Sherlock Season 3

Sherlock Season 3 (Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat, 2013)

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Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

 

Mystery, BBC, Sherlock Holmes, Adaptation, Thriller, Sharp Dialogue

The first season of Sherlock was about introductions (or re-introductions): reassuring die-hard Doyle lovers that this show was going to stay true to the stories and still exceed all expectations for any modern-day adaptation. The second was about solidifying: establishing loyal fans (and possibly a cultish reputation) through more marvelous reinventions of the characters and classic mysteries. There arguably has been no better James Moriarty, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, or Sherlock. I mean, Benedict Cumberbatch completely exudes Sherlock. And how can you not love Andrew Scott's creepy/sexy villain? Anyway...

Season three is most definitely different. Gatiss and Moffat have turned a corner with our beloved characters and now the emphasis is on relationships: the sibling rivalry between Sherlock and Mycroft, the love and marriage of John and Mary, the complex friendship of John and Sherlock, etc. In fact, the episodes do not center around a crime to solve (well, you could say that they still center around a mystery, though). The fascination with how the characters interact and how Sherlock "thinks" is enough to keep watching. And that is a pretty amazing feat for any show, especially an adaptation.

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Sherlock Seasons 1 & 2

Sherlock Seasons 1 & 2 (Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat, 2010-2012)

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Rating: DSQ=12, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

Mystery, BBC, Sherlock Holmes, Adaptation, Thriller, Sharp Dialogue

If you have a brain and eyes and ears, you need to watch this show. This is the best Sherlock Holmes show or movie I've ever seen, one of the best mystery shows I've ever seen, one of the best adaptations ever produced (no exaggeration), and arguably one of the best shows ever produced. Sherlock is a series of thrilling momentum, fascinating puzzles, endless quick wit, excellent dialogue, stunning artistry, stellar acting, and overall amazing stories. The past and present are seamlessly woven together- so if you're a fan of the books or other adaptations, you won't be disappointed. If you're new to the characters, it is very likely you will be sucked in. Just watch this show PERIOD.

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The Forsyte Saga

The Forsyte Saga (Christopher Menaul & David Moore, 2002-2003)

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Season 1 Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=3, Scale D=4, Scale E=3

Season 2 Rating: DSQ=10, SP=6 / Can't Get Enough
Scale A=4, Scale B=3, Scale C=3, Scale D=3, Scale E=3

Melodrama, Late 19th/Early 20th Century, Complex Relationships, Emotional

What an absolutely captivating and whirlwind drama series. The art direction is stunning; like a painting, every scene is layered with color and complexity. The acting is superb. Damian Lewis's portrayal of Soames Forsyte is excruciatingly superb. I found myself cringing and becoming totally furious at his character but someone also sympathizing. Both seasons of the saga are intense in the stories and scenes, characters and utterly complicated relationships. If you enjoy soap operas and melodramas, this is for you. If you love period dramas that are lovingly crafted and timeless, this is for you.

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