Sherlock: Season 2 (2011/BBC Blu-ray)

 

Picture: B     Sound: B     Extras: B+     Episodes: A+

 

 

Anyone who has seen Sherlock: Season 1 (reviewed elsewhere on this site) knows that the Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss adaptation of the classic Conan Doyle tales deftly integrate the characters of Holmes & Watson into our modern era.  Benedict Cumberbatch (Holmes) and Martin Freeman (Watson) continue to inhabit their characters.  Cumberbatch’s blend of aloofness and brooding intensity wonderfully matches Freeman’s “normal guy” take on Dr. Watson. 

 

This too-brief season consists of three 90 minute episodes adapting three of the classic tales:  "A Scandal in Belgravia" (written by Moffat and directed by Paul McGuigan),  “The Hounds of Baskerville” (written by Gatiss and directed by McGuigan), “Reichenbach Fall” (written by Stephen Thompson and directed by Toby Haynes).  Andrew Scott possesses a maniacal brilliance in the role of master villain Jim Moriarty.  Beyond the three primary characters, every other bit of casting in the series shines, with each actor delivering just the right notes.

 

Una Stubbs deserves special mention as Mrs. Hudson, Holmes & Watson’s landlord/housekeeper.  Her character possesses an inner toughness and humor that meshes well with Mr. Cumberbatch’s severe Holmes.

 

The clever use of text messages projected onto the screen as characters read them, and the integration of the Internet and other modern communication mediums into the Holmes mythos brings the tales fully into the 21st century.  If Holmes did exist in our modern era, he would use technology as a tool as he does in this show, while at the same time both disdaining and coveting the fame it brings him.

 

While all three episodes are excellent, “Reichenbach Fall” stands out as the best.  Adapting Doyle’s “The Final Problem,” which detailed Moriarty’s “final” revenge on Holmes.  This version unravels the criminal genius’ amazing scheme to destroy and discredit Holmes, and packs a surprising ending. 

 

The picture and sound are at least as good as the last Blu-ray set and maybe just a bit better, so this is the preferred way to watch the show, epesicllay if you own a home theater system.  Extras include a plethora of interviews, behind the scenes shots, and added information that will help fans learn just how much work goes into the development and production of this amazing series.

 

Viewers will get more detective thrills out the 270 minutes worth of Sherlock than from entire seasons of some other shows.  What to do next after watching these and perhaps re-reading the tales they’re based on?  Elementary, my dear viewer--wait patiently for Season 3!

 

 

-   Scott Pyle