CBS may be looking to bring Sherlock Holmes to modern-day New York with a pilot starring Johnny Lee Miller playing Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary hero and Lucy Liu stepping into the shoes of Doctor John Watson (yes, in this case Jane). Adapting the tales of the famous sleuth for a contemporary setting is a great idea but better the first time around. Not to pass judgment on something yet to air but there's little chance that the American version will be able to top Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss' Sherlock.
The most compelling recent adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes stories can (and will continue to) be found on the BBC. Or, should I say, was found on the BBC because Sherlock Series 2 is finally being broadcast for North American fans. That's right, those who have waited patiently to see Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman back as Holmes and Watson are going to be rewarded tonight. And since I have no will power, I couldn't wait and instead, thanks to my region free DVD/Blu-ray player, opted to purchase the entire season back in January. At least I can assure you that tonight's return was well worth the wait and one of the best episodes of television of last/this year.
Once again directed by Paul McGuigan, this season of Sherlock opens with an episode titled "A Scandal in Belgravia," a take on Sir Arthur Conan Dolye's "A Scandal in Bohemia." The premiere introduces the sleuth's famous female adversary, Irene Adler, into the modern telling and you can actually sense sexual tension (sorry, heterosexual sexual tension) at 221B Baker Street. Yes. Sherlock does have a heart and thanks to the BBC, who released trailers for the three episode new season last year, we can take a peek at this week's "Scandal." And a peek at both Sherlock and Irene naked. Not together. Too bad.
Synopsis from the PBS Masterpiece Mystery! website...
Picking up from season 1's gripping cliff-hanger, the whip-smart dominatrix Irene Adler (Lara Pulver, True Blood) takes on Sherlock in a game he is ill-prepared to fight...love.
Sherlock Series 2 premieres on May 6 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS. It stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. It was created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.
