First Sherlock impressions

[wiseheart]

As mentioned in my holiday summary, I bought both existing seasons of BBC's "Sherlock" in Hamburg. It's all saki101's fault, you see. She made me so curious with her fic snippets over at picowrimo that I simply couldn't resist. Anyway, I've watched both seasons in as little as two evenings and was blown away. Those who know me also know how much I hate any tampering with the classics, but this one - it'actually an improvement.

This isn't going to be an in-depth analysis, obviously. I've just started rewatching the whole thing, and there will be more time for that later. Just generally talking about what I liked... and that was a lot. Professionals who are actual fans of the original are the best to make something new of it.

All right, some more concrete facts: the lead actors are incredible. The chemistry between them is the best example for the old cliché of opposites attracting each other. The dialogues are well-written, and the way Benedict Cumberbatch delivers those unglodly long and complicated sentences without actually breathing in-between is simply amazing. He also has a beautiful voice; I can't wait to hear him as Smaug the dragon in the Hobbit movie. Tolkien says that dragons have mesmerising voices, and I must say that the actor was well cast for that. Plus, Martin Freeman plays Bilbo - how cool is that? The two of them facing each other as dragon and hobbit, playing riddles and stuff... for that alone, I'm willing to forgive Peter Jackson much. And I'm sure there'll be a great deal to forgive. Erm... yes... back to Sherlock.

I loved the producer guy who played Mycroft. He's so wonderfully slimy, and he's so obviously enjoying himself that one must love him. Moriarty as Sherlock's dark twin was mind-blowing, too. And all the supporting characters! For me, a series is about the characters in the first place, and their relationships with each other, and here we have the most amazing cast of them. Mrs Hudson alone would deserve a series of her own, and I like all the police people. I wonder, though, why does Sally Donovan hate Sherlock so much. She's obviously a smart woman, and much of what she said about Sherlock in the pilot does have its merit - see Moriarty. But why must she be so one-dimensional in her dislike?

I wish they'd have brought back Mike Standford. He's such a loveable guy, and chubby people don't appear often enoough in likeable roles on the telly. Molly and her crush on Sherlock is fun, too, although he really treats the poor woman like shit.

Okay, this wasn't very coherent, but I must go off and read some fanfic now.

Comments

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

I found the series a bit superficial & glossy, I fear. I liked the first episode more than any subsequent. I do agree the acting is superb -- particularly to my mind Freeman, who anchors the flights of Cumberbatch. I'm really looking forward to him as Bilbo.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Well, it's a matter of taste, I assume. I loved the whole thing to pieces - especially the flights of Cumberbatch. It's damn hard to deliver those lines in a manner that would be convincing, and IMO he's brilliant at it.

As for Freeman as Bilbo, that's about the only thing I'm looking forward to in the Hobbit movie. I'm dreading all the creative canon rape it will doubtlessly contain - just like the LOTR trilogy.

[lindahoyland.livejournal.com]

I enjoy it too.

[jen-rock.livejournal.com]

I've seen the first season and I loved it. The acting was all very good and I love how intense Cumberbatch is as Sherlock and the way Martin Freeman's Watson is torn between admiration and exasperation with his roommate. I dislike the female detective calling him a freak and constantly belittling him but I suppose they have to create conflict somehow.

I'm not sure if I like this version of Moriarty. He seems too manic and cackling. I like villains who are calm and collected and sure of their own superiority. This Moriarty acts like a spoiled brat looking for attention. But I want to see how the cliffhanger plays out before fully making up my mind. So I have to see season 2 as soon as possible.

[wiseheart.livejournal.com]

Yes, the reaction of the female detective seems a bit forced and one-dimensional. The screenwriters could have done a more subtle job on her. I like Moriarty myself - he gives me the impression of what Sherlock could have become, if things had gone wrong.