I have a confession, one that I’m not proud of, as a book lover and as a fan of clever, suspenseful dramas.
I only recently discovered Sherlock on PBS. I had heard about the show, but I thought it was an occasional movie on Masterpiece Theater.
Boy, was I wrong!
When the most recent episode aired at the beginning of the year, I watched to see what my friends were talking about. I was instantly hooked and proceeded to binge watch the first three series on Netflix.
Sherlock Holmes first appeared in 1887 in both novels and short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Doyle utilized his background in medicine to create arguably the first forensic scientist. Holmes’s almost unnatural abilities in observation, memory, and deduction allowed him and his friend, Dr. John Watson, to solve crimes that police can’t solve using traditional investigative methods.
As I watched each episode, I thought about what makes this show so appealing to a wide audience. Each viewer has his own reasons, but here’s my list of why the show sucked me in.
1. Modern setting doesn’t detract from the integrity of the original stories
I freely admit I am a purist when it comes to giving literature from a past age a modern setting. But with Sherlock, the writers have kept the general feel of the original stories while incorporating technology and locations from modern London. For example, in most of the literary accounts, Watson serves as the narrator. In the Sherlock series, Watson actually creates a blog to narrate their adventures to the public. A great modern twist with the same outcome as the original stories. The modern setting allows those not as familiar with the literary version of Holmes to enjoy the episodes, but there is enough of the classic story line to keep purists like myself happy.
2. Clever writing and witty dialogue
As a writer, I often find myself watching television more to study narrative rather than simply to watch television. It’s clear that the Sherlock writers spend a lot of time perfecting the script. While basic plot lines are taken from the original stories, the modern setting requires careful integration of current technology and dialogue. Recurring characters like Mrs. Hudson (landlady for Holmes and Watson), Molly Hooper (medical examiner), Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade (Sherlock’s contact within the London police), and Mycroft Holmes (Sherlock’s older brother who is a high ranking member of the British government) all play important roles within each episode. They are minor characters only in terms that they are not Holmes or Watson. Each provides different relationships that enhance the storyline. Dialogue, particularly between Holmes and Watson is witty. I often find myself laughing at their banter.
3. The acting is brilliant
Benedict Cumberbatch fits his role as Sherlock better than any other actor in recent memory. Physically, he looks the part based on Doyle’s description – tall, gaunt, thin lips, black hair, hooked nose. But more than that, the way he delivers his lines replicates the pace at which Sherlock’s mind works; lines are quick and precise. He has no use for casual conversation. Martin Freeman as Watson, however, is Sherlock’s opposite – short in stature, quiet, empathetic. He provides the human touch that Holmes lacks. Sherlock’s nemesis, James Moriarty (played by Andrew Scott), is delightfully creepy.
4. The longest cliffhanger in television history (or at least it feels that way)
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are both well-known actors in their own right. Cumberbatch gained fame as Spock in the latest Star Trek movies, among many other featured roles. Freeman played Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit. Since both have full-time acting commitments to other projects, each series of Sherlock consists of only three episodes. Fans must also wait sometimes several years in between each series. The anticipation between one series to the next is endless for the growing fandom. Fueled by social media, Sherlock fans discuss each episode, as well as create fan fiction and attend related conferences to pass the time between each series. When one series ends and Sherlock is dead or exiled as he was in past seasons, fans must wait for a long time to see what happens next. For diehard fans, the waiting is endless but creates even more anticipation for the next series.
**Are you a fan of Sherlock? What’s your favorite mystery series, either literary or on screen?
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