which they find the word "Rache". Holmes's brain provides the information that "rache" is the German word for "revenge," but then he immediately dismisses the idea and points out that the murder victim was writing the name "Rachel". I thought this was a delightful twist on the novel, given that Lestrade suggests the name "Rachel" in A Study in Scarlet, but Holmes deduces that the murderer had written the German word for "revenge".

One of the strengths of this production is the incredible dialogue. Many of the lines just sparkle, they're so intensely smart and funny. I found myself laughing out loud at least a few times. One such instance was when Holmes was telling Watson that Mrs. Hudson was letting them have the rooms at a really good rate because she owed him a favour. He then goes on to explain that Mr. Hudson was facing the death penalty in Florida. When Watson naturally assumes that Holmes got Mr. Hudson off, Holmes says that he got Mr. Hudson executed.

There may be people who disagree with me, but I think the characters of Sherlock and John were spot on, especially in a contemporary context. Holmes is just as brilliant, infuriating and misunderstood as ever. Benedict Cumberbatch holds nothing back and just totally goes for it, which is wonderful. I love the way that bitch, Donovan, calls him "Freak," while Lestrade tells Watson that he's a "great man" and, one day, might even become a "good man". I thought it was hilarious that Holmes practically became gleeful at the thought of a serial killer on the loose and that his uncanny abilities have made him the prime suspect in more than one murder investigation. With Watson, you get another interesting twist on the original novel. It would seem that he doesn't suffer because of what happened to him in Afghanistan: he suffers because he's no longer in Afghanistan. As Mycroft observes, his hand doesn't tremble when he's stressed but when he's bored and inactive. Of course, in canon, Watson actually does seem to thrive on the excitement he derives from Holmes's cases. We can see this in Martin Freeman's performance. Also present are many of the characteristics that seem to define Watson, such as loyalty, kindness, intelligence, and courage.

The mystery itself bears little resemblance to A Study in Scarlet. In fact, as a friend of mine argued, it might be one of the weaker aspects of this film. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed following it. This may be due in part to Philip Davis, who made a rather creepy psychopath, in my opinion. And I'm not just saying that because he played King John in Robin of Sherwood. And, speaking of villains, it was kind of thrilling seeing Holmes go dark side and basically torture the cabbie psychopath until he gave him the name of the man who hired him. Of course, the criminal mastermind's identity wasn't a huge surprise, but the reveal was still satisfying, especially when Holmes mouthed the name to himself, as if he wanted to taste it. What was a pleasant surprise was Mycroft, as portrayed by Mark Gatiss. When he first appears, we're meant to assume it's Moriarty. However, I also wondered if he could be Mycroft. I ended up dismissing the idea when the man tells Watson that he's Holmes's arch enemy. However, when he showed up again at the end, I knew he had to be Mycroft, especially when Holmes had this long-suffering look on his face as soon as he spotted him.

Although Sherlock Holmes has been thrown into 21st century London, the formula still works. There are still criminals in the city, the police can still run into dead ends even with modern day forensics, and a mystery is still a mystery no matter what era you're dealing with. Most importantly, Moffat and Gatiss have managed to tap into the true spirit of a good Sherlock Holmes story. There's adventure, baffling puzzles, touches of humour and pathos, and characters that are genuinely interesting and engaging.

Comments

[avictoriangirl]

Isn't this BBC adaptation awesome?! I LOVED it and can't wait for the next eppy. Do you know if it's true that there are only three total? That makes me sad, because I was hoping it would be a series. Still though, I'll be rewatching these over and over. :D

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

It got very high ratings, and the BBC has asked for more.

Although it might take a bit of time as Steven Moffat (and possible Mark Gatiss) are busy with some obscure little show. (g)

[avictoriangirl]

Oh, thank you for sharing, this is wonderful news! I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for more. :D

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I can't say it any better than puckrobin, but, yes, there will be more episodes. :-) As you suspected, there are just the three episodes in this season/series. However, I think all of these episodes are 90 minutes, so it's like having three films. It's very similar to the way Midsommer Murders works as they make three or four 90 minute episodes a year. I share puckrobin's concern about how much time they'll be able to devote to Sherlock considering Steven Moffat's heavy involvement with that obscure little show. But I can be patient if the boys are going to crank out more excellent material!

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I found it funny to see reviews that thought having Watson as a veteran was too modern a flourish or complaining that the forcing of taking two pills was too "Princess Bride" when both happen in the original novel. (I'd actually forgotten about the pills part, as the plot of A Study in Scarlet was hardly the most enjoyable part of that book.) It's weird how rare it is to see the first meeting at St. Bart's depicted on screen.

This was one of the most successful attempts to capture everything I truly love about Sherlock Holmes. In many ways, it was far more faithful than most Victorian adaptations. The casting of Holmes and Watson was just absolutely perfect. I also quite like their Lestrade, even though he wasn't ferret-faced, he worked.

I honestly didn't realize it was Philip Davis as the killer until you mentioned it.

I figured out it was Mycroft during the first scene with him. It seemed too overselling it to actually be Moriarty. Because everyone in the world knows who Moriarty is, it just seemed too coy to actually be Moriarty. And Gatiss actually does look like the Paget drawing of Mycroft, if the character had lost some weight. I actually went online to verify that deduction.

The one thing I was surprised at was how well the classic Holmesian deductions still work in the modern context. I figured our DNA testing, etc. would get in the way, but it didn't.

The dialogue was so sharp and fun. Bits like "Do people have arch enemies?" "We could have split the fee. Think it through next time." The Holmes and Watson (or Sherlock and John, and that does make sense today to use the first names) relationship just shined.

And I loved the little snipes at Anderson too.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I found it funny to see reviews that thought having Watson as a veteran was too modern a flourish or complaining that the forcing of taking two pills was too "Princess Bride" when both happen in the original novel. (I'd actually forgotten about the pills part, as the plot of A Study in Scarlet was hardly the most enjoyable part of that book.)

It would help if the reviewers would re-read A Study in Scarlet. Obviously, some of them weren't familiar with canon at all if they thought the idea of Watson being a war veteran was too modern. Uh, hello! I'm ashamed to say that I forgot about the two pills part of A Study in Scarlet. It wasn't until I was in the shower this morning that I had a vague recollection of the pills. It would seem I need to re-read A Study in Scarlet as well!

It's weird how rare it is to see the first meeting at St. Bart's depicted on screen.

I KNOW! You would think more screenwriters would want to depict this pivotal meeting between the two, even if it's just a flashback. Well, I think Moffat and Gatiss did it justice. :-)

This was one of the most successful attempts to capture everything I truly love about Sherlock Holmes. In many ways, it was far more faithful than most Victorian adaptations.

Yes, it's truly incredible! I have to admit that I had some misgivings going in, but Sherlock works. It has all of those elements that you associate with Sherlock Holmes. Moffat and Gatiss have really done a fantastic job of capturing the true spirit of Conan Doyle's creation.

The casting of Holmes and Watson was just absolutely perfect. I also quite like their Lestrade, even though he wasn't ferret-faced, he worked.

So perfect that I can't even picture any other actors playing the roles in this adaptation! I'm okay with Lestrade not being ferret-faced because he still seems to be very much in-character, though with a more modern take on the role. I think it's great that he doesn't despise Sherlock the way his colleagues do and will openly admit that he needs Sherlock's help.

I honestly didn't realize it was Philip Davis as the killer until you mentioned it.

I didn't recognize him instantly. I think it took me at least a minute or two. With the glasses, cloth cap, and Cockney (Was it Cockney?) accent, he was very cleverly disguised!

I figured out it was Mycroft during the first scene with him. It seemed too overselling it to actually be Moriarty.

It should have twigged for me too. I mean, I wasn't 100% sold on Gatiss being Moriarty (Perhaps because it did seem like overselling), but I did dismiss the idea of him being Mycroft.

The one thing I was surprised at was how well the classic Holmesian deductions still work in the modern context. I figured our DNA testing, etc. would get in the way, but it didn't.

They worked surprisingly well, didn't they! You would think that someone would struggle with classic Holmesian deduction in a modern context, but they pulled it off! I especially like the deductions Holmes made about the woman in pink. That one about her being from Cardiff was brilliant!

The dialogue was so sharp and fun. Bits like "Do people have arch enemies?" "We could have split the fee. Think it through next time." The Holmes and Watson (or Sherlock and John, and that does make sense today to use the first names) relationship just shined.

The dialogue was completely first rate! I'd happily go back and re-watch "A Study in Pink" again just to hear some of those fantastic lines. :-) And I also think it makes sense that Holmes and Watson are Sherlock and John, as people are more likely to call each other by their first names in today's world. I mean, I can see some of the police referring to Sherlock as "Holmes," but two blokes sharing a flat are going to call each other by their first names.

And I loved the little snipes at Anderson too.

Yes, I should have mentioned the little snipes at Anderson in my review! They were magic! I loved it when Holmes told Anderson to turn around because his face was putting him off! *g*

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I also liked that they explained Conan Doyle's contradiction about where Watson's war wound is.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Their explanation was inspired! That was done very well! :-)

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

I have the episode but still need to watch it. However, after your raving review, I'm even more tempted to give it a try. I'm not familiar with Sherlock Holmes at all so I'm curious. :)
Also, I read on digital spy that the actor playing Holmes was actually asked to play the Doctor but he declined because he didn't fancy seeing himself on lunchboxes. With that in mind, I saw a clip of SH and had to admit that I could see why he was considered! Will let you know what I think of SH :)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I have the episode but still need to watch it. However, after your raving review, I'm even more tempted to give it a try.

You have to watch it! I'll take full responsibility if you regret the decision, but I really can't see that happening! :-) You enjoy other mysteries, such as Morse and Lewis, so I think Sherlock could be right up your street.

I'm not familiar with Sherlock Holmes at all so I'm curious. :)

Oh, what an ideal introduction to the Great Detective! I'd be fascinated to know what you think considering that you aren't familiar with Sherlock Holmes! It should be interesting because Benedict Cumberbatch is still very much Sherlock Holmes despite the modern setting. The Sherlock Holmes you see in this adaptation is very close to what you get in the Conan Doyle stories. The same thing goes for Watson.

Also, I read on digital spy that the actor playing Holmes was actually asked to play the Doctor but he declined because he didn't fancy seeing himself on lunchboxes. With that in mind, I saw a clip of SH and had to admit that I could see why he was considered!

Oh, cool! I didn't know that! Uh, I hope he realizes that although playing Sherlock Holmes won't put him on lunchboxes, it is a role that's going to stick with him. Actors like Basil Rathbone never did manage to successfully shake off the part. Still, he's young and I'm sure he'll have lots of other roles in his career. I just hope he plays Sherlock for a long time first! *g*

BTW I can see why he was considered for Doctor Who. He has a rather striking and unusual face and some serious charisma. He would have made a really kick ass Doctor, though I'm much happier that he was cast in Sherlock instead. *g*

[jackycomelately.livejournal.com]

I loved it, loved it, LOVED it!

Me too! Me too! ME TOO! :)

I did think they should have found some way to obscure the fact that it was the cabbie. I was just confused when they questioned the passenger. Huh? Obviously it was the cabbie.

I totally agree about the dialogue. There are some awesome lines that also reveal things on an emotional level. Fabulously done.

I hope they do better with the diversity as they go along. I agree with earlier reviewers that there isn't really any reason why Lestrade had to be yet another white male. However, the whole Harry thing was wonderful.

Love how they made it clear why the relationship between Sherlock and John worked. Love that they fulfilled an obvious need in each other. Love that they are both pretty twisted.

Roll on Sunday!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I loved it, loved it, LOVED it!

Me too! Me too! ME TOO! :)

Yaaaaaay!!! I'm very happy to hear that! I noticed that you were very careful not to say anything up till now. I assume that you wanted me to watch and form my own impressions. :-)

I did think they should have found some way to obscure the fact that...

I know what you mean. That really confused me too. I'm not sure how they could have worked around it, though. I think their explanation kind of worked in a way, though I still found myself puzzled by it.

I totally agree about the dialogue. There are some awesome lines that also reveal things on an emotional level. Fabulously done.

Yes, that amazing dialogue is definitely one of the strengths of Sherlock. As I said to puckrobin, I would happily go back and re-watch "A Study in Pink" for some of those fantastic lines alone! :-)

I hope they do better with the diversity as they go along. I agree with earlier reviewers that there isn't really any reason why Lestrade had to be yet another white male.

I feel a bit torn. While I think it's important to represent diversity, especially in a city that has so many cultures in the modern world, I have problems with the media dictating what race a character should be. I mean, I see why they feel it's important that some of the bigger roles be filled by people who aren't white, but I think it's a bit of a slap in the face for Rupert Graves. I don't know. It's a tough issue. With any luck, there will be more characters from different cultural backgrounds in the future.

However, the whole Harry thing was wonderful.

That was wonderful! And it shows that the writers aren't shying away from other present-day topics. *g* I hope we get to see Harry at some point. That would be fun. Oh! And I just pictured who could play the part! I wonder if they could get the actor I have in mind. Said actor is already a part of that other little project that Steven Moffat is working on. Hmmm...

Love how they made it clear why the relationship between Sherlock and John worked. Love that they fulfilled an obvious need in each other. Love that they are both pretty twisted.

The explanation for why the Sherlock/John relationship works is brilliant. They do fulfill an obvious need in each other and seem to be equally screwed up. In fact, I think the degree to which John is screwed up worked in his favour when Mycroft was interviewing him! *g*

Roll on Sunday!

Tee, hee, hee! I don't think I'll be able to wait until Friday to watch the next episode. However, I promise not to neglect your beta. *g*

[anitamaid.livejournal.com]

oh is it a modern adaption? I didn't know that, sounds cool, although I got a real spoiler when reading the replies :(
I do think that Norwegian or Swedish tv will pick it up, and if and when they do, I'll definitely watch it!

How cool that u got this treat ;) Well deserved (as I know you're a huge Sherlock fan!!!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

oh is it a modern adaption? I didn't know that, sounds cool, although I got a real spoiler when reading the replies :(

There are a number of spoilers in my review as well, though I did provide a "spoilers" warning with the lj-cut. *g* Well, to answer your question, it is a modern adaptation. It's Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in present-day London, but the formula totally works! And I don't think you'll be disappointed as Rupert Graves plays Lestrade... :-)

I do think that Norwegian or Swedish tv will pick it up, and if and when they do, I'll definitely watch it!

You can watch it sooner if you don't mind viewing it on your computer. I'll send you the link privately as I'm a bit paranoid about giving away my source. *g*

How cool that u got this treat ;) Well deserved (as I know you're a huge Sherlock fan!!!

Thank you! I'm still very happy and excited! I'm really looking forward to the next episode and I can't wait until it's out on DVD! :-D

[anitamaid.livejournal.com]

I'd love to see it! ooh Rupert Graves :-)
And Philip Davis ;)

[funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com]

Bravo, my dear, a fab review and I absolutely agree :) Tomorrow, the game is afoot once more. And there's already fanfic out there. Hurrah for awesome speedy fangirls lol :)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Bravo, my dear, a fab review and I absolutely agree :)

Oh, thank you, funkyinfishnet! I'm so glad you enjoyed the review! :-) I very much enjoyed reading your own review (http://funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com/186480.html) and made sure I didn't check it out until I'd written mine in case I accidentally stole any of your material. *g* As I completely agreed with what you said about Sherlock exceeding your expectations, I'm glad I did wait!

Tomorrow, the game is afoot once more.

*Jumps up and down* I know! I know! I'm very excited! :-)

And there's already fanfic out there. Hurrah for awesome speedy fangirls lol :)

jackycomelately was kind enough to send me a link to one these stories. :-) I haven't had a chance to read it yet, though it's now on my hard drive. It's The Trick Is To Make It Look Easy (http://paperclipbitch.livejournal.com/137620.html) if you haven't read it. I'm amazed at just how speedy these fangirls are. I'm really looking forward to seeing what other fic is out there.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

http://geeksyndicate.wordpress.com/2010/07/23/sherlock-%E2%80%93-audio-interview-with-mark-gatiss/

Audio interview with Mark Gatiss about Sherlock

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

You ROCK! Thank you very much! :-) I've now saved the audio interview on my hard drive. I'll probably listen to it tomorrow as I'll be out today.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

Finally ... for now. Does the initial shot of Baker St, the pan down from the street sign look a bit ... familiar?

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Okay, it wasn't just me, then. Are you thinking the Granada Jeremy Brett production or something else? I know that's where my mind went when I saw the pan down from the street sign. :-)

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I had to make sure that the Patrick Gowers theme was just playing in my memory and not actually on screen. Admittedly, a pan across from the Baker St. sign makes sense as an establishing shot, but I'm sure it was a deliberate homage to the TV show opening.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I also wondered if it might be a homage to the Granada series. It certainly gave me a thrill to see the sign and that familiar establishing shot!

[alysscarlet.livejournal.com]

What a great post. Thanks for this! You've pointed out all sorts of nuances in the programme that I completely missed. It's good to know that even real Holmes afficionados can enjoy it fully.

I loved it and am really looking forward to tomorrow's episode.

And look, I has an icon!

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

As a real Holmes aficionado, I think this was one of the best, most faithful versions of Sherlock Holmes I've ever seen. I didn't see Cumberbatch as a good actor playing Holmes or an interesting variation -- he was Sherlock Holmes, the character made flesh. Same with Freeman's John Watson.

It's not just the references or rarely seen moments (like Holmes and Watson's first meeting - straight from the original) as fan-service. These were the original characters presented in a way that's alive and vibrant and splendid.

It was faithful by keeping the characters alive, not coldly reverent.

[alysscarlet.livejournal.com]

That's praise indeed, coming from you. I'm sl glad you loved it so much!

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

What a great post. Thanks for this!

Thank you very much, alysscarlet! I'm very happy you enjoyed it! I was actually afraid that the post might put people to sleep! *g*

You've pointed out all sorts of nuances in the programme that I completely missed. It's good to know that even real Holmes afficionados can enjoy it fully.

I think that's the wonderful thing about Sherlock. It appeals to both Holmes afficionados and people who aren't as familiar with canon. In fact, radiogaga80 is thinking about watching this and she isn't familiar with Sherlock Holmes at all. I'm really curious to know what her reaction will be as I think this series would be a really good introduction to the Great Detective.

I loved it and am really looking forward to tomorrow's episode.

It's great to know that another friend of mine loves this series! I hope you enjoy tomorrow's episode. I hope to be able to watch it myself within the next few days. :-)

And look, I has an icon!

Your icon ROCKS! It's very nice! :-) I've actually been toying with the idea of making an icon or two myself. I'm no designer, so it won't be as good as yours, but I always have fun making them and this would be a worthy project.

[alysscarlet.livejournal.com]

I have to confess, I didn't make my icon. I got it off the 'sherlockbbc' LJ community. :-)

I'm glad you're able to watch the episodes and join in the squee along with the rest of the UK and not have to wait until the autumn.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I have to confess, I didn't make my icon. I got it off the 'sherlockbbc' LJ community. :-)

Well, the icon is still great even if you didn't make it. :-) And, somehow, I'm not surprised that there's already a Sherlock icon community. I know I've already come across four fics. *g*

I'm glad you're able to watch the episodes and join in the squee along with the rest of the UK and not have to wait until the autumn.

I was afraid I'd have to wait months or, possibly, until the DVD was released. I'm very happy and relieved that I haven't had to wait. :-) I just wish there was a way my parents could watch this because I'm sure they'd love it. My mom does go on the internet, but I don't think she'll have the patience to watch the first episode on her laptop. My dad's even worse because he thinks the internet is evil. My brother is my best shot, but I think he'll probably ignore the link I sent him. Oh, well. They'll see it eventually. Then, maybe, they'll understand why I kept bringing up Sherlock as often as I could yesterday. *g*

[alysscarlet.livejournal.com]

The online fandom has just mushroomed! the 'sherlockbbc' community has over 1000 members in one week. And there's another community 'bbcsherlock' as well. And fic is popping out all over, as well as fan art and manips. It's rather lovely to see a fandom springing fully formed into life!

I've just finished watching the latest ep, and I'll be interested to know what you think. :-)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

The online fandom has just mushroomed! the 'sherlockbbc' community has over 1000 members in one week. And there's another community 'bbcsherlock' as well. And fic is popping out all over, as well as fan art and manips. It's rather lovely to see a fandom springing fully formed into life!

Oh, dear. I have a horrible feeling that I might be joining at least one of these communities, especially if fic is involved. *g*

I've just finished watching the latest ep, and I'll be interested to know what you think. :-)

I'll have to check later tonight to see if it's available yet, but it's probably more likely to be tomorrow or Tuesday. In any case, I'm sure I'll have something to say about the latest ep. :-)

[sublunarfields.livejournal.com]

I'd never heard of this before, so it was a nice surprise and something to look forward to. :) I'll just have to hope that Swedish tv will show it. These days it's mainly 'reality' series and game shows... Grr. LOL.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

To be honest, I probably wouldn't have known about it if a friend hadn't given me the heads up. In fact, I had a couple of friends send me links about the series. In any case, I'd be very surprised if you didn't like it. If you don't mind watching "A Study in Pink" on your computer, I'll send you the link in a private message. As I told anitamaid, I don't want my source to be discovered. *g*

[sublunarfields.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'm sure I'll love it. :)

[dubghall.livejournal.com]

I loved this show! The updated (and sometimes inside out) references to the original stories were so much fun to spot.

So many good lines. I was talking a problem out loud to someone, and then had to tell them about the skull -- "I like company when I go out and I think better when I talk aloud. The skull just attracts attention..."

I agree with you that the characters were right on for modern day. Of course the parents of someone like Sherlock, in the 21st century, would have him diagnosed ("I'm not a psychopath, I'm a high-functioning sociopath.")

This is the Sherlock Holmes that Guy Ritchie could only wish he could create.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I loved this show! The updated (and sometimes inside out) references to the original stories were so much fun to spot.

I wondered if you had seen Sherlock! I'm so glad you have! :-) The various references to the original stories have been so much fun to spot! I love the way the show has played around with them!

So many good lines. I was talking a problem out loud to someone, and then had to tell them about the skull -- "I like company when I go out and I think better when I talk aloud. The skull just attracts attention..."

Yes, the dialogue is absolutely incredible! And there are so many good lines that it's impossible to list them all! The line you've cited is one of the funniest ones! :-)

I agree with you that the characters were right on for modern day. Of course the parents of someone like Sherlock, in the 21st century, would have him diagnosed ("I'm not a psychopath, I'm a high-functioning sociopath.")

I had wondered at the time if Sherlock was joking, but I like your theory because it sounds like the kind of thing that would have been said to his parents by a child psychologist or whatever. I wouldn't be surprised if canon Holmes was a sociopath on at least some level. Of course, as you've pointed out, it wasn't something that would have been diagnosed in the 19th century the way it might have been for 21st century Sherlock.

This is the Sherlock Holmes that Guy Ritchie could only wish he could create.

I think Guy Ritchie was so busy trying to make Holmes cool and bad ass that he lost sight of what Holmes's actual character traits are supposed to be. Moffat and Gatiss were smart. They took existing traits and simply updated them instead of trying to alter the character completely. They knew canon well enough to know how to experiment with it successfully and still retain the character's original appeal.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I was looking at the first episode again today, and I noticed that the coffee cups that John and Stamford were holding in the park had the word "Criterion" printed on them. A very nice touch.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

That is so cool! I'm ashamed that I didn't notice it myself, though, surprisingly, I've only watched the episode once. I'm definitely tempted to watch it again, so it probably won't be long before I surrender...In any case, having the word "Criterion" printed on the coffee cups was a very nice touch!

I watched that interview with Steven Moffat and A.N. Wilson (with the wonderful selected readings from David Warner) last night and really enjoyed it. Thanks again for sending us that link.