1. Have you seen BBC’s Sherlock Holmes? Thus far it’s a three-episode series set in contemporary London, and to podge a British term, it’s brill. Smart, fast-paced, relying more on intellect and issues about character than on the stars’ appearance, it won thumbs up from all four members of my family.
What they do well, IMHO:
a. Respectful blending of past with present: Watson is a recovering war vet, wounded from a tour as a physician in Afghanistan. He’s a blogger! Despite modernization, though, the essence of the series feels true to the original books.
b. Technology is important in the sleuthing process, but not the focus. This is not a series about gadgets.
c. There’s a fascinating and believable relationship between Watson and Holmes in which each make the other bigger. Without Holmes, Watson would be limping in a half-existence, devoid of the risk and stimulation which is his life’s blood. Watson, on the other hand, both grounds Holmes and validates him.
d. The writers have set up a central question about Sherlock, articulated by Lestrade in this quote: “He’s a great man. if we’re very lucky, one day he might be a good one.”
Will Sherlock cross from brilliance into psychopathy, perhaps out of sheer boredom? Will he learn to engage emotion and vulnerability along with his impressive intellect, particularly around the female sex? These are great questions to have a viewer asking within a few moments of beginning a series.
Here’s the trailer:
2. Steampunk is a fascinating mash-up in and of itself, but what do you think of a steampunk wedding?
Check out this link for gorgeous photos of an event I think participants will long remember.
3. Last but not least, Writer Unboxed turns five today! Wow, five. 
To celebrate, blog mammas Therese Walsh and Kathleen Bolton have a contest and giveaway for participants who live in the continental US. You can win either a Nook or a Kindle, loaded with writing-related e-books. Check out this link for details.
Have you seen the Sherlock Holmes series, peeps? What did you think?
So far I’ve only seen the first episode of Sherlock Holmes–I got distracted and forgot to go back and watch the rest, but I will definitely finish it now. Thanks for the reminder!
I find it intriguing how these characters continue to fascinate readers and watchers. The essence of their personality remains, but there’s a little twist that keeps us engaged when we are certain we “know” these people. I can only hope my characters have such an extended lifespan!
Donna, I bought the DVDs on recommendation of many people, so we were able to watch one a night for three nights. That kept the intensity up.
And it’s true about their longevity. In some ways, they feel archetypal. I’ll have to do some reading to sort my thoughts out on this, but Holmes in particular has that resonance for me.
And now I am bummed. I went looking for it, but the DVR can’t find it so I can only assume that either it’s not on BBC America (which is all I can get here in the colonies :)) or we’ve missed it. Definitely sounds like something we would enjoy so I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Evelyn, I know for a time people in the States could watch it right on the BBC site. If not, Hulu might have it. In Canada we couldn’t see it either place, so I bought the series on faith, so many writing friends had been fans. You can get it from Amazon for sure. The Blu Ray set was still quite a bit for 4.5 hours of playtime!
Thanks, Jan! I’ll check out our alternatives. I feel sure both sons would enjoy this – once I drag them away from the Xbox :).
I’m such a purist that I was certain that I would hate these new fangled stories but I absolutely adore everything about them. You’re so right. The combination of classic character and new ‘stuff’ is incredible. I think it also does a good job of revitalizing the stories for those of us who have seen just a few adaptations and could probably recite the script by now. Oh, and I love that scene in the trailer. It’s just fantastic.
It was great to see new faces in the familiar roles. Like you said, also great that the tech didn’t take over the story line. Loved the parts where Homes makes Watson run like mad to prove he doesn’t need the cane, and when he begins to describe the shooter only to realize he can’t betray Watson. “Never mind what I just said. I’m in shock. Look at me, I’ve got a blanket.” But only three episodes? (Blood-curling scream!) *sigh* 🙁
Wait, you have a 5th anniversary? With cake and everything? Congratulations! 🙂
stephanie, whenever there’s huge buzz about a show, I can usually be assured of disappointment. Not so this time. Glad you liked it too. 🙂
Phyllis, yes those scenes were fab. Loved seeing Sherlock off his game. And no, it’s not ME having the 5th birthday; it’s Writer Unboxed. The cake is metaphoric. 🙂
MMMMmmmm…metaphoric cake. Delish! Doesn’t taste like chicken.
Both my husband and I watched all 3 episodes one night after the other when they first aired. We loved the atmosphere and you captured many of its most positive, and satisfying, attributes. It took me a bit to get into it at first, not sure what to make of it, but it wasn’t long before we were both hooked. I highly recommend it!
There are so many smart, different British shows on Masterpiece Theatre with moody, flawed characters and complex (non-Hollywood) plots. Wallender, e.g. I’ve learned to DVR anything that comes on KPBS at that hour.
I haven’t seen Wallender, Deborah! Will keep my eyes open. Our DVR is on the fritz and I watch so little TV I haven’t bothered to replace it. You’re making me reconsider. 🙂
Ha! Sherlock looks great and that wedding looked AMAZING!
I will be adding this to my Netflix list — thanks for the tip!
I have not seen the series, (loved-loved-loved the Robert Downy movie and cannot wait for the sequel) but that picture you have posted is pretty much the clearest, sharpest picture I’ve seen on-line! What crazy swamp magic are you working, woman?? 😉
Hart, those pictures are pretty darn cool, aren’t they?
Liz, would love to know what you think of them if you watch.
H-bomb! Great to see you. 🙂 As for the picture, it’s merely good Google-fu, although I did keep it large just because it was so beautiful. Hope you are well.