*SPOILER ALERT - I'll try to keep them to a minimum though!*
I've always
liked Sherlock Holmes. Though I admit to not having read much of the
printed material (which surprises me), I've been a fan of the television series
(what's the plural of series - serieses?) for many years. From the days of Basil Rathbone, watching it with my dad, through to Jeremy Brett, I've been an avid
watcher.
So, I was
delighted when the show was brought back to life by the people who make Doctor Who (another show I have watched
all my life), starring this guy I'd never heard of with a funny name. Also, it starred Martin Freeman, so it couldn't be bad.
And I watched
the first episode. And the way the texts
were done on screen and the way Benedict
Cumberbatch played the part and the
way the it was set 'today'... And I was
hooked. Immediately.
Of course, now,
Benedict (may I call you that) is a hot property. From Star
Trek Into Darkness, to the amazing Imitation
Game (historically correct or not), to the forthcoming Doctor Strange, he's hitting the big time. He's also helped make Sherlock a worldwide sensation.
Regarding Doctor
Strange, one of my favourite Marvel
characters, I read yesterday that Marvel actually altered their movie timeline
to fit it around Benedict's super-busy schedule. That's how much they wanted him in the role.
So, onto the New
Year's Day special, The Abominable Bride.
It's been soooo
long since the last season, I was understandably excited by its
appearance. The fact it was going to be
going back to its roots, as in being set during Victorian times, only made it
more anticipated. For some reason, my
Sky box didn't record it. I noticed
about half way through and was gutted. I
remembered setting it to record on my smartphone app (so convenient), so
couldn't understand why it hadn't. I
checked the planner and the next showing was the next night. Could I wait that long? Hell no!
I checked On Demand, through Sky.
Nope, no sign. OK. BBC iPlayer app on the Smart TV?
YES!
Phew! Saved.
So, I sat down
to watch it. And I was hooked. Both Cumberbatch and Freeman, along with the
rest of the cast, donned their period costumes and personas wonderfully. I thought the story was intriguing and pretty
well thought out. I noticed the odd
comment like 'data viruses' which was out of place in such a time, but then... BAM!
They suddenly fitted right in when we saw what was really
happening! If you haven't seen it, I'll
try not to give it away, and I've seen reports that some people didn't 'get'
it. Personally, I thought it was a
brilliant twist. It's been likened to
Inception meets Adaptation. I can see
why. I don't necessarily agree but I
have to say I'd love to take a walk in Sherlock's Mind Palace!
Seeing an 'old
friend' was cool too. A perfectly manic
and demented version of the character. I
did wonder if the scene of Sherlock's suicide after his nemesis shot himself
back in - was it Season 2? - was the modern take on the classic Reichenbach
Falls. I remember Jeremy Brett facing
them so long ago. I was delighted when I
saw I was mistaken.
I can't believe
it's only been three short (very short) seasons of this show and it's proved to
be gripping, fun and compulsive.
Apparently, it's not going to be back until 2017, which I think is FAR
too long, but with so many film commitments for the two main stars, I can
understand why. The time will drag too.
At least we have
Moffat's other baby to kep us going - Doctor Who. It seems Peter
Capaldi has hinted the next season might be his last. That's a shame. I think he's brilliant. Any criticisms need to be aimed at the
writing, as sometimes it's not been as strong as others, but when it's good,
it's VERY good. Some of the episodes,
particularly towards the end of this last series, were brilliant and Capaldi
showed what a great actor he really is.
I hope he hangs around a little longer.
It seems the Doctor is only in the house for a short time and he moves
on though, I suppose, three years isn't exactly a short time.
Anywho-be-do. This is Sherlock (did you see the Sherlock
meets Doctor Who mashup on YouTube). Was
it good? No. Was it abominably
good? Definitely!
