I confess I don't watch that much on PBS even though OETA is one of the better public broadcasting networks I've seen. But last night, not being able to sleep I got caught up in a new series on PBS called Sherlock. From skimming the brief description in the guide, I thought it was going to be one of those old black and white movies from the 40's and 50's starring Basil Rathbone.
Boy was I wrong.
This is a new series with a Sherlock Holmes character but set in the present day. And it was really well done. And I have to say that I am a student of Sherlock Holmes, having read all of the Arthur Conan Doyle stories and novels at least twice. They keep the characters true to the original stories but with modern day updates. Dr. Watson, just like the original is a retired army doctor that is a veteran of Afghanistan war - the current Afghanistan war with some very real flashbacks. Instead of Holmes indulging in his "7% solution" of heroin from the original stories, he now slaps multiple nicotine patches on his arms to get his high. Holmes still plays the violin, is moody as ever, there is a Mrs. Hudson and they reside at 221B Baker Street in London. But there is an update to keep up with current technology, but in a way that is a believable part of the story and not getting in the way. Holmes has a web page, the characters have smart phones and send text messages.
I have to say it took me a bit to get my head around the British accents.
Dr. Who fans will recognize the work of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss - the creators of this new series.
Check it out at PBS.org - Your tax dollars are helping to pay for it - might as well enjoy it. I got it on the TIVO to catch each week.
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