Sherlock: Solving Crimes Has Never Been More Stimulating

I've already raved on this blog about Steven Moffat and his genius knack for writing the best TV episodes on either side of the Atlantic. So it should come as no surprise that I watched the return of Sherlock (by the way, what a brilliant way to ring in the New Year, well done BBC!) and am here to tell you to drop everything and watch it right away.

Some background - Sherlock is the modern-day retelling of Sherlock Holmes, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman playing Holmes and Watson. It is hilarious, sophisticated, and displays a complete understanding of these characters, so that even though the world they inhabit is far removed from Victorian England, you couldn't care less. There has never been more a more accurate depiction of Holmes and Watson than in this series, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would probably have to concede that Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss were was the only writers fit to carry on his legacy.

The first series lasted all of three episodes and was mindblowingly fantastic. Cumberbatch deserves an award just for the tongue-twisting dialogue that he has to utter on a regular basis. Freeman is perfect as the sensible Dr. Watson, newly returned from Afghanistan with a psychosomatic limp that Holmes quickly diagnoses. The modern-day setting is a revelation because it allows Watson to blog about his adventures with Sherlock, send him texts, discuss cases via Skype, and come up with all sorts of ways to keep Sherlock in the loop without needing him to leave 221B Baker Street for long. We were also introduced to Holmes's brother, Mycroft, his assistant (who may or may not be the future Mary Watson), the much put-upon landlady, Mrs. Hudson, and of course, consulting criminal and Holmes's arch nemesis, Jim Moriarty. Each one of these characters is a loving ode to the originals, with nice twists to keep them fresh and funny for the modern age.

The second series which premiered on New Year's Day is also only going to last three episodes. But these are 90-minute episodes, so really it's like watching a movie every week for three weeks. A very smart, impeccably crafted, Oscar-worthy movie. The first episode, "A Scandal in Belgravia," introduces Holmes' only romantic interest, Irene Adler. And what a worthy woman she is. Sparkling with wit, intelligence, and dominatrix charm, she plays Sherlock like a fiddle, giving him an endless array of puzzles to challenge and excite him. Lara Pulver is absolutely stunning and someone needs to give the woman a show of her own. As for the episode itself? Well. I don't even know where to begin. Let's just say it was utterly preposterous to see how brilliant it was. Moffat has fully outdone himself and this is only the first episode. Every minute counts and there are no wasted scenes, which you will find out as you hurtle towards the denouement. And as ever, it is wickedly funny with lashes of sarcasm, danger, and suspense. There are intricate mysteries that are solved with Holmes's trademark finesse and your jaw will hit the floor as you learn all the answers, which is probably how most people react when they read any Sherlock Holmes story.

Frankly, instead of watching Robert Downey Jr. punch people on the big screen, just buy the Sherlock DVD and indulge in quality entertainment. The next episode will be "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and I can't wait to see what Moffat and Gatiss's take is on this story. I've never been looking forward to a Sunday night more in my life.