I’ve been watching the new BBC series ‘Sherlock,’ a fantastic contemporary version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s astute detective. I highly recommend it, and though it’s not rated, I think it’s fine for kids 11 and older. There are a few crime scenes, though nothing particularly bloody so far. I’ve watched the first episode, ‘A Study in Pink,’ and I’m part-way into the second episode, ‘The Blind Banker.’
It’s written by ‘Doctor Who’ scribes Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and Sherlock is played by Benedict Cumberbatch, while Martin Freeman brings the character of Dr. John Watson to life.
It’s contemporary, because the story takes place in modern times. In fact, Watson returns to London after being wounded while fighting in Afghanistan, and his therapist counsels him to write a blog to help him get back into society. Only nothing ever happens to Watson – until he meets and moves in with Sherlock Holmes at 221B Baker Street.
Sherlock has this amazing ability to accurately re-create stories and lives based on his own keen observations, and he’s often hired as a consultant in criminal cases. It got me thinking that maybe he has Asperger Syndrome, because he’s not particularly adept at social interactions and tends to monologue on and on, much to the chagrin of whomever’s trying to have a conversation with him.
He’s also like a dog with a bone when it comes to solving cases – he’s laser focused and simply won’t give up until he’s cracked the case. And whereas Watson may be a little more physical, Sherlock uses his brain power. So far, he’s nearly been run down by a car and choked by a bad guy, among other life-threatening things.
I do know people with Asperger Syndrome, so I’m not just talking off the top of my head here, but what do you think? Am I off-base, or do you think there’s a possibility that Sherlock Holmes has Asperger’s?
Below is a short video of Benedict Cumberbatch talking about the characters of Sherlock and Watson. ‘Sherlock’ was released on DVD and Blu-ray Nov. 9, 2010, from BBC Warner. It features some nice extras, including:
- Episode 1 Commentary featuring: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat, Sue Vertue
- Episode 3 Commentary featuring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Mark Gatiss I loved this)
- Exclusive Pilot Episode: Sherlock – A Study in Pink
- Unlocking Sherlock – The making of ‘Sherlock’
I can’t wait for season two, and I have no idea when that’s going to happen, so post below if you know!
Image: BBC Warner
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