TV: Sherlock

[wideawakewesley]

There's finally been a press release announcing one of my most anticipated TV shows of the year...Sherlock.

BBC Worldwide and PBS' Masterpiece Theatre will co-produce a remake of "Upstairs Downstairs," as well as new series based on Sherlock Holmes and Aurelio Zen novels.

The announcement takes a page from the big broadcast network playbook, giving PBS a trio of popular titles with two that tap into the crime procedural genre.

"Sherlock" will present a fast-paced 21st century spin on the classic detective stories set in modern-day London and stars Benedict Cumberbatch ("Atonement,") Holmes and Martin Freeman ("The Office UK," "Hot Fuzz" as Dr. Watson.

"Upstairs Downstairs" will air in 2011 will be set in the same house as the original in 1936, during the period leading up to World War II. "Upstairs Downstairs" won seven Emmys during its run on "Masterpiece Theatre" in the 1970s.

And finally, Rufus Sewell ("The Eleventh Hour") will star as Italian detective Aurelio Zen in three episodes based on the mystery novel by Michael Dibden. The series is being shot in Italy.

“I’m so proud of this particular group of programs,” says 'Masterpiece' executive producer Rebecca Eaton. “These three series say everything about what 'Masterpiece' aims to be: iconic, rich with wonderful actors, witty, literate, and timeless. I can’t wait to see them all.”

"Upstairs Downstairs" is a BBC/Masterpiece co-production; "Sherlock" is a Hartswood Films and Masterpiece co-production; "Aurelio Zen" is produced by Left Bank Pictures for the BBC in association with RTI (Mediaset Group), Masterpiece and ZDF.


I'll be interested to see what the other two shows turn out like, but Sherlock has the acting and writing talent to be something special.

[wideawakewesley]

The show airs on July 25th, here's a bit more info...

Other detectives have cases, Sherlock has adventures

Benedict Cumberbatch (Small Island, Starter For Ten) and Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy) star in Sherlock, a thrilling, fast-paced update of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective, set in present-day London, for BBC One.

Sherlock is co-created by the hugely talented partnership of Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss (The League Of Gentlemen, Crooked House, Doctor Who) and produced by Sue Vertue (Coupling, The Cup).

The three, 90-minute films, written by Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and Steve Thompson (Whipping It Up, Mutual Friends) are directed by Paul McGuigan (Lucky Number Slevin, Gangster No. 1, The Acid House) and Euros Lyn (Doctor Who, Torchwood).

In this unique adaptation, the iconic details from Conan Doyle's original books remain. They live at the same address, are only interested in the bizarre and, somewhere out there, Moriarty is waiting for them.

Sherlock also stars Rupert Graves (God On Trial, Midnight Man) as Detective Inspector Lestrade, Scotland Yard's finest, largely because Sherlock allows him to take credit for his deductions, and Una Stubbs (EastEnders, The Catherine Tate Show) as Mrs Hudson, their long-suffering housekeeper.

Steven Moffat says: "Everything that matters about Holmes and Watson is the same. Conan Doyle's stories were never about frock coats and gas light ? they're about brilliant detection, dreadful villains and blood curdling crimes and frankly, to hell with the crinoline.

"Mark and I have been talking about this project for years, on long train rides to Cardiff for Doctor Who. Quite honestly, we'd still be talking about it if Sue Vertue, of Hartswood Films, hadn't sat us down for lunch and got us to work."

Mark Gatiss says: "The fact that Steven, myself and millions of others are still addicted to Conan Doyle's brilliant stories is testament to their indestructibility.

"They're as vital, lurid, thrilling and wonderful as they ever were. It's a dream come true to be making a new TV series and, in Benedict and Martin, we have the perfect Holmes and Watson for our time."

Sherlock was commissioned by Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One, and Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning.

Sherlock is executive produced by Beryl Vertue, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat. The BBC executive producer is Bethan Jones.

Sherlock is a Hartswood Films production for BBC Wales, co-produced with Masterpiece. Rebecca Eaton is the executive producer for Masterpiece.

Sherlock is simulcast on the BBC HD channel ? the BBC's High Definition channel, available through Freesat 108, Freeview 50, Sky 143 and Virgin 108.

http://www.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/sherlock_holmes_bbc_tv_series_image_02.png

Writer Steven Moffat has claimed that actor Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect in the lead role of upcoming BBC drama Sherlock.

The three-part series will see the adventures of Holmes (Cumberbatch) and his partner Watson (Martin Freeman) transported to 21st century London.

Moffat told Last Broadcast: "Benedict came in and read for us and we thought 'Just look at him'. He looked right, sounded right and had huge talent. He's got an extraordinary face, amazing eyes and cheek bones - it all just comes together."

"One of the critical things is to be able to play the cleverness [of Holmes] and the deductions without seeming smug," he explained. "I think Benedict has the right balance of warmth alongside an unapologetic assumption of imperiousness, which is spot on."

Moffat - who has written the first episode of the new series - also revealed that he is a great fan of the partnership between the characters of Holmes and Watson.

"Benedict is playing a cold, almost alien-like man in Sherlock and John Watson is the person who humanises him - they are a unit together," he said. "We've all grown up with these two characters, they are a joy to write, a joy to watch and a joy to be with. You get that when you find a Holmes and Watson that work so well together."

The Moffat-written episode of Sherlock, 'A Study In Pink', will be followed by 'The Blind Banker' by Doctor Who writer Mark Gatiss and 'The Great Game' by Stephen Thompson

http://www.bscreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/sherlock_holmes_bbc.jpg

Writers Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have revealed that new BBC drama Sherlock will not focus heavily on the great detective's drug abuse.

Speaking to Last Broadcast, the pair explained that the use of drugs was not as prominent a theme in Conan Doyle's original stories as some viewers might think.

"Many people point out the drug use in Sherlock Holmes, but there are more references to Sherlock Holmes laughing than there are to taking cocaine or morphine but, oddly enough, people never think about that," argued Gatiss.

He added: "I understand why, but the important thing is to not get it out of context with the rest of the character."

Doctor Who showrunner Moffat explained that he and Gatiss had considered Holmes's drug habit when adapting the character for the modern age.

"I think you'd have to ask the question, would a man like Sherlock Holmes be a coke addict today?" he said. "In Victorian times everybody was taking some kind of drug, largely because there was no such thing as a painkiller. It is a very different thing to say that Sherlock Holmes is a coke addict now."

Moffat wrote the first episode of the series, titled 'A Study In Pink', while Gatiss penned following instalment 'The Blind Banker'.

[wideawakewesley]

Sherlock starts at 9pm this Sunday in the UK, it's getting a decent amount of buzz. We'll review it on the Weekly Geekly Podcast released on the 2nd August.

[tsmith15]

Looks great, will definitely download.

[wideawakewesley]

Having just watched the first episode, you'd be crazy not to seek this out.

[areon]

good stuff sir really enjoyed it!
thanks for mentioning it !

[quence]

When I found out this was from the same man who made Jekyll, I was extremely excited. And after watching the first episode, I'm definitely not disappointed! The lead actors are perfectly cast, and incredibly fun to watch. It's a little heart wrenching to think there will only be three episodes.

The show has also inspired me to read the original stories, which is something that while I enjoyed it, the recent movie did not do.

[tsmith15]

What are the ethics on torrenting a show like this, because I know there's no way I'll ever be able to watch it on TV, and who knows if I'll ever be able to buy it on DVD...

[wideawakewesley]

What are the ethics on torrenting a show like this, because I know there's no way I'll ever be able to watch it on TV, and who knows if I'll ever be able to buy it on DVD...

Well I know it's going to be shown in the states (BBC America most likely) and DVDs can always be imported, so you would be able to get it, but I personally don't think there's any harm if you think it's likely to be beyond your reach.

[k4ng]

Just finished watching the first episode. It was absolutely brilliant! Everybody NEEDS to check out this show. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have such good chemistry together. I love how it's edited, especially the awesome dual screen transitions they do with opening doors.

And love love loved the reveal of who the man with the umbrella was!!!

Sherlock is so hot...

[diane]

Sherlock is so hot...

Agreed. I might be able to get my sister to watch because of that aspect.

[tai_pan]

I was bummed to see that Moffet didn't write the 2nd two episodes. That the third episode was writen by Mark Gattis is interesting only because he also plays Mycroft. But since Gattis also wrote a somewhat less than thrilling episode of Dr Who recently involving Winston Churchill and Daleks I have my doubts.

[wideawakewesley]

I was bummed to see that Moffet didn't write the 2nd two episodes. That the third episode was writen by Mark Gattis is interesting only because he also plays Mycroft. But since Gattis also wrote a somewhat less than thrilling episode of Dr Who recently involving Winston Churchill and Daleks I have my doubts.

Well the 2nd ep wasn't quite up to the level of the first, but it was still very good TV. The last episode airs this Sunday, so lets hope it goes out with a bang and not a whimper.

The Weekly Geekly review of Sherlock is now live: http://bit.ly/aDmbFi

[quence]

Third episode was excellent! Definitely made up for the somewhat less than second ep.

Awfully cruel of them to end on a cliffhanger however, when they knew full well they might not be making any more.

[areon]

ya enjoyed the third as well. curious to wesley's opinion as he is the one who recommended it.

[wideawakewesley]

Loved episode 1, enjoyed episode 2 and loved episode 3. The characters and their relationships, the cleverness of the scripts, the wonderful humour, the way it's shot and the excellent use of "subtitles" all make for a special show. Moriaty was a superb revelation and not what I was expecting at all, but bravo to the actor, he played him magnificently. Incredibly brave to end the show the way they did too.

From what I'm reading online, Moriaty or rather this interpretation of Moriaty is very much a marmite affair, you either love him or you hate him. For many, it seems to have spoiled an excellent piece of TV. I'll admit, I initially thought it was going to do that for me, but then the actor showed more devil and ultimately won me over.

[quence]

Moriarty definitely bordered a little too close to comical at points, so I could understand if people aren't into it. I thought it was balanced enough in the end though, and they definitely succeeded in making him a memorable villain.

[wideawakewesley]

PBS has picked up BBC's Sherlock: http://bit.ly/94iv8s

[cucumberboy]

Wes, dude. Thank you so much for recommending this. It was so awesome. It hit a lot of notes that the recent R.D.Jr vehicle did not.

The rache bit gave me an instant nerd-brain-boner.

EDIT: some character issues but oh well...

[tai_pan]

Well I wasn't surprised to see that Gattis packed so much in the third episode but with the 90-minute format it really worked. And was anyone surprised to see Moffat confirm that there would be more Sherlock?

http://blogtorwho.blogspot.com/2010/08/steven-moffat-bbc-breakfast-interview.html

[scoparker]

LOVED THIS SHOW! I was really skeptical about the Sherlock character at first, given the youth of the actor and the myriad previous interpretations (including Hugh Laurie as House). But he really grew on me, along with his relationship to Watson.

The only unfortunate thing about this show is it's limited series of three episodes and a one-year delay until the next one as a result of Moffat's commitment to Doctor Who. It's too bad he couldn't pass along the showrunner position to someone else, and simply write the occasional episode, but I suppose it will be worth the wait.

- Scott

[meyert11]

I've loved the 1st 2 episodes. Its a show that I can watch with my wife, which is becoming a rarety besides Top Chef. TRS guys should check it out.

[zombierin]

I absolutely adored this show. Benedict Cumberbatch is a gem (not to mention has one of the best names I have ever heard.)

[damnedeyez]

this seriously needs to be a 2-series a year show. That, or maybe a 90minute show every month.

[areon]

Series 2 started tonight, how was it!

[tsmith15]

Didn't notice this thread before, but I watched the first Series on netflix a few weeks ago and it was fucking amazing. Great show, can't wait to see more (if it ever gets released legally to Canadian television).

[wideawakewesley]

Series 2 started tonight, how was it!

The first episode of Series 2 blew Series 1 out of the water. Better in every way. I hope the next two episodes keep that up!

I'd go so far as to say I don't think there will be a single episode of TV that is better than that all year (unless it's another Sherlock one).

[areon]

That's great to hear! Only had to wait 16 months or so haha.

[andyh07]

While watching the first series of Sherlock I was convinced that it had been made in another city (like Cardiff is used as London a lot in Doctor Who or Vancouver is used for Anytown, USA). So convinced was I that when I saw a street scene in "A Study in Pink" I quickly did a Google Map search to prove my theory.

I admit that I was wrong and the scene was filmed in London, but, if you do a similar search do you notice anything strangely coincidental nearby?

BTW loved Series 2 Ep 1, but Ep 2 not so much.

[satori]

I'm sad I can't see these till whenever someone at the BBC feels Canada exists.

[wideawakewesley]

I'm sad I can't see these till whenever someone at the BBC feels Canada exists.

There are plenty of ways, none of which I'm advocating, but they'd be worth it.

[tsmith15]

I'm going to wait as long as I can for a legal avenue to see this. The first series was one of the best things I've ever watched regardless of country of origin. Same goes for Luther.

[panlid]

Just watched the last episode of season 2 (i'm in the UK), and of course no spoilers but for those who are unfortunately having to wait to watch it, sit tight, it will be worth it. Best episode of the lot. Truly magic.

[wideawakewesley]

Just watched the last episode of season 2 (i'm in the UK), and of course no spoilers but for those who are unfortunately having to wait to watch it, sit tight, it will be worth it. Best episode of the lot. Truly magic.

I think I preferred the first episode, but by miniscule amounts. Certainly this series has topped the first series by quite a way.

[panlid]

Couldn't agree more about the season as a whole.

[damnedeyez]

I think I preferred the first episode, but by miniscule amounts. Certainly this series has topped the first series by quite a way.

...what he said.