TV Series Review: Sherlock Season 1 and Season 2



Sherlock is a modern day take on the wonderfully intricate cases of Sherlock Holmes the character created by Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock first appeared in publication in early 1887 and soon set the bar for Whodunit novels. Even after the death of Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock graced the pages of many books. He is by far the most recognizable character in literature along with Harry potter. The character has been adapted into many films and TV series, starting with the particularly good adaptation in the 1990 film Sherlock Holmes baffled. He has provided inspiration for many characters especially Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot
When I first heard the idea of a modern day Sherlock from my friend, the first thing I thought was that “there are more electronic gadgets today, wont that make Sherlock’s life easier?” I dismissed the show as yet another grab to make money, and I have not been happier to be proven wrong.

First of some introduction on the cast and crew-

Creators : Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss  (Doctor who fame.)
Cast :

  • Sherlock Holmes: Benedict Cumberbatch (Kahn from star trek into darkness)
  • John Watson : Martin Freeman (Bilbo Baggins from the hobbit)
  • Jim Moriarty : Andrew Scott
  • Charles Augustus Magnussen : Lars Mikklesesn
  • Irene Adler : Lara Pulver

This review will be split into season 1 and season 2 . Season 3 will be published after I have seen all the episodes in it.

Season 1: 2010

Episode 1 - A Study in pink.
The pilot introduces Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. The study in pink is not about the story although there is a fair bit of it in the last 20 minutes. It serves an a character study of Watson and Sherlock. Watson is a retired army doctor who has this addiction to violence, carnage and excitement, but thinks of it more as a depression. He is looking for a place to stay and meets, through an old friend, Sherlock Holmes. The introduction for Sherlock is quite fascinating. We see this cold minded genius sociopath who is never satisfied with his day unless there is someone’s murder to be solved. Cumberbatch does an incredible job as Sherlock and Martin Freeman shows off his acting skills as Watson. This episode has all the ingredients for the perfect pilot (first episode of any show). In my opinion it is almost perfect. I say almost because of its run-time. It’s an hour and a half long. Although I did see the un-aired pilot, for some people it may be difficult to not flip the channel. But with a perfect mystery it keeps us glued so that’s not a major downside. The modern day tech doesn't make Sherlock’s cases easier, and I was happy about that. I give the pilot a 10 on 10.

Episode 2- The blind banker
Yet another interesting episode, it starts out quite good. The plot is thicker this time and the character study is moved to the sides as Sherlock agrees to help his friend with a case. The story keeps you glued and the ending is, to me quite satisfying. It introduces the mysterious villain “M” and also sets up the awesome premise of the last episode of the season. It gets a 9 on 10.

Episode 3 - The Great Game.
Now this thing is business. It has a great story, great acting and teases the villain so well, leaving us with a damn good cliffhanger. The villain is revealed to be Moriarty played almost too well by Andrew Scott. Moriarty's character was tweaked a bit. He was not at all like the actual Moriarty. But at the end I was definitely interested by what they would with this character. Then the creators did something ingenious. They set up a cliffhanger and ENDED THE SEASON. WOW!!! What a cliffhanger that was. I was stoked and ready for the next season and I couldn't wait. The last episode gets a 9.5 on 10, because of the lack of character development on Moriarty.

Other thoughts: I loved the cinematography and the Sherlock vision thing with text on the screen. It makes you feel that you are him and those along with the immaculate writing prove to be the high point of the series. I don’t necessarily have any gripes with this season. Maybe a bit more character development on Moriarty but that doesn't seem necessary. What I do find bad is the time between this season and the next. 2012?? Seriously, they took the concept of a cliffhanger and made it really long.
This season gets a      9.5/10

Season 2: 2012

Episode 1 - A Scandal in Belgravia
Where can I start with this episode? It is my favorite of the first and second season. This episode introduces Lara Pulver as Irene Adler, The Woman. In my opinion she is the best Irene Adler to date. In the first series Sherlock appears to be a god and in this Irene brings him crashing down. She is an absolute puzzle to him. An awesome start to the second series this also establishes one of the “weaknesses” of Sherlock. There are a few scenes of comic relief and the trademark Sherlock deduction scenes. It is also a character study of Irene Adler and Lara Pulver knocks it out of the park, practically to infinity and beyond!!! A fair warning this episode is not for children, but that is not a gripe and I am definitely happy with it. Definitely a 10 on 10.


 Episode 2 – The Hound of Baskerville
This is perhaps the weakest episode of the series thus far. They had to put it in because it is the most famous of the mysteries of Sherlock Holmes. There is no development of the bigger picture. Moriarty is not connected to it. This is just a case where Sherlock proves he is awesome and there is little character development. The graphics used on the hound is not top notch but it works so I am not complaining. But all said and done it still has the flair and finesse of a Sherlock episode so it gets an 8 on 10.

Episode 3 – The Richenbach Fall
My second most favorite episode of the series, this episode is full of Moriarty. Andrew steals the show and proves his abilities as an actor. The intricacy of the plot and the characters almost overwhelm. Moriarty sets up the toughest of challenges for Sherlock and it ends in the most spectacular fashion. This episode surprised me, confused me and made me sit on the edge of my seat. It is a spectacular episode ending the series on yet another cliffhanger. But it also gives us the question, with Moriarty gone who is the next villain. And how did Sherlock survive his fall. The best last episode of any season I have ever seen and I loved it to the core. 9.5 On 10 just because it ended on another cliffhanger.

Other thoughts: I am happy with this season except for the second episode. The cinematography and directing is awesome. This season gets a      9/10

 Final Verdict:
Sherlock is as of now the best series on TV. It is a show which everyone can enjoy. If you haven’t seen it yet, please do so as soon as possible. My final verdict on Sherlock is a   9.5 on 10.

Peace!!

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