(TV series) Sherlock

During my short break, I started watching this series like a madwoman. At first, it was my boyfriend's love for the Robert Downey Jr. version of Sherlock Holmes that led me to this one. But even before he watched it, I devoured it in three days and was so pleasantly surprised with how well made it was. Too bad it's really short, with only 7 episodes.

All the casts are spot on. The writers are geniuses (Mark Gatiss, one of the co-creators, plays Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's older brother). Directing style is sophisticated. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself during every 1.5 hours episode.

So far, Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock is the best version I have ever seen. It's not that I don't like Robert Downey Jr.'s, I do, but I find it hard to imagine him as the genius, antisocial, eccentric private eye. Benedict Cumberbatch nailed every single scene, with his rapid talking, violin playing, crazy antics and nicotine patched consulting detective. I even love Martin Freeman's John Watson more than I love Jude Law's, he's no-nonsense, quiet, and a nicer version of Holmes. I like their chemistry, and I especially love the interactions between characters - with Irene Adler, with Lestrade, with Mycroft Holmes, and with Mrs. Hudson.

Every case is laced with a strong dose of complexity and sophistication. The cinematography is purposefully dark, set in modern day bleak London. Everyone who's been reading this blog might know my love for the city, and now I get to watch a TV series set there instead of high-powered, glamorous New York. Imagine my excitement! That, coupled with my obsession for a good thriller and murder cases, it's not easy to guess whether I'd fall in love with this or not.

It's a bit surprising for me when I found out Benedict Cumberbatch played the villainous Paul Marshall in my favorite movie Atonement. I hardly recognized him with the curls, but in the end I remembered his voice. Sometimes they overlap in my mind - both characters, but I'm happy that the actor embodies so much of his character that I find it so fascinating to watch.

I'm a bit sad it's over, and also anticipating the third season, which will start filming next year. Meanwhile, I have Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy for more of the actor (and the suspense), and at the end of 2012 we'll get to see both Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Cumberbatch as Smaug the Dragon in Peter Jackson's the Hobbit.

All images are taken from Sherlock IMDB page here.