Reasons We Loved Watching TV in 20126 of 14
A few years ago one might have thought it highly unlikely that Sherlock Holmes would not only experience a sharp resurgence in popularity, but become emblematic of the idea that smart is the new sexy. Now, we have not just one incarnation of literature's most famous detective but two, with Jonny Lee Miller taking on the role in CBS's "Elementary (2012)" and Benedict Cumberbatch making young ladies swoon as an impossibly analytical, emotionally unavailable yet somehow undeniably seductive Holmes in BBC's "Sherlock (2010)".
In the contest of superiority between the two shows, however...well, there is no contest. Yes, "Sherlock" consists of six episodes in total, including the three that aired in 2012.
But in the course of its short run, the show modernized and transformed some of Holmes and Watson's most familiar classic cases into contemporary studies about the nature of obsession and mania, our reliance on technology and the danger of its convenience, and the pitfalls of fame and exposure.
While Cumberbatch gets a great deal of ink devoted to him in conversations about "Sherlock", Martin Freeman's performance provides a warm, grounding contrast to his co-star's cool prickliness. But where the show really crackles is in its modern re-sculpting of Moriarty (Andrew Scott) as an explosive, genius psychopath who can be everywhere and no place in particular at once. It is (was?) a brilliant presentation of Holmes's legendary adversary. Maybe we'll see more of him. Or... maybe we actually haven't even met Moriarty yet.
Yes, the season two finale and its shocking but uncertain climax is the reason viewers are clamoring for new episodes. But the intellectually-stimulating tango between Sherlock and Irene Adler, re-imagined in modern times as a high-priced dominatrix (Lara Pulver) gave us one of the smartest, sexiest, and most entertaining scenes on television this year.
Adler makes it her mission to best Sherlock, a man who collects the data to build his cases by utilizing his superhuman ability to notice small details. When they meet, she foils him at once -- by removing his ability to gather any information on her at first glance. Thus the dance begins.
Our turn with him, meanwhile, is still coming up. A date for "Sherlock's" return has not been set, and in fact, production has been delayed.
In the contest of superiority between the two shows, however...well, there is no contest. Yes, "Sherlock" consists of six episodes in total, including the three that aired in 2012.
But in the course of its short run, the show modernized and transformed some of Holmes and Watson's most familiar classic cases into contemporary studies about the nature of obsession and mania, our reliance on technology and the danger of its convenience, and the pitfalls of fame and exposure.
While Cumberbatch gets a great deal of ink devoted to him in conversations about "Sherlock", Martin Freeman's performance provides a warm, grounding contrast to his co-star's cool prickliness. But where the show really crackles is in its modern re-sculpting of Moriarty (Andrew Scott) as an explosive, genius psychopath who can be everywhere and no place in particular at once. It is (was?) a brilliant presentation of Holmes's legendary adversary. Maybe we'll see more of him. Or... maybe we actually haven't even met Moriarty yet.
Yes, the season two finale and its shocking but uncertain climax is the reason viewers are clamoring for new episodes. But the intellectually-stimulating tango between Sherlock and Irene Adler, re-imagined in modern times as a high-priced dominatrix (Lara Pulver) gave us one of the smartest, sexiest, and most entertaining scenes on television this year.
Adler makes it her mission to best Sherlock, a man who collects the data to build his cases by utilizing his superhuman ability to notice small details. When they meet, she foils him at once -- by removing his ability to gather any information on her at first glance. Thus the dance begins.
Our turn with him, meanwhile, is still coming up. A date for "Sherlock's" return has not been set, and in fact, production has been delayed.