The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

Let's discuss adaptions of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.

I used to watch the series with Jeremy Brett.

Rosemarie wrote: "I used to watch the series with Jeremy Brett."
I've never seen that series. One for me to explore.

The costumes and sets were wonderful, as well as the acting.

Anyone else really enjoy the "Sherlock" series with Benedict Cumberbatch? I loved it, and am sorry that it's most likely over with. The first episode is "A Study in Pink." I love the way they adapt the mysteries from Doyle's books to make sense in modern London. I was really curious about how they'd handle The Hound of the Baskervilles, and I wasn't disappointed!

I adore Benedict Cumberbatch and have enjoyed everything I've seen him in, including Sherlock. (The Imitation Game was amazing.) However I think I like Jonny Lee Miller's portrayal of Holmes in Elementary more. To me the Miller's Holmes is more sympathetic, more human, and therefore more relatable. And I love that Watson, in this case is Joan Watson (played by Lucy Liu.)

Lori and Gem, I haven't seen Jonny Lee Miller's Holmes, but I read a brilliant quote in the Telegraph about Cumberbatch's portrayal a few years back that I just dug up (incidentally, why I like BC's take on the character): "he’s an intellectual apex predator condemned to furious boredom on a planet of unreflective dunces, and in his bleaker moments he resents every second of it." Do you think that aligns with Arthur Conan Doyle's vision of the character? (Or are we all blinded by Benedict Cumberbatch's cut-glass cheekbones?)

Merry wrote: "Do you think that aligns with Arthur Conan Doyle's vision of the character?"
I can't answer that. I haven't read enough of Conan Doyle's Sherlock to know... this will only be my second Sherlock read.

Rosemarie wrote: "I used to watch the series with Jeremy Brett."

I love Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes! The movies make me feel like I'm in Victorian London following Holmes and Watson on their cases and the actors had great chemistry between them.

Merry wrote: "Do you think that aligns with Arthur Conan Doyle's vision of the character? (Or are we all blinded by Benedict Cumberbatch's cut-glass cheekbones?) "

It's been awhile since I've read the books, but maybe. I can see that about him. But the latter idea is quite possible too! ;-)

I also loved Jeremy Brett as a faithful rendition of SH, but also loved the "Sherlock" series. I saw some of Elementary and did enjoy parts of it but felt their version of Sherlock was too emotional and mentally damaged to ring true to the original (although made a great story in its own right)

When my daughters were small we watched Sesame Street and enjoyed the antics of Sherlock Hemlock, the world's greatest detective.

I loved Sherlock Hemlock!!!

Rosemarie wrote: "When my daughters were small we watched Sesame Street and enjoyed the antics of Sherlock Hemlock, the world's greatest detective."
Oh my goodness, how could I forget him... thanks for the fond memories Rosemarie.

I've liked all the ones that I've watched - Jeremy Brett, Ben Cumberbatch, and Elementary (although I haven't kept up with Elementary). Even watched the old Basil Rathbone Sherlock.

Rosemarie wrote: "I used to watch the series with Jeremy Brett."
We watched an episode of the series with Jeremy Brett last night, and I have to admit it was too dry for my taste. I don't get that dryness from the book but then again, I've so enjoyed Cumberbatch and Miller's interpretations that I might be projecting them on to the character's in the book.