The Show: Sherlock from The BBC

The BBC’s Sherlock Season I – $24.99

Somebody buy the writer(s) of this series a thank-you drink.  It’s astoundingly well written, shot, and the two actors cast as the 21st century versions of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are nails.  The first season is three 90-minute episodes, which feel more like movies well worth paying $9.00 to see in the theater.  The extended times make for more in-depth storytelling, as well as the perfect DVD to throw in when you’re having a quiet night at home.

Watson (Martin Freeman) is the guy you’re rooting for.  Recently back from Afghanistan, he’s an Army Doctor who’s one of the few people who can actually stand the prickish as he is obscenely intelligent Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch).  Freeman won a best supporting actor BAFTA while Cumberbatch was nominated for lead.  You’d think they would have been up for the opposite awards (despite Sherlock’s name being on the title), but regardless, the interaction between the two is well deserving of the nods.
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Sherlock is slick, and it balances intensity, action, mystery, just enough comedy, and terrific dialogue, all against a backdrop of modern day London.  And the clothes ain’t half bad either.

Season II is in the works and should show up later this year.

For more, see the full season one preview here, and the show’s home on the BBC website.