More on Holmes & Watson

I have discovered that PBS (Public Broadcasting System) has made available the first three episodes of the BBC's new Sherlock Holmes series, for no charge until 7 Dec 2010.

For someone with no working television, this is a boon.  I have finished watching the first two on the computer and although it's not the ideal setting, it is still a great experience.

The first one is called "Study in Pink," which is a play on "Study in Scarlet," Conan Doyle's story which introduces Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson.  This update to the 21st century is cleverly done.  It's been so long that I have read "Study in Scarlet," that I cannot compare them.


Check it out.  http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock/watch.html

(By the by, just like NPR*, I highly advocate PBS, even not having been able to view it except now through the internet. I have donated money to the organization even when I did not have a television (and before it had a website).  With so much to choose from these days, I hope viewers will still appreciate what is needed to provide the type of programming that PBS offers.)

*Regarding the firing of Juan Williams, I do not pretend to understand or even know all the reasoning and considerations that NPR reviewed before acting, but it was really terrible PR, totally underestimating the power of the sound clip.

Speaking of Mysteries

There has always been some interest in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, never moreso than when Doyle was alive and kicking

Doyle altogether wrote 56 short stories and 4 novels (set mainly between 1880 and 1907), getting a little more tired of his character as he finished each one.  Even when he tried killing Holmes off, he had to revive him, like a Victorian (and then, Edwardian) age Bobby Ewing.

A revival came again couple of years ago in the form of a new film which someone had described as short on plot, short on character, but with good acting.  I cannot imagine how an adaptation, plumbing the depths of 60 stories, can result in something like that, except possibly due to a lack of imagination.

Now comes the new BBC One series to these shores on PBS (Public Broadcasting System), modernizing Holmes to the 21st century and I hear and read that it is terrific, no lacking at all in imagining how updated Sherlock Holmes can be.  He fits right in, with modern forensics, and even more modern criminal minds.  Sad but true, reference to fighting in Afghanistan did not need to be updated.  The English were in Afghanistan in 1880 as they are today.  So, if you want to make your own comparison or your interest is peaked, don't hesitate to come in and get the original, root inspiration for your own leisurely enjoyment and edification.