In 2010, the whole world discovered the duo signed by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, already working on Dr Who. The two screenwriters are huge fans of the great detective Sherlock Holmes, the paper hero of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The two then imagine a modern adaptation by setting it in London in the 2000s.
Discovery Benedict Cumberbatch and Andrew Scott
They make this Sherlock Holmes an anti-hero: a man full of himself, arrogant with relatives, a sociopath (he says!), clumsy in relationships and communication, unfriendly, but at the same time, talented. With an unprecedented possibility of deduction. Just one look can take a person’s life. When she first meets the man who will become her roommate/assistant, she knows he is returning from the front, looking for an apartment, and is psychosomatic.
This character would not have the aura it does without Benedict Cumberbatch’s sharp interpretation, a true revelation of the series. The English actor imbues his Sherlock with awkwardness, humor and nuance that make him endearing despite all the flaws he has. Her relationship with Watson (Martin Freeman), which she develops over the seasons, is at the heart of this modern version.
But another great success of this series is the introduction in the last minutes of the first season of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest enemy: Moriarty. The latter, played by the impeccable Andrew Scott, is all the more terrifying because he takes it all so lightly. His face-to-face encounter with a detective who will push him to his limits makes for some great television moments.
A winning combination
The lively and sharp writing of the screenwriters – which provides delicious verbal clashes between Sherlock and other characters – the quality of the production and the format of the series (3 episodes at 1:30) will quickly convince viewers and critics. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 out of nearly 24,000 reviews, our viewers think this is one of the best series of all time.
Happy are those who can find the episodes on Netflix and catch up on them without having to wait three years between seasons 2 and 3 (how long was that…). Including the special episode aired in anticipation of season 4, the Sherlock series has 14 volumes and trust us, you are not ready for the journey that awaits you.
Full Sherlock is leaving Prime Video. next December 31.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
