Sherlock’s first season was mostly about setting the table. It was phenomenal in that respect, and it also gave us plenty of entertainment, but the point of that season was to introduce Holmes to Watson, illustrate Mycroft’s role in things, and introduce the chaotic evil force that is Moriarty. Series 2’s challenge, then, is to progress the characters in an impacting and fundamental way. Sherlock meets that challenge head-on, once again delivering some of the most gripping, thrilling television in recent years.
Continue reading “Sherlock (Series 2)”Category: TV Reviews
Sherlock (Series 1)
The Guinness Book of World Records anoints Sherlock Holmes as the most portrayed movie character in history. When that many people have played a character, it’s unlikely one could rise to a most iconic status. Basil Rathbone defined Sherlock on the radio, stage, and screen for many years, so much so that when Disney made a Sherlock-based cartoon film, The Great Mouse Detective, they named their protagonist in his honor. Holmes has been portrayed by Orson Welles, Leonard Nimoy, Peter O’Toole, Charlton Heston, Robert Downey Jr., Ian McKellen, and, most recently, Will Ferrell. And yet there is one actor who has managed to make the role his own. Steven Moffat’s 2010 BBC One modernized update of the Holmes stories, starring Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role, now occupies the top spot in the collective consciousness when it comes to our Sherlock Holmes rankings. It’s the first and best version we tend to think of. What about the 3-episode arc of Series 1 made Sherlock such a runaway hit?
Continue reading “Sherlock (Series 1)”Retro Review: The Good Wife, Season 1
Now streaming on Hulu
Showrunner: Michelle and Robert King
Starring: Julianna Margulies, Matt Czuchry, Archie Panjabi, Graham Phillips, Makenzie Vega, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Chris Noth
Stranger Things, Season 2
Network: Netflix
Showrunners: Matt Duffer & Ross Duffer
Main Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Cara Buono, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Dacre Montgomery, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser
***This is a season review. There’s just no getting around the spoilers. You’re warned.
American Gods – Season 1
Network: Starz
Showrunners: Bryan Fuller & Michael Green
Main Cast: Ricky Whittle, Emily Browning, Crispin Glover, Bruce Langley, Yetide Badaki, Pablo Schreiber, Ian McShane