The Final Problem/The Reichenbach Fall - The End of Sherlock Season 2

And then what had happened? Who was to tell us what had happened then?

~ Watson ("The Final Problem")

If ever a show raised such poignant questions, it's Sherlock. The end of Season 2 was perhaps not a surprise to those aware of the original Sherlock stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, but that doesn't make it any less shocking or exasperating or painful. 

I know I'm not the one to answer those questions about what really happened, so I'm not going to try to do so. If you'd like to read others' theories, I recommend reading the comments on "Sherlock After the Fall" or reading other reviews. Suffice it to say that the ending lends itself to all sorts of discussions and speculations - talk about powerful!

This post will take a look at some quotes from Doyle's short story "The Final Problem" and connect them to "The Reichenbach Fall" (and the Sherlock series as a whole). [Spoilers to follow.] (My thoughts are italicized and in purple.)

• "He [Moriarty] sits motionless, like a spider in the centre of its web; but that web has a thousand radiations, and he knows well every quiver of each of them." Sherlock makes a similar statement in "The Reichenbach Fall" in the courtroom. Moriarty is not a villain to be trifled with, and he is well aware of anything that touches his carefully crafted web.

• Moriarty: "All that I have to say has already crossed your mind." Sherlock: "Then possibly my answer has crossed yours." These words between Moriarty and Sherlock were quoted earlier in the show, at another showdown between Moriarty and Sherlock - during the setup of another cliffhanger ending (at the end of "The Great Game"). The question at the end of "The Reichenbach Fall" is...has everything that Moriarty planned already crossed Sherlock's mind? And has Sherlock made the proper preparations to outsmart such a clever, crazy villain?

• "I have my plans laid, and all will be well." Sherlock reassures Watson that he has set everything up to go according to his plan, at least in as far as making sure the proper arrests are made. All does not seem to be well at the end of "The Final Problem" - far from it. The same can be said for the end of "The Reichenbach Fall." Supposedly, from what I've heard, that's how Doyle wanted it - to be done with Sherlock's character. But he ended up bringing Sherlock back. And from what I've been hearing/reading, it seems that modern-day Sherlock will be back for Season 3 - so will all be well, after all?

• "It was evident to me that he thought he might bring trouble to the roof he was under, and that that was the motive which impelled him to go." In "The Final Problem," Sherlock was aware of the danger he was in and the danger his presence might bring to Watson. In "The Reichenbach Fall," Sherlock seemed to become more and more aware of the danger he was in and the danger he might bring to those he cared about - like Watson and Mrs. Hudson. But was his supposed suicide a sacrificial act - or was it staged so far in advance that his motives stemmed more from self-preservation and ridding the world of Moriarty? I'd like to think, from the character development throughout the show, that Sherlock has grown in his capacity to care for others and to truly seek their welfare above his own, no matter what led up to the ending of this Season.

• "It was a lovely trip, the dainty green of the spring below, the virgin white of the winter above; but it was clear to me that never for one instant did Holmes forget the shadow which lay across him." The shadow... There's a scene in "The Reichenbach Fall" (also shown in the intro to the Season 2 episodes) where Moriarty's shadow extends across the floor. His evil certainly cast a long, dark figurative shadow over Sherlock and others!

• "In over a thousand cases I am not aware that I have ever used my powers upon the wrong side." Is that true? One of the most intriguing parts of "The Reichenbach Fall" is when Moriarty and Sherlock are up on the roof, and Sherlock declares himself on the side of the angels - but clarifies that he is not an angel himself. I think there is a danger in putting Sherlock up on too high of a pedestal. He is a fictional character, obviously, but also a human character at that. Sherlock himself warned Watson not to put him on a pedestal and not to see him as a hero. And yet at the end of "The Reichenbach Fall" Watson claims him to be a hero and the best man and human he had ever known. So who exactly is Sherlock? I hope that, in this version of the Sherlock stories anyway, Sherlock is a flawed (albeit ridiculously smart) character and a "high-functioning sociopath" (to quote him in "A Study in Pink") who chooses to use his talents for good, and who (despite his many blunders and faults and lack of tact) has a profound impact on the lives of those whom he cares about and who care about him. He's not a god or an angel. He's a flawed man who has found friendship and given friendship in return.  

So what are my final thoughts on this short story and this episode? "The Final Problem" is an intriguing short story for Sherlock fans, although it doesn't offer much for those who are just jumping into all things Sherlock. It assumes an already-existent affinity for Sherlock and Watson, and thus an interest in their fate. It also assumes a knowledge of Sherlock's character and his quirks. As for "The Reichenbach Fall," I think a similar thing can be said. For Sherlock fans, this episode is intriguing as it messes with your mind and throws everything on its head, shocking as it presents an apparently tragic ending that is rather gruesome and violent, and heart-breaking as it shows the repercussions of that "ending" on Watson - a man who has come a long way from the lost, lonely, and broken place in which Sherlock first found him. 

Now comes the wait for Season 3. In the meantime, viewers will keep asking, along with Watson from "The Final Problem" - 

And then what had happened? Who was to tell us what had happened then?

(Images are from the PBS Masterpiece website. Quotes taken from "The Final Problem" are from the Kindle version edited by Philip Dossick.)

Sherlock Double Feature: A Scandal in Bohemia (and Belgravia)

I was reticent to give "A Scandal in Belgravia" a try - not because I dislike the show Sherlock (far from it, indeed!), but because the warnings seemed to indicate that this particular episode was much more sexual in nature than other episodes. And while that is the case, "A Scandal in Belgravia" pushes the limits but does not go beyond them (hinting and suggesting to the utmost degree, and yet never explicitly showing anything). Because a friend took the time to clarify the content of the episode and to recommend it to me, I decided to give it a try after all. And yet again Sherlock didn't disappoint - at least in the sense of offering yet another complex and intriguing episode! Before I watched the episode, however, I read the short story "A Scandal in Bohemia" by Arthur Conan Doyle - so today's post will offer a comparison/contrast between the two. [Warning: Spoilers to follow.]

A Scandal in Bohemia

"To Sherlock Holmes she is always the woman. I have seldom heard him mention her under any other name." 

So begins "A Scandal in Bohemia," in Watson's words. In the modern-day retelling ("A Scandal in Belgravia"), Irene Adler is already known as The Woman before Sherlock even meets her. But there is still the business of the photograph(s) and protection vs. blackmail. And Irene Adler is still as enigmatic as ever (albeit in a more forward way).

Here are some other similarities (with trademark Sherlock twists) between the original short story and the T.V. episode:

• Watson observes in "A Scandal in Bohemia" that "Holmes, who loathed every form of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature." The creators of Sherlock certainly capture this aspect of Sherlock's nature well, showing his constant need to be stimulated by his work and his inability (as well as his lack of desire) to function normally in society.

• In both versions of the story Sherlock is supposedly working for royalty. Although suffice it to say the older Sherlock's meeting with the King of Bohemia in his apartment is quite different than modern Sherlock's "meeting" at Buckingham Palace (where he is rather humorously under-dressed for the occasion!).

• In Doyle's story Sherlock steps into a fight and pretends to be attacked, thereby putting pressure on Irene Adler to bring him into her home and help him. A similar tactic is used in "A Scandal in Belgravia," except that the creators of the show use it as an opportunity for an interaction between Sherlock and Watson, having Sherlock ask Watson to punch him in the face... (More on that later!)

• Watson sounds the alarm in both stories (yelling "fire" in Doyle's story but setting off the smoke detector in the modern version) in order to aid Sherlock's search for the photograph(s).

• And, of course, Irene Adler manages to outwit Sherlock (up to a point in the modern show, however...).

This short story also has a few lines that rung bells for me in regards to the dialogue in several episodes of Sherlock:

• "You see, but you do not observe." (In "The Great Game," Sherlock says this same line in frustration to Inspector Lestrade.)

• "I am lost without my Boswell." (Sounds a lot like, "I am lost without my blogger" - also from "The Great Game"!)

• "The stage lost a fine actor, even as science lost an acute reasoner, when he [Sherlock] became a specialist in crime." (This brings to mind Mycroft's quote from "A Scandal in Belgravia" - "My brother has the brain of a scientist or a philosopher, yet he elects to be a detective. What might we deduce about his heart?")

...to name a few! I think it's safe to say the creators of Sherlock know Arthur Conan Doyle's work quite well!

"A Scandal in Bohemia" is an intriguing short story - and if you enjoyed "A Scandal in Belgravia" (or even if you chose/choose not see it), this is an enjoyable fast read that highlights some unique aspects of Sherlock Holmes' character as it places him in some surprising situations.

A Scandal in Belgravia

Because "A Scandal in Bohemia" is a rather quick story, "A Scandal in Belgravia" simply uses the bare bones of the story as a launching point for another complex, convoluted, and captivating episode of Sherlock. While the show in general is not for everyone, that especially applies to this particular episode. There's a nude scene, that (somehow) manages to keep from being explicit. There are sexual overtones in general, more gay references (not completely serious), and drug references - not to mention the obvious inclusion of violence (although not gory). Yet, there are some intriguing relational elements of this episode that are not to be missed (well, technically they can be, but they're really interesting!). 

There's the humor that comes so naturally as a result of Sherlock's and Watson's friendship. For example...

• Watson asks Sherlock to clarify something he said... Sherlock: "I said, 'Punch me in the face.' Didn't you hear me?" Watson: "I always hear, 'Punch me in the face,' when you're speaking, but it's usually subtext."

But there's also a seriousness that pervades this episode. Sherlock seems to do a lot more introspection in this episode than in other episodes. At one point he asks Mycroft, "Do you ever wonder if there's something wrong with us?" As Watson notes in Doyle's "A Scandal in Bohemia: "All emotions, and that one [love] particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but admirably balanced mind." And that certainly seems to hold true in this episode, especially concerning Irene Adler. And yet...

Sherlock ultimately shows deep concern and affection for Mrs. Hudson, the landlady. He apologizes (!) to Molly for hurting her feelings. And it's his friendship with Watson that remains a constant throughout his unusual up-and-down interactions with Irene Adler.

Sherlock becomes more aware of his oftentimes cold and sometimes cruel ways in "A Scandal in Belgravia." But growth takes time, and no one is perfect. Slowly but surely it seems that Sherlock in this show is learning that there is life beyond his work, and that people do indeed have feelings (even if he does not always acknowledge any feelings in himself). We as the viewers can see just how wondrous it is when a person such as Sherlock shows that he is, after all, human (as Watson aptly notes at the beginning of the episode) and makes the effort to care about someone else.

As for the plot of this episode, well... I confess after seeing it just the one time so far, I think I got rather lost. Maybe it's just me, but there seems to be a lot going on! I'm sure that, like the other Sherlock episodes, each subsequent viewing will offer plenty of laughs and new insights.

More Sherlock, Please!

• Learn more about "A Scandal in Belgravia" on the episode's page on the PBS Masterpiece website.

• Read Ruth's thoughts on "A Scandal in Belgravia" on her blog, Booktalk & More.

• Read my thoughts on the second episode ("The Hounds of Baskerville") in this second season of Sherlock.

• Read my previous Sherlock Double Feature - A Study in Scarlet (and Pink).

(Images are from the PBS Masterpiece website.)

The Hounds of Baskerville (Sherlock 2 Review)

Sherlock is back, and boy, am I glad!!! Since Season 2 of Sherlock was scheduled to air here in the United States this month, I've long been telling myself (and others) that watching this would be my graduation gift to me. (Do I sound like Kuzco on The Emperor's New Groove? "It's my graduation gift to me! I'm so happy...!")

Well, I was disappointed with what I'd heard about the first episode ("A Scandal in Belgravia"). I started watching it, but with the warnings I'd been given and the "viewer discretion is advised" note at the beginning of the episode, I opted not to finish it at this time. I did see how the cliffhanger ending of the first season was resolved, however, but don't worry - no spoilers here! If you want to find out, you can watch the first five minutes (and the whole episode, if you wish) of "A Scandal in Belgravia" online for free until June 5th on the PBS Masterpiece website! After that, well, I can't recommend or not recommend the rest of the episode to you. Just be warned that from what I've heard and the small amount of the episode I've seen, it appears that there is quite a bit of sexual content.

(Update: I ended up watching "A Scandal in Belgravia" after all - here's my post about the movie and the short story it was based on.)

But "The Hounds of Baskerville" - now this is an episode I can rave about!

My Thoughts

After reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles back in December and seeing a play based off of the book at Corban University a couple of months ago, this was the episode of Season 2 I was most excited/curious to see. And with the solid characters-foundation supporting the creativity I have come to love about this show, I was not disappointed!

It may seem out of place to quote this, but the phrase that comes to mind in defining my reaction to this episode is "deliciously scared" (from the first Anne of Green Gables movie, as Anne and Diana are walking through the "haunted" woods). Once again this show had me alternately (and sometimes simultaneously) peeking between my fingers as I covered my eyes and covering my mouth to hold back my shrieks and squeaks of fear.

For those of you who don't like horror or super-violent movies (like me), don't be alarmed! What I love about this show, generally, is that it isn't about gore - it's about the mystery and suspense (the chase). And there are some great "chase" scenes in this particular episode!

The creators of the show have taken a classic Sherlock Holmes mystery and made it into something entirely new - as they are so good at doing! They build on the timeless brilliance of the duo of Sherlock and Watson, keep a few tidbits from the original story, and then fit those tidbits into a modern-day setting like putting pieces of a puzzle together. Some of those tidbits this time include the name "Baskerville" (now a military compound rather than a "cursed" family) and the Grimpen Mine Field (rather than the Grimpen Mire).

Combine the fun references to the original story with a clever plot, those thrilling "chase" scenes, a good mix of excitement and seriousness, and (most importantly) Sherlock and Watson - and you've got the kind of mystery movie I've been craving more of ever since I saw "The Blind Banker" (yes, I watched the first season's episodes out of order the first time I saw them). I loved seeing how far Sherlock has come in showing that he does indeed have a heart and *gasp!* feelings (maybe...). One of the great things about this show is seeing the character development - and Sherlock Holmes is one unique character! He still has a long way to go in genuinely caring about others, as he is very much absorbed in his work to the detriment of his relationships, but he obviously values his friendship with Watson. Watching them interact in this episode is surprising and intriguing. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman do such a great job at bringing Sherlock and Watson to life!

If you want to be "deliciously scared," "The Hounds of Baskerville" might just be your ticket to an hour and twenty-ish minutes of thrills and chills!

A Few Quotes

•  Knight: "How did you know it was disappointing?" Sherlock: "Is there any other type of breakfast on a train?"

• Watson to Sherlock: "Funny doesn't suit you - stick to ice."

• Sherlock: "...if I wanted poetry I'd read John's e-mails to his girlfriend."

• Watson: "Mycroft's name literally opens doors."

• Sherlock: "Get out. I need to go to my mind palace."

Want more Sherlock?

• Did you miss "The Hounds of Baskerville" when it aired on Sunday? Me, too! But I watched it online for free - and so can you! (Now through June 12, 2012 on the PBS Masterpiece website.)

• Here are my thoughts on Sherlock Season 1: A Study in Pink, The Blind Banker, The Great Game

• Some writing advice: my post on The Hound of the Baskervilles and setting on "The Borrowed Book" blog  

• The Sherlock soundtracks are now available - both Season 1 and Season 2! (I have the Season 1 soundtrack, and while it's not for every occasion, it's pretty epic/cool stuff! Listening to it right now as I put this post together...)

• The DVD of Season 1 is available for purchase, and Season 2 is available for pre-order on Amazon.com (releases May 22nd)! (Having Season 1 on DVD so I can watch it over and over and over again - yep, that was a fabulous Christmas present from my parents about a year and a half ago!)   

• Don't forget - "The Reichenbach Fall" (the third and final episode of Season 2) airs this Sunday on PBS Masterpiece!

(Images are from the PBS Masterpiece website.)

Craving Sherlock!

In the past few weeks I went through Sherlock Season 1 (PBS Masterpiece) once again - I love watching those three episodes over and over! While initially terribly saddened by the news of the longer wait for Sherlock Season 2, I'm getting excited at the prospect of watching it in May 2012! (Oh please don't let the wait be longer than that!!)

Until then, I'll keep watching Season 1... And keep my eyes peeled for Season 2 news. ;) For those of you who are interested in my original thoughts on Season 1, here are the links to my reviews:

• Episode 1: "A Study in Pink"
• Episode 2: "The Blind Banker"
• Episode 3: "The Great Game"

So what news have I discovered regarding Season 2? On the TV Overmind site I discovered a listing of the three new episodes for Season 2:

• Episode 1: "A Scandal in Belgravia"
• Episode 2: "The Hounds of Baskerville"
• Episode 3: "The Reichenbach Fall"

Oh, can't you just feel the excitement?? Possible "love" interest for Sherlock, scary hounds, and an epic waterfall scene... I can't wait!! (Click the link above to read more about the episodes according to the site's sources.)

But wait - would you like to see a very short (but still awesome!) teaser from YouTube?



*Sigh* Thoughts, anyone? Any readers out there share my eagerness??

(Image from "The Great Game" synopsis page on the PBS Masterpiece website.)

Sherlock Double Feature: A Study in Scarlet (and Pink)

I've been really anticipating today's post! It's a Sherlock double feature - taking a look at Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet, as well as the PBS Masterpiece Mystery episode of Sherlock, "A Study in Pink." (Warning: There will be spoilers!) To quote Sherlock Holmes, "the plot thickens"...

A Study in Scarlet

I confess to having watched "A Study in Pink" long before reading A Study in Scarlet. I'm not sure which would be more fun: reading the book first and seeing the little tidbits from the book in the episode, or watching the episode first and seeing how the creators of Sherlock used the book to inspire the show. Of course, I did the latter. I think no matter which way you go about it, it's just plain fun!

The first part of the book shares a lot of similarities with the show (although the show is modern and therefore has parallels with the book's plot rather than exact connections). Here are some examples I caught that I absolutely loved:

• In the book Watson reads an article written by Sherlock Holmes about "The Science of Deduction." In the show, Watson reads Sherlock's website, aptly named "The Science of Deduction."

• In the book Sherlock takes out an article in the newspaper regarding the mysterious wedding ring found at the scene of the crime - under Watson's name. In the show Sherlock uses Watson's cell phone and asks Watson to text the murderer. (Love it!)
  

• In the book there are two pills - one poisonous and one harmless - just like in the show.

• In the book the murderer works as a cab driver, just like in the show, although cabs in the time of the book were horse-drawn and not motorized vehicles.

• In the book there is an interesting comment made by detective Gregson, who states, "He [Inspector Lestrade] is after the secretary Stangerson, who had no more to do with the crime than the babe unborn." Perhaps that's like the part in the show where the police think Rachel (the victim's stillborn daugher) has nothing to do with solving the crime?

There are many more similarities I am sure, but these were just a few that stood out to me. I do have to note one difference (a grand twist), as well:

• In the book Sherlock tells Lestrade: "'Rache,' is the German for 'revenge;' so don't lose your time looking for Miss Rachel." I just had to laugh at that, because in the show it's the exact opposite! ;)

To continue on with my thoughts about the book, I have to say that I was quite surprised by the second part of the book where I was all of a sudden thrust into the back-story of the criminal. I had to skip ahead to make sure I was still reading the same book! ;) But once I realized that it was indeed pertinent to the mystery, I really appreciated the background. I was appalled and saddened by the crimes leading up to the one Sherlock solves. Mormons, the Wild West, and a tragic romance - definitely different than "A Study in Pink!" As I said, I didn't see it coming, but I appreciated the fact that the background was shared in an intriguing, engaging way.

A Study in Pink

If you have been following my blog since Fall 2010 (or earlier), you're probably aware that I fell in love with the PBS Masterpiece Sherlock series. I think the show is wonderfully done! To quote Sherlock himself, "Brilliant!" I cannot wait for Season Two!!

But back to the first episode of Season One... "A Study in Pink" is actually quite a different mystery than the one presented in the book A Study in Scarlet. There are plenty of connections with the book, and yet the show offers a unique, fascinating story. I think the show is more suspenseful, more action-packed, and more fun than the book (although I did enjoy the book!). But I'm probably partially biased since I saw the show first... ;)

Anyway, "A Study in Pink" is just so witty and quotable! And even though Sherlock is just as conceited and frustrating in the show as he is in the book, there's something charming and human about him in the show... The show puts more emphasis on his relationship with Watson, providing great dialogues and the beginnings of a "beautiful friendship." (I know, I know... It just fits!)

I like that we are able to see his mind at work throughout the episode, whereas in the book I feel like there are a lot less clues to go off on in order for the reader to come up with his/her own conclusions. It's as if we're traveling with Sherlock in the episode, but trailing after him in the book, if that makes sense. (But it could just be me... I'm not the best at solving mysteries, I confess!)

I just love the overall presentation of "A Study in Pink!" (Can you tell I LOVE this show??) I love the depth given to all of the characters, especially Watson (with his military background, his psychosomatic limp, etc.). And it's so thought-provoking and clever! My dad noted how intelligent the show is, and I completely agree!

More Sherlock, Please!

If you're interested in learning more about the PBS Masterpiece Sherlock series...

• Read my original review of "A Study in Pink."
  

• Read Ruth's review of this episode on her blog Booktalk & More.

• Visit the series' page on the PBS Masterpiece website.

• You can purchase the first season on Amazon.com.

Want to discuss Sherlock? Here's a question for you:

• In "A Study in Pink," Inspector Lestrade tells Watson, "Sherlock Holmes is a great man. And I think one day he might even be a good one." Do you agree with Lestrade's assessment? Why or why not?
  

Masterpiece Mystery: Miss Marple (The Pale Horse)

It's too bad there's only one episode in this latest season (Series 6) of Miss Marple--because I loved "The Pale Horse," and I'm ready for more!

In 2010 PBS Masterpiece won me over during the Classics season with shows like Jane Austen's Emma, Northanger Abbey, and the action-packed The 39 Steps. And then later that year the new, modern version of Sherlock was an absolute treat for me, and I became intrigued by the Mystery season. I ended up watching a couple of older Miss Marple episodes with my aunt and uncle while visiting some family in Texas over Thanksgiving break, and I really enjoyed them.

When I discovered that JJ Feild was playing a role in this latest episode of Miss Marple, I was even more convinced that I had to see it! JJ Feild was Henry Tilney in Northanger Abbey, and he did a splendid job, in my opinion. ;) Gotta love a hero with a sense of humor and a great smile!

Anyway, overall I found "The Pale Horse" to be a wonderful episode! (And just to clarify, "episodes" for PBS Masterpiece are movie-length--about 90 minutes, generally.) With plenty of interesting suspects, a creepy setting, and the ever-lovable (and quite insightful!) Miss Marple, you get the perfect mix for a "keep-you-guessing" mystery.

When Miss Marple receives a letter with a list of names from a dear friend (Father Gorman), and then later discovers that Gorman has been murdered, she sets off to seek justice for her friend and follow the clue that he gave his life to protect. "Teaming up" with an inspector (who doesn't really appreciate her meddling ways at first), she tracks down leads and eventually ends up at the Pale Horse Inn, where she encounters "witches," secretive guests, and a complex and dangerous scheme.

I like the array of characters, as well as the twists and turns along the way. As for the ending, well, let's just say I didn't see it coming--which is a good thing when it comes to mysteries, right? I loved the surprises, and Miss Marple is a heroine to admire!

I haven't read any of the Miss Marple books, but I've enjoyed the episodes I've seen, and The Pale Horse was a pleasure to watch! My family watched it with me, and they all seemed to really like it, too--from my grandparents, to my parents, to my younger sister (who came in part way through). This episode is a great way to spend the evening if you're a fan of "cozy" mysteries!

• Want to learn more? Visit the episode's page on the PBS Masterpiece website.
  

• Between now and August 10th you can watch "The Pale Horse" for free online!

Discussion:

If you watched "The Pale Horse," I'd love to hear your thoughts! If you haven't yet watched it, feel free to click the link above to watch it online and then come back. Just be sure to watch the episode before you join the discussion because there will be some spoilers!

Here are some questions to get us started:

• Do you admire Miss Marple? If so, what do you admire most about her?
  

• What do you think about the setting of this episode? Do you find The Pale Horse Inn to be intriguing, spooky, disturbing, historically interesting, or something else?

• What are your thoughts on the ending? Did it surprise you?
  

• If you've read or seen other Miss Marple mysteries, how do you feel this one compares?

And don't forget...

Tomorrow we're discussing Death on the Nile (A Hercule Poirot Mystery) by Agatha Christie!

Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey Episode 1

With mysterious music, a gorgeous setting, and tons of drama, the new PBS Masterpiece Classic miniseries Downton Abbey unfolds splendidly. As I watched the first episode, I went sailing back in time to the age of the Titanic--a world full of discovery and tragedy.

This story is about more than heirs and inheritances. It is a story about friendships, loyalty, betrayal, and second chances. It is a story about identity. And I have become invested in the lives of numerous characters, wanting to know what it is they find on this four episode journey.

*Potential Spoiler*

To be honest, there are some characters I am wary of, and some that have secrets I really didn't want to see spotlighted. Of course, I was frustrated watching the rivalries brewing both upstairs (with the wealthy) and downstairs (with the servants). But what really bothered me in this episode was a rather explicit scene of homosexuality, involving kissing between two males. Instead of just suggesting their feelings, the scene was quite shocking and, I believe, unnecessarily upfront. I'm not sure whether this will be addressed in later episodes, but if anything it does show that homosexuality is not anything new. However, whatever the eventual point of the scene is (or will be), I think it could have been expressed without showing the kiss to the viewers.

*End of Potential Spoiler*

Although I did have my qualms with certain characters, I've already grown fond of others, especially John Bates and Anna. Bates (actor Brendan Coyle) was destined to be a favorite of mine after his brilliant role in North & South, and Anna's compassionate heart towards his character, along with her gentle but strong personality, won me over. I'm still a bit unsure about the Crawleys and the supposed new heir, but I'm eager to learn more about them.

Overall, I have again been thrilled by the grandeur of a Masterpiece Classic miniseries, and I'm looking forward to watching the second episode, which will either bring more secrets to light or plunge me into more dark intrigue (or both!).

*Click HERE to watch the first episode of Downton Abbey on the PBS Masterpiece website for a limited time.*

More Masterpiece Mystery: Sherlock Holmes (Episode 3)

Noooooooooooo!!! I should have known they would end the season with something like this, but I still can't help feeling frustrated. One thing is for sure, though--this PBS Masterpiece Mystery show has me hooked! How long until Season Two again?!

The third and final episode of the season is entitled "The Great Game," and with good reason! The whole plot was one great, big "game" to Sherlock, and he certainly was challenged and forced to hone his skill. The series of "moves" he had to counter were complex and quite crazy, and while it was almost a pleasure to see Sherlock's mind in action, it was most definitely not a pleasure to see innocent people forced to be pawns in this game.

I think that is what made this episode the least enjoyable of the three, in my opinion--the horror of lives being terrorized and lost. It was dreadful to see the poor people involved in this plot, and to see how callous Sherlock had allowed himself to become. Towards the end I once again got a glimpse of Sherlock's heart, but it was very well hidden seemingly due to the fact that he couldn't let himself become attached. He declares that caring about people doesn't help him save them. And while (in his line of work) he obviously has to keep focused in order to be of any help, I think what makes it hard to watch is the fact that he really does see it all as a game. When speaking of his real arch-enemy, he notes, "I can't be the only person in the world who gets bored." It is very sad that Sherlock has this perspective in regards to crimes (and solving them), not really considering (for the most part) how they truly affect others.

I'm glad I didn't try to watch this episode before the others, because I think the attachment I had already formed to the characters helped me want to keep watching the conclusion of the series. I cared about Sherlock and Watson (guess I wouldn't make a good consulting detective like Sherlock, then!), and I wanted to see them succeed and triumph over evil.

Without giving too much away (hopefully), the reason for my first cry of despair in this post is that the ending is not really conclusive. In fact, it's a terrible, terrible cliff-hanger ending, which I hope will be explained in Season Two coming next year! I have no idea how the final confrontation can safely be resolved, but I guess that's why they call it a mystery...

To end on a happier note, there were a few funny and entertaining references to blogging in this episode that I'd like to share! In this episode, Watson has a blog where he posts about his life (which, if I recall correctly, was introduced or at least foreshadowed in the first episode), now including information about Sherlock. Hope you get a good laugh out of these:

• Sherlock to Watson: "Put that on your blog. Or better yet, stop inflicting your opinions on the world."
  

• Sherlock to Watson (with humor): "I'd be lost without my blogger."

Yay for blogs! No wonder I like Watson so much. ;) Here's one last quote about Watson:

• Sherlock: "How quaint." Watson: "What is?" Sherlock: "You are."

Overall, after watching one episode ("The Blind Banker"), I was very eager to watch more. I was not disappointed with the first episode ("A Study in Pink"), but perhaps a bit disappointed with this last one ("The Great Game"). Again, there is some language (including the "b" word in this episode), as well as some references to homosexuality, but overall this series is not gory and not too scary for a suspense/mystery program (although this last one is borderline, along with being rather depressing).

Ultimately, the new PBS Masterpiece Sherlock Holmes series drew me in and engaged my mind and even my heart. The characters had depth, the plots had a lot of intrigue, and the music was just so fitting for such a mystery series. ;) The series is well-done (particularly the first two episodes), and I think PBS Masterpiece has created another winner!

And don't forget--you can watch all three episodes online through December 7, 2010!

More Masterpiece Mystery: Sherlock Holmes (Episode 1)

Yay! The Internet was back up and running at full speed today (Thursday), so I am delighted to say that I just finished watching the first, wonderful episode of the new PBS Masterpiece version of Sherlock Holmes, titled "A Study in Pink!"

While this one was not quite as "edge-of-my-chair," moment-by-moment suspenseful as the second episode (yes--unfortunately, I did watch them out of order), "A Study in Pink" had me laughing so much, and then once again shouting at my laptop screen for the last part. What an adventure this episode was!

I loved getting to see how Sherlock Holmes and John Watson met, and I was surprised and moved by the background to Watson's story. Watson served in the military and toured in Afghanistan, and he had returned to London having been shot in the shoulder and having acquired a limp. It was a pleasure to see his growth in this episode, both in his self-awareness and in his friendship with Sherlock, and I was happy to see him finding purpose in his life and a desire to truly live it.

As for Sherlock--boy, does he leave an intriguing first impression! And his comments to others--wow! He can be rather cruel, but there is a depth to him that goes beyond his mind. I think he reaches a point at the end of the episode where he has been humbled and perhaps realizes that he isn't completely perfect, which is a good lesson for us all!

As I said before, the last part forced me to become vocal, as if I somehow thought the characters could hear me and follow my orders! ;) I was completely captivated, wondering what on earth was going to happen, how all the "murders" had been committed, and how it was all going to be resolved. There were a lot of great twists throughout the episode, for sure, but that ending was just one tangled, thrilling knot!

And don't even get me started on the dialogue of the movie! Yes, there was a little bit of language (not too bad), but besides that there were just so many funny lines! I wrote down some of the many memorable quotes from the episode, and I'll only share a few with you now (just so you can get a taste before watching it online for yourself!):

• Sherlock's "enemy" to Watson: "You're not haunted by the war, Dr. Watson. You miss it. (pause) Welcome back."

• Watson to Sherlock: "I just met a friend of yours." Sherlock: "A friend?" (incredulous) Watson: "An enemy." Sherlock: "Oh." (complete understanding) "Which one...?"

• Text Message from Sherlock to Watson: "If convenient, come to Baker Street." Several minutes later, another text message from Sherlock: "If inconvenient, come anyway."

• Watson: "Did I just text a murderer?" [How's that for a teaser?!]

This was a fantastic episode, and now I'm off to watch the third one!!!

My Review of Northanger Abbey

Here's a description of the movie from the PBS Masterpiece Classic website:

"Catherine Morland (Felicity Jones, Meadowlands) has an ordinary life and a feverish imagination. When she gets invited to Bath, Catherine is immersed in a world of elaborate balls and handsome men. When one suitor takes her to his family estate, Northanger Abbey, Catherine becomes mired in a world of fact and fantasy. Is there a dark mystery behind the locked doors of Northanger Abbey? Why has her budding romance suddenly been cut short? Also starring JJ Feild (The Secret Life of Mrs. Beeton), Andrew Davies adapts Austen's gentle parody of gothic fiction."

My Review:

The first time I watched this movie (last spring on T.V.), I fell in love. Part of it, I'm sure, had to do with how much I related to the main character. Her overactive imagination, her desire for adventure and romance, her obvious good taste in men (*smile*)...all added up to a fun and authentic heroine.

But another rather big, big part of the reason I love this movie is the hero himself. He is amazing! With a wonderful and engaging sense of humor, an adorable smile, and a dashing tenderness, Henry Tilney captured my heart. From his very first entrance into the story, his teasing and his kind ways won me over. Can you tell I really like him?

The plot is interesting and clever, the scenes depicting Catherine's day-dreaming are too funny (and some of the early ones are sadly familiar...), and the romance is very sweet. The only problems I had with it were due to unnecessary cleavage and unnecessary swearing (very little on the part of the "villain," but still annoying). Otherwise, this is a great Jane Austen movie adaptation with some helpful lessons regarding jumping to conclusions and money vs. love.

Additional Thoughts:

If I first watched this over half a year ago, why am I reviewing Northanger Abbey now? Good question! Well, last night I had been eagerly looking forward to watching another Masterpiece Mystery episode of Sherlock Holmes (the first one, "A Study in Pink"), which I was planning on reviewing here. It was going to be the perfect ending to my day. Unfortunately, the movie was not loading properly. Since my roommate was going to watch it with me, she tried to load it on her computer, as well--to no avail. I think the Internet is not working as well as we'd like it to here on campus at this moment!

Needless to say, I was rather disappointed. I had been so excited to watch another episode of Sherlock Holmes, and I had been thinking about it off and on throughout my day. However, since we were both up anyway, my roommate and I decided to still watch a movie. And--you guessed it--we watched Northanger Abbey, which was really fun! So it was still a really good evening. I loved this movie so much when I first saw it on T.V. that I ended up buying it not long after. I think it was a good investment. ;)

Maybe I'll get to watch more Sherlock Holmes soon, in which case I'll plan on posting my review(s) here. For now, I hope you enjoyed this review of another great PBS Masterpiece show!

Masterpiece Mystery Monday

Saturday night I indulged and let myself watch an episode of the the new PBS Masterpiece Mystery version of Sherlock Holmes. I ended up alternately laughing at some funny lines, hiding my eyes (while still peeking through my fingers at times), and expressing my frustration to my laptop screen. I was really drawn into the story, if you couldn't tell!

I've only read a very little bit of the original Sherlock Homes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and I've only seen a few episodes of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (I think it was the 1980s version), so I'm certainly no expert on all things Sherlock. However, this new series seems to have only taken the same two main character-types (with the same names), Sherlock Holmes and Watson, while creating entirely different plots in modern times. And I found it a rather enjoyable twist on the famous characters!

Now, I'm the kind of person who can be really bothered by movies. I have a hard time watching anything "disturbing," so I was really glad this episode was pretty "clean" (it certainly could have been a lot worse!). It was kind of intense, so I would caution everyone to be aware of that before watching any of the episodes.

The episode I watched was called The Blind Banker, which is available to watch online (as I did) through December 7, 2010. (As a side note, I love that PBS Masterpiece does that with a lot of their new episodes, so that you don't necessarily have to watch the show at a set time!)

The story started in such a unique way, and it was easy to get drawn into the plot. I found that while Sherlock was rather young (along with Watson), I liked the change. The relationship between Sherlock and Watson is pretty entertaining, and who could blame poor Watson for being upset at always being told what to do by Sherlock? Sherlock's "self-confidence" (putting it nicely) is pretty consistent with the original Sherlock, in my opinion, and I did feel sorry for Watson, especially when he was trying to go on a date with a girl he really liked, and Sherlock tagged along! But I ended up being drawn to Sherlock's character in spite of his pride (he is pretty smart, I have to say!), because he is such a persevering, occasionally clueless, and ultimately intriguing character! He did let his care for others show at times, revealing that he did indeed have a heart, which was nice to see. ;)

As I said before, I ended up covering my eyes off and on, and there was certainly a lot of action to keep me on the edge of my seat! There was one point where something happened to a secondary character that made me really mad (I told them what to do, but they just wouldn't listen to me!). And I didn't know if I completely liked the end, which was a little freaky. (Part of that might have been due to the fact that I didn't realize that my screen had gone blank--for a while I just thought the screen was supposed to be black. My roommate was a little concerned that I was staring intently at a blank screen!) Overall, though, I found it to be a really thrilling and interesting episode with some great music to add to the mystery, and it was certainly a fun way to spend part of my Saturday night. I recommend it for all you mystery-lovers (and yes, there's even a little bit of romance)!

I'll have to see if I have time to watch the next episode. I'm curious about what mystery Sherlock and Watson are going to solve next!