When BBC's latest Sherlock adaptation turned up in 2010, I don't remember expecting all that much of it. I hadn't really heard much of it, I hadn't bothered to look up buzz about it, I can't even remember why I tuned in. I'm glad I did however, as when I did what I found was one of the best shows currently on the magic box. There are just so many things to admire about this show, first of all it's bravery. In an age where it seems every show feels the need to talk down to you and generally treat you like an idiot, Sherlock trusted you to work things out for yourself. Of course there are many moments of explanation (could any of us keep up with Sherlock's mind?), but it never feels the need to indulge itself by explaining obvious plot points.
For any of this bravery to work out you'd actually need some smart scripts, which this series luckily has plenty of. Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and Steve Thompson all appear to have an astounding talent at revamping Arthur Conan Doyle's stories to not only fit the modern world and it's technological advancements, but also making adjustments where justified to make the stories feel somewhat more legitimate. For a real good show of revamping an old and dusty classic, treat yourself to Mark Gatiss' fresh reimagining of Holmes and Watson's most popular adventure: The Hound Of The Baskervilles.
However, the greatest strength of all in my opinion is the casting, with seriously strong performances throughout making everyone else on telly feel just a bit silly in their period drama costumes. Benedict Cumberbatch is Sherlock, forget Robert Downey Jr's slapstick and flirtatious failure of an attempt, Holmes should be a cold and calculated machine and this is exactly what you get with Cumberbatch. Martin Freeman on the other hand grows on you more and more as Watson, Holme's faithful sidekick and the human heart beating at the centre of all these mysteries. The greatest treat of all this series though, was getting to know Andrew Scott's Moriarty so much better. Unhinged, unpredictable and unnerving Scott portrayed everything you want Moriarty to be and more. Given glimpses of him in both the finale of the first series and the opener of the second, it wasn't until tonight's incredible finale too it all that we finally got to truly encounter him for all that he is. In fact, if you really want too know what I'm talking about when it comes to the acting department then please skip to the final episode of Series 2 for (in a more justifiable world) award winning performances from all three main players of the cast. Trust me, Martin Freeman as Watson may just make you shed a few tears towards the end of the final act.
As for the themes present in this series, I feel like this is the writers truly gaining confidence. While the first series was introducing us to their modern day interpretations of both the characters and crimes of the Sherlock Holmes world, this series is them striding in and leaving their own big footprint of how they want it to be done. Throughout the three feature-length episodes this series, there appears to of been a theme of Sherlock's relationships with those close too him. Despite nearly always appearing to be so cold on the outside, we occasionally see these little glimmers of emotions felt for those he cares about most. His anger when he finds someone to of harmed Mrs Hudson, his moments of laughter with Watson and his sad look of realisation when Molly suggests herself to be seen as nothing by him.
Overall, this series has once again proven that the BBC, at it's best, can produce programming like no other channel in the UK can at present. With sharp writing, incredible casting and a mature treatment of it's audience Sherlock manages to stand head over shoulders above the rest of our current schedules. Watch this now, and join me in my demands that Series 3 starts next Sunday.
10/10
