Sherlock – Season Two

Sherlock is as close as there's been to a perfect television show in the last few years. The idea of transferring Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective to a contemporary setting was a very smart one and when coupled with good writing and exceptional performances, it's almost faultless. The show was created by Doctor Who showrunner Stephen Moffat and The League of Gentlemen's Mark Gatiss (who has also written for Doctor Who) and they've managed to keep the spirit of the original books intact while subtly bringing it up to date. Sherlock works as a consultant for Scotland Yard, while Watson writes a blog about the other cases they work on. You can't help but think that Conan Doyle would approve. The second season consists of three 90-minute episodes, just like the first one, and also uses the original books to provide inspiration. But things are juggled around to keep it fresh. "The Hound of the Baskervilles" becomes "The Hounds of the Baskerville," when its updated as a tale of a secret government lab. And Irene Adler is now a dominatrix whose clients include an unnamed member of the British royal family in "A Scandal in Belgravia." But it's the final episode that's the best of the trio. "The Reichenbach Fall" sees the return of Sherlock's nemesis, Moriarty, and it builds to a completely incredible climax as things get increasingly out of control. The key to the entire show is Benedict Cumberbatch. As the title character, his combination of calm calculation and the franticness of his brain working overtime is a joy to behold; he steals each and every scene he's in. That's why Martin Freeman (from the British version of The Office) is so great as John Watson; he goes with the downbeat, world-weary approach and proves to be the perfect foil for Sherlock. Moriarty, played wonderfully by Andrew Scott, has been changed from a devious villain to a frightening sociopath, oozing menace. Add to this a very able supporting cast and it isn't difficult to see why the show is so damned good. If you aren't watching this, you should be. The extras are a little on the meagre side for a series this strong. There are commentary tracks for the first two episodes, with Gatiss and Moffatt, along with the show's producer, Sue Vertue, and assorted actors. They are rather good, as commentaries go, with a number of anecdotes and behind-the-scenes talk. The only other extra is a 20-minute featurette that's very self-congratulatory and little else. Still, I suppose they deserve it.