Friday, 17 January 2014

Sherlock the BBC Series

by Amanda Lee Yue Ping, Junior 2 Cempaka, Class of 2014



Only recently have I discovered the great joy that is Sherlock, the BBC series. As the third season has just finished airing, you could say I’m a little new on the scene. There have been so many takes on the coat-wearing, pipe-smoking, violin virtuoso cum private detective, one wonders how this one will be any different. But of course, it is.

I think the BBC struck gold when they asked Benedict Cumberbatch to step into the shoes and black coat (with a upturned collar of course) of Sherlock Holmes. No one has played the role better. Since the first episode ‘A Study In Pink’ graced screens, Cumberbatch has then been known to play characters in the quirky but brilliant department.

“Dear God. What is it like in your funny little brains? It must be so boring." 
- Sherlock Holmes, A Study In Pink

With scathing remarks (Sherlock's forte) combined with his trademark arrogance and superiority complex, the role must be fun to play. The fast dialogue takes a little getting used to, but it keeps you on your toes as he is always a step or two ahead of the audience. He wins the who-plays-Sherlock-Holmes-better battle hands down, beating all the other 70-plus Sherlock actors on the list flat. Except perhaps Robert Downey Jr.


Though Sherlock is indubitably the show’s main character, it would only be half the show it is without his right-hand man, the good Dr. Watson. Over the past few years, we’ve seen almost as many Watsons as we’ve seen Sherlocks. Straying most from the path would be the Watson played by Lucy Liu in the television series Elementary. A girl Dr. Watson, seriously? They get points for trying to be creative, but the friendship and bromance between the two main characters in the BBC's Sherlock is one of the highlights of the series. In fact, in the second episode of the third and latest season, Watson’s wedding scene just tugs at your heartstrings - especially when it’s time for the best man’s speech. 

"Listen, what I said before, John, I meant it. I don't have friends; I've just got one" - Sherlock Holmes, The Hounds of Baskerville

Though Sherlock and Dr. Watson usually steal the show, the appearance of Irene Adler made the ‘Scandal In Belgravia’ episode one of my favourites. Come on, it‘s Irene Adler — the only adversary who Sherlock never completely bested in Doyle's original novels. While they didn’t take it that far in the BBC series, she definitely came close to besting him, and it is evident that Sherlock has some feelings for her — whether of the platonic or the romantic, Moffat and Gatiss make it hard to tell. Plus points to Irene, since she’s the opposite sex. It’s nice to see that Sherlock is also only human at times. 

“Brainy is the new sexy.” - Irene Adler, A Scandal in Belgravia



Besides the femme fatale, there were moments galore for a Benedict Cumberbatch fangirl in this episode. Case in point, the Holmes’ brothers tirade, when Sherlock, draped only in a towel, argued with his brother, Mycroft in Buckingham palace.

"We are in Buckingham Palace, the very heart of the British nation. Sherlock Holmes, put your trousers on!"
- Mycroft Holmes, A Scandal In Belgravia

Moffat and Gatiss definitely tease the viewers with the sultry Irene Adler, but Sherlock has another potential romantic interest in the series. Enter shy, odd, awkward Molly Hooper, the only prominent character who is not from the original novels. At first, Moffat and Gatiss only wrote her into the first episode, but the few minutes of her screen time were enough to make the fan base fall in love with her. With the hints of Sherlock warming to her in season two, it is no surprise that a ‘Sherlolly’ fan base has grown.



“You look sad. When you think he can’t see you. Are you okay? And don’t just say you are, because I know what that means, looking sad when you think no one can see you."
- Molly Hooper, The Reichenbach Fall

My second favourite episode is without a doubt ‘The Reichenbach Fall’, where the showdown between Sherlock and his his other less sexy but crazier adversary, James Moriarty appears after an entire season of buildup. With numerous nail-biting cases to solve in this episode and one of the most intense endings on the show ever (plus, the Sherlolly moment everyone been waiting for), this episode certainly has it all, minus an Irene Adler reprise. Though you know Sherlock never truly dies, his suicidal jump off the hospital roof will leave you wondering how he could have survived — if you’re not blinded by tears after his suicide ‘note’ and Watson’s brilliant, heart-wrenching acting.

Finally, after a two-year long wait — which I’m assured by my sister is sadly the norm waiting period for a season — Sherlock has returned! There was also a teaser aptly termed Many Happy Returns as shown below. 



So far, I’ve only got time to get through the first two episodes. Episode one will have Sherlolly lovers squealing like mad. Season three definitely amps it up a level. Fans will know the delectable hair-ruffle scene that I am referring to. Episode two will make your heart break a little inside. Besides that, you might be relieved to know that Watson’s pre-Sherlock-is-alive facial hair (more like facial monstrosity) will be gone about halfway through the episode. Watson also meets his match and ties the knot with Mrs. Mary Watson, quite a likable character in the show...so far.

The third and final episode of the season awaits, and my sister says that it’s quite a shocker. So, should I study for tomorrow’s physics quiz or watch Sherlock? It’s elementary, my dear Watson.

38 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I make sure you will be mosting likely to have an exploring Dream League Soccer you a remarkable experience. While you are running short of storage.

    ReplyDelete
  3. After reading this post, i think no one will have any question related to Sherlock BBC series. You did good research and then make this post which is complete valuable for the interested people. Actually, I want uk assignment writing service but there are a lot of useful more students related content in this site.

    ReplyDelete
  4. These outdoor movie screens are great. I recently purchased Gemmy 39127-32 Deluxe Outdoor Inflatable Movie Screen. It is quite expensive but is worth the pay. Since it is wider it has more stability too.asian antique

    ReplyDelete
  5. Because it will give you the opportunity to know the know how of a company . Because it allows you to know in real time the practices of a leader . Because it allows you to understand how the work should be carried out , what procedures should be followed and what are the methods . Because "being the shadow" of an executive will allow you to meet the rest of the company's staff and interact with them. If you want to participate in our program, do not hesitate and sign up on our website. More than 50 young people have already experienced the Shadowing experience, join them too! Best Essay Help - Writing techniques for an attractive essay genre

    ReplyDelete
  6. DESCRIPTION:Τα τελευταία χρόνια επεκτείναμε σταδιακά τις δραστηριότητες μας εκτός τις Αποφράξεις αποχετευτικών αγωγών και εκκενώσεις βόθρων, τώρα αναλαμβάνουμε υπεύθυνα απολυμάνσεις κτηρίων και έκδοση κοινοχρήστων, θέλοντας να προσφέρουμε ολοκληρωμένες υπηρεσίες στις κτηριακές ανάγκες.apofraxeis

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Way you Express is Awesome, I really loved your article.
    For any life Problem Free Online Tarot Card Reading App for Career & Finance Tarot

    ReplyDelete
  8. Most of the astrological analysis’s are made based on the birth star or birth Rashi. For finding your birth star and Rashi use our birth star calculator.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Meskipun Sherlock tidak diragukan lagi adalah karakter utama pertunjukan, itu hanya akan menjadi setengah dari pertunjukan itu tanpa tangan kanannya, slot deposit pulsa yang baik.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for sharing this post with the community! Check out our Nakshatra Calculator to find out your Rasi Nakshatra for free.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Business Think Learning Solutions
    www.businessthink.in
    One of India & South Asia’s best known Business Training & Simulation Provider
    Unforgettable Business Learning with Simulations

    ReplyDelete
  12. Japan is an area in which we discover maximum of the world's most up-to-date discoveries. In the beyond few decades, Japan has been the hub region or you may say a birthplace for Information Technology and digital items and innovations as well. In this regard, Japanese businesses are having manpower troubles, and to conquer those troubles we're looking to be the quality recruitment organisation for Japan.

    ReplyDelete


  13. I am genuinely glad to glance at this weblog posts which carries plenty of helpful data, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.Travel Tips

    ReplyDelete
  14. The information you provide is incredible and I appreciate your sharing. If your system isn’t supported in wireless display , go to this website and find a simple solution to this issue.live pure cleanse

    ReplyDelete
  15. I feel extremely cheerful to have seen your post. I found the most beautiful and fascinating one. I am really extremely glad to visit your post.order botox injections online near me

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great article..so informative.. thank you for posting such a good quality of data… keep posting.guided tours in israel

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi, The article posted was very informative and useful. You people are doing a great job. Keep going.braces colors

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi, Your blog provided us with valuable information to work with. Each & every tips of your post are awesome.guided tours in israel

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi
    I am genuinely glad to glance at this weblog posts which carries plenty of helpful data, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.art and craft online course

    ReplyDelete
  20. American Crisis Prevention and Management Association Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification course can be conveniently done online or in the classroom. Also known as AB 508 certification training, mab certification online or managing aggressive behavior is a training for healthcare professionals, teachers, law enforcement agents., and other individuals that come in contact with potential aggression. Nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals receive CE credits at the end of the course.MAB Nursing Certification

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi,
    I am genuinely glad to glance at this weblog posts which carries plenty of helpful data, thanks for providing these kinds of statistics.best diamond stud earrings

    ReplyDelete
  22. You have well explained. It helped me to gain a better understanding of the whole process in detail. This Blog is interesting and please checkout for more information.Ramadan workout tips

    ReplyDelete


  23. Very informative post, You have well explained. It helped me to gain a better understanding of the whole process in detail. This Blog is interesting and please checkout for more information.maldives speed boats

    ReplyDelete
  24. Male Maldives is the capital and the Maldives' main island. With a population of 133,412 residents and an estimated 50,000 workers in an area of 1.92 square kilometers, the city is one of the world's most densely populated cities. Male is situated on the southernmost tip of the North Male' Atoll (Kaafu Atoll), directly across from the Maldives International Airport. Male Maldives is a fantastic spot to visit for a short time. It houses many of the country's most important icons and landmarks. Among them, one of the most well-known among visitors is: (Old friday mosque, Stingray point, Fish -market, Artificial beach, Victory monument, Male Square, Museum, Souvenir Street etc...). During peak hours, the streets are very narrow and congested.male maldives

    ReplyDelete
  25. Absolutely love the content that you share with us, it is so easy to understand and provide knowledge as well, thank you so very much for sharing such content. Looking forward to read your other post.Bluetooth Mic

    ReplyDelete
  26. Movies4me Hindi web series download, Hindi dubbed Malayalam, Hindi dubbed Tamil, Hindi dubbed Telugu movies
    Movie4me
    Hindi dubbed Hollywood movies download, South Hindi Dubbedin theaters before or during their release
    Movie4me
    Hindi movies download website is accessible to all and lets you watch movies online and downloads most recent movies with no risk of virus.
    Movie4me

    ReplyDelete
  27. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast.ronaldo merchandise børn

    ReplyDelete
  28. I amazed with the examination you made to make this real post fantastic. Phenomenal work! irescopk.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I astounded with the assessment you made to make this genuine post phenomenal. Remarkable work! myindigocard login

    ReplyDelete
  30. You look very happy. I wish you all the best. Thank you
    makita tools UK

    ReplyDelete
  31. Does any dermatologist here need dermal filler and pdo thread? You can check this: https://www.dermaxmed.com/Poly-L-Lactic-Acid-Plla-Injection-Filler-pd43922395.html https://www.dermaxmed.com/buy-aqua-secret-hyaluronic-acid-injections-online.html

    Thank you very much.

    ReplyDelete