Sherlock: simply the best

[RabbitPam]

MM,

Starting a new thread because I just saw the new BBC episode, Sherlock: A Study in Pink, and I love, love LOVED it!!!!!

I have been a SH fan since I was 14 and read the Complete Sherlock Holmes. All of them. Every last story. And then I devoured Basil Rathbone movies, worked on portraits and illustrations, and finally taped and drew Jeremy Brett’s Masterpiece Theatre version. Loved him as the classic.

But I am truly enamoured of this particular adaptation. Unlike the ahem, movie with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law (excellent as 2 of my favorite actor eye candies, but a truly awful version of the Holmes canon) this one is brilliant!

I have enjoyed every bit, from the modern interpretation of “what would Sherlock do if he were here today?” to the acting, film direction, and little spins on the original story. The creators (one of them plays Microft, by the way) are definitely original Holmes fans. They gently poke and joke with such classics as a “3-pipe problem” and the clue that “Rache” is a German word. (Holmes originally put that theory forth in the book, here he dismisses the far-fetched notion. Well played.)

But my biggest compliment goes to this version’s Dr. Watson. Never has he been played with such subtlety and believable finess. He is intelligent, incredulous, down to earth but willing to be adventurous, and his face shows all the thoughts most of us would have before going along with this guy. He was always smart enough to keep up, here he acts as if it’s his choice to do so. A dumb Watson is a dull Watson, and he was no dummy, here or in the books. Bravo!

[Sarita]

I love love love Sherlock Holmes! I love my Complete SH’s too and never ever get tired of them. I’ve also loved some “spin-off” books of Sherlock Holmes. I’m going to see if I can find the BBC version on-line.

This would be a perfect time to reread “The Hounds of the Baskervilles”.

I kind of have my own romantic idea of what I think Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are like too.

[RabbitPam]

I thought you would be a true Baker Street Irregular, Sarita.

The BBC version is showing on PBS Masterpiece. The US airing was 1st episode last week, 2nd in Nov. and 3rd and final for this season in Dec. I think.
The DVD is coming out on Nov. 9th. My b-day next month. Guess what I’m treating myself to?

[MimzMum]

Oh Pam, I’m glad to see this thread. Didn’t want to completely hijack the other, but have been too under the weather this week to spend much time here.
My daughter is the Sherlock fan originally…she reads things I wouldn’t dream of, including any mysteries she can get her hands on, plus she’s gotten me into Agatha Christie’s Poirot (one of my late mum’s faves) and she also has gone through every Jane Austin she can get her hands on. (to assuage the hopeless romantic) We both were shocked to see Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffatt in the credits, much less as the former actually PLAYING a part…although he’s an excellent actor from what few things I’ve seen him do.

I am disappointed only in that this is but a three part play. Seriously, it should go into several seasons. But perhaps that would spoil it, as too much House has for me.
On that note, I wonder if any here have caught Doc Martin? Another PBS British dramedy that is at once dry and yet tends to catch me off guard in a fit of giggles as most UK comedy does.

I think too that I’ll have to get the Holmes deevs when they show up…will make a good Xmas gift for the daughter (provided the show doesn’t go too far astray of hr more modest tastes in future). And yes, I did not go to see the Downey Sherlock, one; I don’t frequent theaters and two; just didn’t look good enough to go.

[RabbitPam]

I think there’s hope that it will be 3 this season, since the DVD is entitled ‘Season One”.
I feel the same way about House. It just fell off for me. I actually prefer Hugh Laurie’s natural accent. He’d make a good Sherlock, too.

I doubt it would get old as long as they stick to the Holmes story plots. That’s a lot of material to work with.

I read up on the series on Wikipedia. Very informative. Now my niece is working in London and I am about to order her to make a pilgrimage to 221B on my behalf. My parents went there too, once.

I am a mystery buff also. If your daughter wants some good authors, I’ll give you some. I am a binge mystery author reader.

[Sarita]

I’d love to know too RP – I LOVE mysteries. Those are my first choice and then thrillers. I love PD James and Elizabeth George – there are many many more but those come to mind speaking of Sherlock Homes since they are British.

[Sarita]

Well Elizabeth George is American but her novels are set in Britian. PD James is British and I love her Adam Dalgliesh. Of course I LOVE Hercule Poirot too.

[RabbitPam]

Sarita I KNEW you would be in on this, and you beat me to it! I was just going to suggest Elizabeth George first. Her writing leaves everyone else in her dust. Starting at the beginning, ie. the first written, helps a lot.
PD James of course.

Years ago I went through Dorothy Sayers, with the Lord Peter Whimsey and Harriet Vane series. Those were much better once Harriet came on the scene. A 4 book running romance with a mystery in each one.

I also devoured Tony Hillerman’s books. He wrote about two Native American policemen out western US. Contemporary, very, very good.

Read several of the Dave Robicheau (main character, not author) mysteries that take place in New Orleans and northern bayou. Pre-katrina settings were really nice. Good characters.

For a first novel, in honor of Halloween, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe is excellent if you like Salem Witch Trials.

[Sarita]

Those all sound wonderful! I’ve seen Dorothy L. Sayers of course, but I’ve yet to read her – need to read her now.

Have you read Anne Perry’s Monk Series – very good too.

[RabbitPam]

I haven’t. Going to look them up.

[Author]

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