Sherlock (2010-) [Serial Review]


Created: Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman
Dur: 1 hr 30 mins on an average
Genre: Crime Thriller 
Rating: 7/10


I have watched seasons of Sherlock so far and it has been great! First and foremost, I have loved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books on Sherlock and have read every story I could get my hands on. The screenplay is pretty good. I especially like the smooth yet subtle transition the writers have made from ‘old-fashion’ to ultra-modern, writing Sherlock as a tech-savvy, brainy detective. The foundations are similar but the structure is almost entirely new and I loved that. Hats off to Mark and Steven for brilliantly bringing perhaps the greatest detective ever alive on the silver screen.

The first season is the starter. I really liked the way they introduce Sherlock and explain Watson’s backstory. You begin to understand the primary characters, all of whom do a fantastic job, by the way. Each season has only three episodes which is a shame as it leaves us pining for more (a lot more, in some cases like mine). Nevertheless, the first three cases are good, well-chosen and depicted and end on a high note with Sherlock coming face to face with his arch-nemesis, Moriarty (Andrew Scott). The season finale, is full of high-tension and leaves you on the edge of a cliff.

Season 2 begins where season 1 left off, with the resolution of the Sherlock-Moriarty meeting. Things progress from there and build up into a fantastic thrill. Season 2 really complements season 1 very well. The story builds up with every episode until a brilliant season finale. This is perhaps the best of the three seasons I have seen so far. Each episode had a gripping narrative and played no small part in the overall, larger story which comes to a jaw-dropping climax, which is unfortunately spoiled right at the very last scene, when the camera pans a little too off centre. I understand the reason for the spoiler but I think it would have helped the overall plot if they hadn’t let the mystery slip.

Season 3 begins well but takes another route altogether. The episodes are good but the overall story isn’t as exciting as the previous seasons. The season finale is great in keeping with the tradition of the previous seasons but the plot runs a bit dry. I seriously hope season 4 has greater thrills to offer.   

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