The Spark's View:
In 2010, the BBC aired what was to become its most-watched drama series since 2001. Sherlock is a modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s collection of short stories about a detective, Sherlock Holmes. The series, created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, features Holmes in the modern world as he uses contemporary technology to help him solve crimes. Sherlock Holmes is played by the dashing Benedict Cumberbatch, and his companion, Dr. John Watson, is played by Martin Freeman. Sherlock is an amazing take on these classic stories.
Split into three ninety-minute episodes per season, each episode focuses on one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. My personal favorite episode, season two, episode one, A Scandal in Belgravia, centers around Lara Pulver as Irene Adler in a curious case which is more about Sherlock and John’s character development than the hunt for certain photographs Adler possessed. In both respects, it is a clever episode where you don’t quite realize the extent of what is happening until all of a sudden its already happened. Each installment is thrilling, suspenseful, and exciting as you watch Sherlock, a supposedly cold, hard man, race to save people’s lives and simultaneously spectate the depth of his relationship with Dr. Watson.
When casting for the role of Sherlock, Cumberbatch was the only actor to audition. He often plays brilliant, if slightly crazy, characters, and portrays the extraordinary side of people. After setting Cumberbatch, it was a matter of chemistry for choosing Dr. John Watson. One of the people to audition for this role was Matt Smith, but his personality was too eccentric for the straight-forward, clear-cut Watson. When Freeman auditioned, Sue Vertue, co-producer and wife of Moffat, commented on how immediately apparent the compatibility of Cumberbatch and Freeman was. Other major characters, such as Mycroft Holmes, Detective Inspector Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson, and Molly Hooper are excellently played by Mark Gatiss, Rupert Graves, Una Stubbs, and Louise Brealey. Sherlock’s nemesis, Jim Moriarty, is played by Andrew Scott. Introduced in the third season as John’s girlfriend and then wife is Amanda Abbington as Mary Morstan. Each character is brilliantly cast and their qualities create a captivating television series.
The filming of Sherlock is fascinating and certainly uncommon. Unlike many modern TV dramas, the filming itself is as interesting as the story. I have never seen a show with such fantastic filming. Usage of music, lighting, angles, and perspective in this series is brilliant. Series four was confirmed by the BBC and it will be premiering on Christmas 2014. Its fans eagerly await the show’s return, and in the meantime, I highly suggest that you catch up on the first three seasons.
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characters, and portrays the extraordinary side of people. After selecting Cumberbatch, it was a matter of chemistry for choosing Dr. John Watson. One of the people to audition for this role was Matt Smith, but his personality was too eccentric for the straight-forward, clear-cut Watson. When Freeman auditioned, Sue Vertue, co-producer and wife of Moffat, commented on how immediately apparent the compatibility of Cumberbatch and Freeman was. Other major characters, such as Mycroft Holmes, Detective Inspector Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson, and Molly Hooper are excellently played by Mark Gatiss, Rupert Graves, Una Stubbs, and Louise Brealey. Sherlock’s nemesis, Jim Moriarty, is played by Andrew Scott. Introduced in the third season as John’s girlfriend and then wife is Amanda Abbington as Mary Morstan. Each character is brilliantly cast and their qualities create a captivating television series.
The filming of Sherlock is fascinating and certainly uncommon. Unlike many modern TV dramas, the filming itself is as interesting as the story. I have never seen a show with such fantastic filming. Usage of music, lighting, angles, and perspective in this series is brilliant. Series four was confirmed by the BBC and it will be premiering on Christmas 2014. Its fans eagerly await the show’s return, and in the meantime, I highly suggest that you catch up on the first three seasons.
-Danica M.