Sherlock: A Study in Pink

If you have Netflix, you need to immediately go watch Sherlock.  The BBC was kind enough to broadcast a modern take on Sherlock Holmes starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.  If those names don't excite you, they should.  If you've seen Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, you've already seen Cumberbatch in action.  If you go see the upcoming Hobbit movies, you'll be exposed to both actors.  The former is responsible for Smog, while the latter will be representing Bilbo.  See?  I told you to be excited, and I was right.

I suppose I can't expect you to blindly follow my instructions, so let me back up my suggestion with some explanation.  Sherlock consists of three episodes per season.  Each episode is more like a movie.  They run about an hour and a half in length, with three episodes in the first season.  The first season is available on Netflix, with the second season just now finishing up across the pond.  We won't be able to see it until sometime in May.

A Study in Pink is the first episode of season one and acts as an introduction to both Sherlock and Dr. Watson.  While some movies struggle to introduce characters and establish them as realistic people in over two hours, the writers, with some assistance from one Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, set up the characters and their relationship in a relatively short period of time.  Obviously, Sherlock is not a realistic character, but that doesn't matter.  Cumberbatch is a joy to watch as Sherlock Holmes.  His performance is tempered by that of Martin Freeman as Watson.  Together, they have good chemistry and are believable as the classis duo.

The episode is well paced, so you do not grow bored.  Unlike the new Sherlock Holmes films by Guy Ritchie, Sherlock is not an action hero.  On a side note, I also like those movies, but comparing the two is like comparing apples and tacos.  The BBC series doesn't treat the audience as if they have no brain, but they do a good job of translating Holmes' through process.  Having never read one of the original novels, I can't say how the show compares to them.  On the other hand, the show makes me want to read those books.

To summarize, you need to check out Sherlock on Netflix.  Well, you could also buy it.  That would also be good, very good.  The excellent casting, good pacing, and wonderful writing combined with the impressive production values make this show worth watching.  Each episode is a self contained story, so you do not have to commit to the whole series to give it a go.  Frankly, if you watch A Study in Pink, you'll watch the other episodes.  It's that good.

(Moved from FB - January 18, 2012)