I reviewed season one of this series before and spoke of how
wonderful it was. One would think it would fall far short of continuing that
ability in its sophomore slump. It's a delight to let you know that the series
continues to be a great series that continues to do the character well.
For those who missed season one add it to your collection,
watch it and then make sure you purchase this one as well. If you missed it,
the series plants Sherlock Holmes into the 21st century in the form of Johnny
Lee Miller. Miller's portrayal finds Sherlock an ex-drug addict trying to
remain sober by involving himself in the solving of crimes in New York City.
Accompanying him through these adventures is his sober coach Joan Watson (Lucy
Liu) who not only helps him through each case but becomes a student of his
crime solving techniques with the hope of one day becoming a certified sleuth
in her own right. Each week another crime calls upon them to assist local chief
detective Captain Thomas Gregson (Aidan Quinn).
So what works in this series? Everything. Miller's Holmes
isn't always the purest of heroes at times but he is still the ever self
assured character that those who loved to books and earlier incantations that
we have come to love as seen on screen. He's quirky as all get out, always
seems on edge and ready to jump and is almost never wrong in any and all
solutions that he brings about in the cases he investigates. At the same time
the characters edge here is seen in his boredom felt when there are no new
cases or cases that actually give him the rush he needs in being difficult
rather than simple. Helping him through those times this season is Joan's
interest in becoming his pupil. Mentoring her to become his protégé gives him
new meaning.
This season also offers some glimpses into Holmes past
beginning with a case taking place in London and involving another protégé of
Holmes, Inspector Lestrade (Sean Pertwee). It turns out that Lestrade used
Holmes to help solve cases while taking credit for them himself. Now he finds
himself in a jam since Holmes move to NYC has left him alone. All he needs is
Holmes assistance in another high profile crime. It seems Lestrade has demons
of his own, an addiction to fame and fortune. How Holmes aids him here sets the
stage for another appearance of the same character later in the season and
Pertwee does a tremendous job here.
We also get to see more of Holme's brother Mycroft as played
by Rhys Ifans. It seems that Mycroft, a restaurateur, has opened a new
restaurant in NYC much to the displeasure of Holmes. Sherlock views this as an
attempt to plant Mycroft there to watch over him by his father. In truth,
Mycroft does indeed hope to make a success of the new place and to give him a chance
to romance Joan, something else that displeases Sherlock. The interaction
between the three characters gives them more depth than on display in season
one.
While the entire season is filled with various cases that
call upon Sherlock to solve them, we are also moved along in watching Watson
develop her own skills as a detective at the same time. This is not the
bumbling Watson as seen in the old Rathbone/Brice movies of the past, this is a
self assured woman who at times doesn't live up to Holmes brilliance and at
others equals his abilities. She is learning quite well but still falls a tad
short of his abilities, forcing him to grow fonder of her as time passes.
The season ends with a two parter involving Mycroft that
offers a few surprises for all involved.
When it ends no one will be left untouched by the events that unfold and
things will be set for more surprises next season. That's a good thing because
through it all the series entertains from start to finish, something many shows
these days fail to do.
There are no bad performers here. Miller is fantastic as
Holmes, Liu is amazing in what could have been a much smaller role, Quinn is
believably baffled by some of the cases and yet not the bumbling Lestrade seen
in the old films and Ifans as Mycroft becomes one of the most tragic character
seen on TV. All of these performances do nothing but elevate this series above
most.
If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, or even if you're not,
then by all means you should be watching this series. Season two moves the
series forward in so many ways, all of them positive. As I said earlier, this
is one that you not only need to see but to add to your collection. It remains
one of the best shows on TV. Purchasing both season 1 and 2 and watching them
also gives you a chance to get on board before season 3 begins.
Click here to order.
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