BBC's modern Sherlock with Martin Freeman now on blu-ray: Season 2 2011
- 03 December 2010
- John Howell
If you haven't watched the BBC's modern update of Sherlock Holmes, called Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, as a modern day Holmes and Watson, the first season release on blu-ray could be the perfect opportunity. This is an excellent television update on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle frequently adapted tales, with perfect casting and great writing. Una Stubbs appears as their landlady Mrs. Hudson, Zoe Telford is Watson's girlfriend Sarah, and Rupert Graves Detective Inspector Lestrade.
The three-part series came to BBC One and BBC HD in July and August 2010 and was then broadcast in the US on PBS. In the UK, more than seven million people tuned into the first season's dramatic cliff-hanger. The 90 minute episodes that make up the first season were written by Mark Gatiss, Stephen Thompson and Steven Moffat (the writer behind Jekyll now working as lead writer on Doctor Who).
According to The Guardian, the show's producer Sue Vertrue has confirmed a second season is on the way.
"There will be more," she said. "We're having a meeting, just to sort of talk about how many and when really. Steven and Mark are both busy. Steven is obviously doing Doctor Who as well - so it's just when we're going to do them".
She also revealed that the episodes will remain 90 minutes long and that the lead, Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes, has become a TV superstar since the show was broadcast.
"Benedict was the only person we actually saw for Sherlock," said Vertue. "Once Benedict was there it was really just making sure we got the chemistry for John and I think you get it as soon as they come into the room, you can see that they work together."
In this contemporary adaptation, the famous consulting detective navigates a 21st century London using all the modern day tools at his disposal, from computers to text messages on mobile phones. Watson has his own blog where he writes about Holmes' exploits. This modern Sherlock is as condescending, arrogant, brilliant, and eccentric as ever (perhaps even more so). What really surprised me is the dark humour they managed to squeeze in while still retaining the core of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories.
"You're an idiot," Holmes casually tells Watson. When Watson looks miffed, Holmes adds quickly, "No, no, no, don't be like that. Practically everyone is."
And when they learn that a killer has struck again:
"We've got a serial killer! Love those, there's always something to look forward to."
I can't wait for season two. Sherlock's first Season was released through BBC America on 9 November and is available on blu-ray and DVD. Highly recommended.
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