The monkeys and I recently finished watching the entire series of Dr. Who.
We watched what was available on Netflix and then finished up the last season on Vimeo.
This has left a bit of a gap in my British telly fix.
Downton Abbey, Dr. Who…all making me wait until the fall.
So, I asked around, and Michaela suggested that I might want to try Sherlock, another BBC show.
I’m a huge fan of mysteries, loved Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Holmes stories, and am in the market for something new.
The problem is that I tried to watch Elementary, which is the latest American attempt at covering the Sherlock Holmes character.
I found it utterly unwatchable.
I felt that there was no chemistry between Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) and Watson (Lucy Liu).
I also did not like this rendition of the character of Sherlock Holmes whatsoever.
There was nothing redeemable about him.
Sherlock Holmes is a genius and is supposed to be a bit of a snob.
However, genius without personality is nothing more than annoying, and this Holmes just came off as an enormous jerk.
So, although Michaela and I are generally telly buddies, I was hesitant to give Sherlock a try.
However, this past weekend, I was down for the count with a cold, and so I figured, why not?
What a lovely surprise.
Benedict Cumberbatch brings a bit of vulnerability to this portrayal of Holmes, which allows him to smile a bit and indulge in a laugh or a joke or two with Watson (Martin Freeman…incidentally, who also plays Bilbo Baggins in “The Hobbit”) which makes for a nice chemistry that makes their interplay enjoyable.
I like the mysteries in Sherlock better than those in Elementary.
I like the way Holmes and Watson go about solving the mysteries better in Sherlock.
I like the friendship between Holmes and Watson and I like the relationship between Holmes and Inspector LeStrade who frequently calls upon Sherlock for help solving cases.
What I don’t like is the fact that there have only been two seasons, three ninety-minute episodes per season, and now I have to wait…until November for the new season.
So, if you are looking for smart humor, check out Sherlock.
And in the meantime, I’m open to suggestion for something else I might enjoy and cannot miss.
I’ve been told I should check out “Call the Midwife,” and may give it a try, but I’d love to hear what else you think might be worth a look!
I enjoyed Bramwell, though you can skip the last 2 episode season (it was weirdly off the rails–I knew that going in and watched them anyway and yeah, you can skip them). And don’t forget classic Doctor Who. Check online for lists of the best classic stories instead of just diving in anywhere.
And definitely do check out Call the Midwife. Have you seen Mr. Selfridge? It was really good. I’m not sure it’s on Netflix yet, but check it out when it is.
Comment by Jen Anderson — June 26, 2013 @ 6:03 pm |
Thanks, Jen! Mr. Selfridge isn’t on Netflix, but I’ll check the other video sources for it!
Comment by Amy — June 28, 2013 @ 7:13 am |
Hello Amy – visiting from Soulrmama as I’ve twice seen your name next to mine in the comments. I don’t have a TV but everyone I know loved Call the Midwife and Merlin is another good one.
Jacqui (another proud Silverado )
Comment by The Barefoot Crofter — June 28, 2013 @ 2:24 am |
I’ve now watched the first three episodes of Call the Midwife and I do love it! I’ve seen Merlin and I’m completely on board with that one! Thanks!
Comment by Amy — June 28, 2013 @ 7:12 am |