TV REVIEW: SHERLOCK SEASON TWO

SHERLOCK: SEASON TWO
UK 2012
Created By: Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman

SYNOPSIS:  The further adventures of the modern-day Holmes, as he outwits villainy in three feature-length, loose adaptations of the classic stories A SCANDAL IN BOHEMIA, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES, and THE FINAL PROBLEM.  Having at last met his arch-nemesis Moriarty face-to-face at the end of Season One, Sherlock (Cumberbatch) and Watson (Freeman) steel themselves for their final (?), climactic confrontation.

THOUGHTS:

The question that first comes to mind before watching this show is, "What is the purpose of Sherlock Holmes in a world with surveillance cameras, Google, and DNA tests?"  We live in a world where you can find out anything you want to know, from anywhere and at any time, so what is the purpose of a man who is simply a fount of knowledge?  

The answer to that question is at the heart of what a modern day Sherlock should represent.  In a modern world overflowing with information, we still have need of a person able to filter that information to useful purpose.  Someone who can connect the dots, even if required to do it in a lateral fashion.

So the modern Sherlock is, for all intents and purposes, much the same as his original incarnation.  A brilliant deducer, observer, and gamesman; who also happens to be egotistical, abrasive, and generally difficult to know.  Much the same, Watson is very much Watson (also, oddly enough, still an Afghan war vet), Mrs. Hudson is still nosey, etc.  The elements are all there, but removed from a slavish devotion to cannon, it acts comfortably as both a modern reboot, and as a loving meta-commentary on the original tales.  In short, you can enjoy it whether you're a fan of the stories, or have never read one before.

If you haven't seen Season One, it isn't entirely necessary for you to do so before watching these.  You've probably absorbed enough of the foundational mythology of Sherlock Holmes through cultural osmosis to get the general gist of what's going down.  However, there are lots of little character moments and in-jokes that will be completely lost on you, so, given the extremely short length of both seasons, I would highly recommend starting from the beginning.

Of the three "features" in Season Two, I found A SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA to be the strongest, dealing with Sherlock's pseudo-romance with the generally villainous Irene Adler (Lara Pulver).  It was written by series creator Steven Moffat, who also wrote the equally strong series pilot A STUDY IN PINK.  THE HOUNDS OF BASKERVILLE is a somewhat lackluster (by Sherlock standards) adaptation of what is perhaps Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous tale.  And finally there is THE REICHENBACH FALL, Sherlock's ultimate battle with a distinctly Joker-like Moriarty (Andrew Scott).  It was an entertaining installment, with a killer ending, but perhaps felt a touch anti-climactic after all the buildup over the last two seasons.  Perhaps they can find a way to, um, keep it going?  (Fingers crossed.)

If you've yet to jump on this show, I would say it's worth a watch even if you aren't usually into mystery/suspense type shows.  The strength of the performances, as well as the writing, elevates this above your usual police procedural.  In spite of its relocation to the modern age, this is the best adaptation of Holmes that we've had in some time.

REVIEW:  7 (LOVE)