Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th September, 2019.

8th September, 2019.

Yes, it’s a Sunday.

Yes, it’s a day off.

Yes: I’m having dinner at my family’s, tonight.

And yes … 

I think I’m expecting a quiet day.

He says … !

~≈¥≈~

OK … I’m expecting a quiet day.

I’ve — inevitably — got Radio Four on.

Whose new programmes have told me a few things.

What with Amber Rudd — the Work and Pensions Secretary — resigning both from her ministerial post, and as from the Conservative party.

And is considering her position as an MP, come the General Election.

I’m thinking the Johnson Administration is having a day that … 

Well, not exactly quiet.

An election that’s seeing at least one Labour MP — Paul Farrelly — announce he’ll be standing down as an MP.

The day’s also seen former Labour MP, Angela Smith, join the Liberal Democrats*.

Quiet possibly isn’t the word … 

~≈¥≈~

Black Panther: A Review

1st July, 2018.

You know, you can TELL it’s a Sunday night in, can’t you … ?

Yep.   It’s a Sunday night … 

It’s a Sunday night off … 

And yes: it’s a Sunday night where I’ve cleaned my pants.

Which I think is something I think you’d rather not know, but there you go.

At any rate?

It’s Sunday.

I’ve got Kraftwerk’s Autobahn on in the background.

And I’ve just seen a movie: the 2018 release, Black Panther.

And, yes: I am impressed, thank you!

~≈§≈~

Sherlock: The New Year’s Day Special — The Abominable Bride

You know, I have to admit to feeling vaguely grateful.

Vaguely.

I’m grateful to have some time off at the moment.

I’m grateful to have a fourth generation Apple TV: complete with an onboard version of the BBC’s iPlayer catch-up app.

I’m bloody annoyed at Amazon: managing to lose an internal hard drive I’d ordered from them.

That latter … ?   Is something for another post, maybe.   Quite probably in the morning!

At any rate, gratitude?

Yes, I’m grateful to have much I otherwise wouldn’t have.

You see, working on New Year’s Day … ?

Meant I missed the seasonal special of Sherlock.

Called The Abominable Bride.

And frankly?

I’m glad — and grateful — that I caught it.

~≈Â≈~

The Hobbit: The Battle Of Five Armies: I’m Glad THAT’S Over … !

11th April, 2015.

You know, I’m something of a film fan.

Well … 

I’m someone that likes watching films, let’s put it that way.

I think the term film fan possibly implies a level of geekiness that really isn’t me.   At least, as far as films are concerned.

At any rate, I like a film, every-so-often.   I’ll quite happily sit through something … if I believe it will repay me with an evening’s entertainment.

I’ve done that, tonight.

In purchasing — purchasing, note — the third part in Peter Jackson’s take on J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit: called The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies.

And having sat through some one hundred and forty-four minutes of movie?   Can’t help but think someone’s bitten off a bit more than he can chew.

I don’t know about director, Peter Jackson … but I know I’ve got work in the morning!

Right at the moment, it’s 22:50.   And I’m due to whole my ageing carcass out of bed incredibly early: to get myself into work for 10:30.

I’ve done stupider things, in my time: as I’m sure friends and family will tell you.

Right now … ?

Right now, I’m trying to think of a stupider one than watching a long movie, before a seriously early morning.

And RIGHT NOW … ?   I’m going to hit the save button on TextEdit so I can climb into the sack … 

~≈†≈~

The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug: That’s More Like It …

11th April, 2014.

You know, it really is getting late.

Really.

But then, that’s one disadvantage to renting a film that lasts as long as the one I rented, this evening.

You tend to end up with monsters.

Which, now I mention it, is possibly more appropriate than I thought.

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve actually managed to have an evening free, tonight.

A free evening, and enough credit on my iTunes Store account to rent a film.

The one in question … ?

Was the second part of Peter Jackson’s version of The Hobbit: called The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

I’m thinking three things, right now.

1. Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of Smaug was INCREDIBLE … !
2. So were the scenes with Smaug.
3. And, by GODS, that’s an impressively big dragon!

You can tell something caught my eye, can’t you … ?

Hmmm … Let me get some sleep: I think my brain could do with disconnecting … !

~≈†≈~

Sherlock — Series 3 Episode 1: The Empty Hearse

Right … !

Right now, I’ve got my eyes partly on the post I’m writing, partly on Twitter … 

And partly on my TV screen, where, as part of the newly returned Sherlock, writer, Mark Gatiss has just blown up the Palace of Westminster!

Although I’m ASSUMING it’s a brief scene, where Sherlock’s surmising what could happen, should he and John H Watson not find the bomb on the underground train carriage.

Which they just have, by the way: turn’s out it’s the whole carriage!

~≈†≈~

AHEM … !

I’m in excited burble mode, aren’t I … ?   Yes, I am!

With justifiable reason, I think.

You seen I’ve just been watching the opening episode of Season 3 of Sherlock: called The Empty Hearse.   And I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely excited to see the series on air.

It’s … 

Hmmm … 

Can I be honest … ?

I’m actually going to encourage you to go and see The Empty Hearse.

I don’t know that I can summarize it, right now!

See you in the morning!

THE Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Padded … or otherwise

10th May, 2013.

You know … 

After one night where I’ve had zero sleep — a couple of night’s ago, since you ask — to a night, like tonight, where I’m going to clamber into bed at a comparatively late hour.

MOSTLY … ?

Well, mostly because I wanted to get started on a post about the film I’ve just seen.

You’re PROBABLY not needing to ask what the film was, are you … ?

But just so you know … ?

It’s was the recently released DVD version of the 2012 film, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

And for starters … ?

I’m going to thank an old friend, Graham, for loaning me his copy.

There’s a reason for that.

Partly that Graham’s a kindly old soul who likes being nice to people.   And PARTLY because I asked him politely.

The reason I asked … ?

Actually … is iTunes … 

Normally, I’m a huge fan of Apple products and services.   I’ve written enthusiastically about them enough, over the years to give you a clue about that.

Usually,  I’m happy to rent films through them.   Except The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

Which, at standard definition, measured up at 2.92 gigabytes.   Something I, with my 40gb download, wasn’t going to contemplate doing*.

So, I, for one, was glad to borrow his copy …

Remind me to have some sleep and tell you about it.

~≈†≈~

13th May, 2013

Which — it has to be said — took a long time!

Well … to be fair, the sleeping didn’t take that long.   But the weekend did: mostly where I was help my mother shift a lot of furniture from one room to another.

Quite a lot of stuff, actually …

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, I was going to try to sum up The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

The film — the first in a trilogy based on J. R. R. Tolkien’s original novel — opens just before the famous eleventy-first Birthday Party, with Ian Holm reprising his role as Bilbo Baggins: who, in explaining how he went on his first adventure, tells us all about the Fall of the Kingdom of Erebor†, easten-most Kingdom of Dwarves.

After it gets invaded by the dragon, Smaug.

After its King, Thrain, his heir, Thror‡, are killed: either in the battle or after.

And Thorin Oakenshield, the remaining heir to the throne of the Lonely Mountain, is left exiled and wondering Middle-Earth, with the remains of his people.

Thorin, of course, is determined to win back his kingdom.   Having eventually decided on a plan to take some of his best warriors to the Lonely Mountain, he seeks out an old friend, to see what advise he has.

Those of who’ve read the story will realise … that Gandalf immediately suggests a burglar … 

Which is where the film starts … 

~≈†≈~

With, of course, a flash-back to Martin Freeman as a much younger Bilbo: calmly sitting on his porch, enjoying a pipe full of tobacco, when he … 

Well, I’d explain more: but I’d suggest seeing this.

There’s reasons: there’s also an argument to deal with, as well, as I’m very aware that some who’ve seen the film — including a couple of old friends, Graham and Kevin D — feel the film has quite excessive amounts of padding to its name.

I can see their point.

There’s a scene — late on in the film — where the Company is travelling through the Misty Mountains, and are incidental victims of some Storm Giants.

That was a completely pointless scene to watch: as it’s derived from a — literal — throw-away line in Tolkien’s original text.

I felt much the same about with a lot of the scenes with Radagast the Brown: although, in the case of Radagast, he’s only given a minor mention in one appendix.   Although, to be frank, I do like Sylvester McCoy, having felt he was rather badly scripted for in Dr Who,

On the other hand … ?

On the other hand, there’s a scene where Gandalf has to report into the White Council: consisting of him, Saruman, Galadriel and Elrond Half Elven.    Padding … ?   Possibly.   If I remember correctly, this only gets a mention in another of the Appendices to the Lord Of The Rings.

And … ?   Well: while I’m not convinced it’s a piece of padding — The Hobbit’s shift from two to three parts is well known — it’s one of the scenes that could possibly have waited for the Directors Cut.

On the other hand … ?

On the other hand, one could ALSO apply that logic to the opening scenes: those that show us the Fall of Erebor.

Again, while this is arguable padding, that could well have awaiting a Director Cut, I’m ALSO aware that not many modern movie audiences would have necessarily have seen read the original books, in which this is discussed.

Frankly … ?   Frankly, from where I’m sitting, having it at that opening part of the first film allows Jackson and company to fill us in on much needed details: with necessarily having to have read all the books.

So … 

Arguably … ?

Arguably, yes, one can say this first film in the trilogy is padded: and possibly to an excessive degree.

On the other hand … ?

On the other hand, I rather enjoyed it.

And hope that the two later films are shorter, having had much of the extraneous stuff out of the way.

Now, if you’ll excuse me … ?   I’m going to have to get the book out of the library … 

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

★★☆☆

*        I’ll be honest, here, if I may … ?   I’ve long been an advocate of using DVD-ripping software like HandBrake to make backups of all your DVDs: AND copies you can play on your iPod.   Why, after all, should you play twice … ?   At ANY rate … ?   At any rate, I did any experimental rip of the film, with HandBrake 0.9.8: at it’s default settings, that gave me a copy of the film at a resolution of 1009*426 pixels, a bit rate of 1,360 … and a size of 1.66 GB.   I have to ask what Apple are playing at, sometimes: although, to be fair, I believe they’d be doing something like this at a resolution of x by 720: a much larger height, and comparative length: that of course, would show up as a larger data-rate, and thus as a larger size file.

†        I should add, here, that the dwarves in the film are, by Tolkien’s own accounts, of the Folk of Durin: Thorin, for example, is a direct descendant of Durin 1st Deathless.   There were, as he himself mentioned in Quenta Silmarillion, six other houses.

‡        Going by the book, Gandalf is given the Key to the Secret Door of Erebor by Thrain: after the latter is captured by the Necromancer: Sauron, in other words.

Sherlock Series 2 Episode 3: The Reichenbach Fall

You know, I’ve GOT to admit, I’m breathing a touch easily …

Whilst also feeling a touch smug …

You see, I’ve JUST seen the last episode of series two of Sherlock, and, yes, I’m impressed.

Out and out blown away, I think.

And also wanting to see series 3, as and when it appears.

And, yes, I know there’s a series three, due.

I follow Stephen Moffat on Twitter, you know.

Comes in handy, when he kills off Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s best known creation … !

‹‹•››

Well …

He’s only doing what Sir Arthur himself did, all those years ago …

‹‹•››

Episode 3, Series 2 — The Reichenbach Fall —is loosely based on Cona Doyle’s The Final Problem and sees Sherlock testifying against a freshly caught James Moriarty, after the criminal mastermind is caught: simultaneously breaking into The Tower of London, HMP Pentonville and the Bank of England.

The only problem, there, of course … ?

Is that Moriarty manages to indulge in some discrete jury nobbling, to have himself declared innocent.

And let loose on London … ?

Let loose on London, manages to arrange a kidnapping and a couple of shootings: in order to work towards Holmes eventual death.

‹‹•››

I’m going to laugh, there, actually, in a gently knowing sort of way …

Because, of course, I — as both the producers of this series and anyone who’s Sir Arthur’s work — know that this isn’t quite the whole story, of course.

At any rate, I do know this.

This reworking of the Sherlock Holmes has been SUPERB: I’m not the only one to think so, going by the activity on Twitter!

Can I be frank … ?

I can’t WAIT for series three.

Despite having read the books …

I want to see what happens … !

Sherlock Series 2 Episode 2: The Hounds of Baskerville

Now …

You can tell, can’t you … ?

That, with a title like that, the team behind series 2 of the rebooted Sherlock — writer, Mark Gatiss, in tonight’s episode’s case — that the team’s had to point some work in … !

And I’ll be blunt … ?

I’m thinking it’s paid off, beautifully … !

»»·««

Episode 2 — The Hounds of Baskerville — is based loosely on the Conan-Doyle original novella, The Hound of the Baskervilles, and sees Holmes and Watson heading to Dartmoor, in Devon, to help Henry Knight — the modern update’s take on Sir Henry Baskerville, and played by Russell Tovey — to try and aid him after Henry begin’s being plagued by memories of the supernatural hound that killed his father.

The problem, there … ?

The problem, there, of course being the fact that both Sherlock and John seriously feel that there’s no such creature — despite possibly having seen it — and that the Baskerville army base may — may — be doing research that accounts for it.

»»·««

Now, I was saying about paid off … ?

LORDY, yes … !

I’m thinking, here that the team has — frankly — done something of an extremely good job with it’s source material: something that’s even got me thinking I should really dig up the original Conan-Doyle*, just to refresh my memory of it.

There’s something else, as well: I’m ALSO thinking that both lead characters — Freeman and Cumberbatch — getting very comfy in their roles.

Making watching the series … ?

Even more of a pleasure … !

* Once I’ve finished Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs, and Terry Pratchett’s Snuff, of course …

The Hounds … The HOUNDS … !

Oooh …

You know, I’m thinking, here, you’ve worked out I like Dr Who.

And I’m ALSO taken with the Moffat/Gatiss/Vertue take on the Sherlock Holmes stories, simply called Sherlock.

I’l happily admit that tonight’s episode … ?

Looks rather good.

Just so you know … ? Episode 2 is on BBC 1, tonight, at 8•30, and called The Hounds Of Baskerville.

Gosh.

I wonder which Holmes story this one’s based on … ?

Sherlock Series 2: A Scandal in Belgravia

Oh, now hang on … !

That …

Is definitely it … !

Now you’re possibly thinking, “Slow down, Paul, what’s got you … ?”

I’ll be frank … ?

It’s tonight’s first episode of the second season of Sherlock, the Steven Moffat/Mark Gatiss/Beryl Vertue update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s best loved character, Sherlock Holmes.

Tonight’s episode … ?

Tonight’s episode, if you haven’t guessed from the title, is updated series take on A Scandal in Bohemia, called A Scandal in Belgravia.

‹‹·››

2/1/2012

Sorry, sorry, I know, I’ve left it a little long … !

But I’ve been having all sorts of fun with vlc, HandBrake and MPEG Streamclip: I might just fill you in later, if I get the chance.

At any rate, let’s carry on from where I left you, shall I … ?

Yes …

I’ll happily admit to have watched the first series of the Steven Moffat/Mark Gatiss/Beryl Vertue update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, called simply Sherlock.

Last night’s episode, A Scandal in Belgravia, was both the opening episode for the second of the updated series, and that updates take on A Scandal in Bohemia.

A Scandal in Belgravia sees Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman reprising their roles as Holmes and Watson*, and follows on —almost directly — from the closing episode of series 1.

After showing us how Holmes and Watson manage to get clear of Moriartyº, events move to both London and the Lake District: where, as Holmes is helping clear up the mysterious death of a hiker, he’s summoned to Buckingham Palace by his brother, Mycroft.

Where he and Dr Watson are asked to retrieve a set of photos from a high class dominatrix called Irene Adler.

A case that goes rapidly astray, as Ms Adler proves more of a match than out heroes expect.

‹‹·››

Now …

Am I impressed … ?

Yes, I surely am … !

The Moffat/Gatis/Vertue writing crew have shown themselves to to be an eminently capable batch of writers, and with this particular episode … ?

I’m thinking Moffat’s done rather well.

Can I make a suggestion, here … ?

If you can get hold of A Scandal in Belgravia … ?

I’m going to suggest you watch it.

I think you’re going to find yourself watching a very good piece of drama.

* In a throwaway line in last nights episode, Watson reveals that his middle name is Hamish. I know they probably made that up: or read their Sayers. But I have to admit, I’ve been wondering for years …

º That was possibly the most impressive use of the awkwardly timed phone call I’ve ever seen!

The Great Game: Spies, snipers and Psychotics.

You know, I’ve got to admit, I am impressed.

Decidedly impressed.

Definitely … !

You know, I’m very tempted to throw in a “It IS Sunday?” type question.

Except I know for a fact that it’s Sunday.

And that the Apple Dictionary — the one that comes pre-packed with OS X — doesn’t have enough alternatives for the word ‘impressed’.

THAT’S for certain …

‹‹‹•›››

Yes, it’s definitely Sunday.

And as you can imagine, I’ve been watching The Great Game, the third and final part of Sherlock: the Steven Moffat/Mark Gatiss/Sue Vertue 21st century take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

And I’ve got to admit that, while I’m impressed with this episode — a mix of The Bruce Partington Plans and The Final Problem, with references to The Five Orange Pips and A Scandal in Bohemia — isn’t the strongest of the three episodes, so far.

But is doing a lot.

The Great Game sees Holmes given — and rejecting — an offer of a case, by his elder brother Mycroft.

In this case … ?

The apparent murder of a MI6 clerk who seems to have mislaid some very important plans …

This against the background of an unknown bomber challenging our heroes to solve seemingly unimportant cases.

Or see the hostages our unnamed* — ’til the end of the episode — bomber and his hired sniper have taken blown to bits.

Or shot, of course …

‹‹‹•›››

Now, where things get frustrating in The Great Game — frustrating and rivetingly watchable — is the climax to all of this.

Remember I mentioned The Final Problem … ?

The short story that Sir Arthur tries to finally kill off his creation, so he could move on to other things … ?

That sees Holmes — apparently — killed in a final confrontation with arch-rival, Professor Moriarty, in a fight to the death at the Reichenbach Falls … ?

Yeah, that Final Problem … !

I think — think — that’s what Moffat and co have re-created here.

Or tried to, at any rate.

Not to kill off Holmes, not by a long shot!

No, I’m thinking from all I’ve seen, that this initial series of Sherlock is something of a pilot series, if you see what I mean … ?

And that the big cliffhanger of a finish … ?

Is definitely a way of keeping people interested … !

* As you’ve probably guessed, the arch-villain behind all of this … ? Is the updated Professor Moriarty: or Jim Moriarty as he calls himself. And — while I don’t know the name of the actor playing him — the spin he gives to the part — of the psychotic brother of Graeme Norton — is FANTASTIC!! and if that sniper doesn’t end up being a re-worked version of Colonel Sebastian Moran … ? Well …

Sherlock: Blind Bankers, Dancing Men and Chinese Gangsters

You know, I’ve got to confess, I’m thinking, here, that I could use getting the idea of pub’s out of my head.

I really do … !

Because I couldn’t help but think the name of tonight’s episode ofSherlock— The Blind Banker — sounded vaguely like the name of one

Not that The Blind Banker actually had anything to do with a pub.

Or was set in a pub.

Or even went past a pub, in a hanson.

Or mentioned — in a bizarre and convoluted bit of scripting — a pub called The Blind Banker.

I’m gabbling, aren’t I … ?

.

And quietly thanking Apple for including a thesaurus, actually … !

And thinking I should get decaffeinated teabags …

‹‹‹~›››

At any rate, you’d’ve probably gathered — by now — that I’ve just spent another quiet Sunday night in, in the company of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, in the Steven Moffat/Mark Gatiss updated take on Sir Arthur Conan-Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.

And you’ve probably also worked out that tonight’s episode was called The Blind Banker; if you hadn’t you possibly need those decaffeinated teabags a lot more than I do!!

At any rate, The Blind Banker — an updated version of The Adventure Of The Dancing Men — sees Holmes and Watson called in, by an old college friend of Holmes, to investigate the apparent vandalism of the chairman’s office of a city bank.

However, Holmes quickly works out that the graffiti — a rendering of the Suzhou numerals for 1-15 — is a warning.

And a warning aimed at a specific member of the bank’s trading staff.

Which Holmes and Watson soon link to an identically warned — and otherwise both seemingly innocent and extremely dead — travel writer, and a still living, Anglo-Chinese museum curator.

Who, during a rough childhood in Hong Kong, had been coerced, along with her brother, into joining a tong* that was heavily involved in smuggling antiquities out of the country.

‹‹‹~›››

Now, I’ve got to admit, The Blind Banker is another blinder from the Team headed by Steven Moffat, Mark Gatiss and company.

Ok, granted, I’m watching because of their connections with Doctor Who. Which is pretty much why I tuned in to Torchwood.

But Sherlock and Doctor Who are two very different shows.

In fact, much as I’ve enjoyed the Matt Smith/Karen Gillan fifth season, I’m — so far — enjoyingSherlock a touch more.

I’m thinking that that’s possibly because Doctor Who is aimed at more of a family audience — friends with kids have told me as much!! — with Sherlock filling the hole in the Moffat gap left by Russell T. Davies Torchwood.

Actually, I’m also thinking that the Matt Smith era Dr Who could benefit from a touch of tonal bleed-over from Sherlock.

If that makes sense … ?

I hope so … !

But tonight’s episode … ?

Phew … !!

Tonight’s episode was another blinder in a three-part series that’s not let me down.

And possibly not disappointed anyone else, either: from what I’ve picked up, last week’s opening episode picked up something like 7•2 million viewers.

Hopefully, that’s been kept up with The Blind Banker.

If for no other reason than the escapology routine … !!

* This one was called the Tong of The Black Lotus, and — in the episode — leaves a token origami lotus flower made of black paper, with those it has killed. I’ve got to admit, I got thinking of the Tong of The Black Scorpion …

Sherlock: Studiously Pink and Contemporary

You know, usually, whenever I’m impressed by something, and want to tell people about it, I’ll usually start off the relevant post with something along the lines of “I think I’m impressed with …” whatever the post’s about.

But why be so wishy-washy … ?

Every once in a while, it’s nice to able to say, outright, “I’m impressed”.

And usually I’m writing about a film, TV show, book, product, Mac, what-have-you.

Actually, that’s not far off what I’m planning to rave about, tonight, actually.

Because I’ve actually spent an hour and a half of my time, watching the Stephen Moffat/Mark Gatiss penned, contemporary re-working of the adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes.

Only now … ?

In the (very early) 21st Century … ?

Moffat and Gatiss have gone with calling him just plain old Sherlock.

And, whereas I’m usually a bit vague, on these things … ?

I’m going to be a bit definite.

I’m impressed!

No, seriously, I’m impressed … !

Boy, am I impressed … !

I’m in dribble territory, here, aren’t I’m … ?

Lets get a move on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets.

Now, I’ve got to admit, I started hearing rumours of this, about a week or two, ago, when Dr Kevin told me someone had put together a TV version.

I’ve got to admit, I only had half an ear on what he was saying.

Bless him, he WAS having one of his more talkative days: the acupuncture he’s having for his bad back is definitely helping, and he was both pleased and excited to be getting out and about, again.

And decidedly chatty, bless him!

It wasn’t until later that day that i found out that Steven Moffat — the currant lead writer on Dr Who — was both on Twitter, AND had co-produced a reworking.

“Interesting,” I thought, “I’ll have to keep an eye out for that …”

I’m glad I did …

Now, I’ve got to admit, I’ve been catching the trailer, on and off, for the past week or so.

Including at last night’s Movie night.

Now, I’ll admit, Kevin D and Movie Night Adrian weren’t stunned by what they saw.

I’m thinking they may have missed something …

I do know neither were impressed by idea of the modern reworking idea.

Which is where I think we may all differ …

‹‹‹~›››

Tonight’s episode … ?

Was called A Study In Pink, and is a modern re-telling of the first Holmes novel, A Study In Scarlet.

Which is actually a good place to start.

It sees four apparent suicides, spread across London: and our all new Sherlock — played by Benedict Cumberbatch — called in to help by a baffled Inspector Lestrade.

And, while all this is going on, it sees a baffled, war-weary but still action hungry and bored Dr Watson — nicely done by Martin Freeman at his most sympathetic — moving in with Holmes. And having, as a humorous side-issue, having to squash a few misconceptions.

And learning how — if not completely why — Holmes does what he does.

‹‹‹~›››

Now, if you’ve read the original A Study In Scarlet, you’ll probably notice both the differences.

And where Moffat, Gatiss and company have worked hard to put the essentials into their version, A Study In Pink.

But, while I’m not a fan of the original novels and shorts stories, I have enjoyed them, in my time: them, and the classic Jeremy Brett incarnation of the 1980’s, as well as the more recent Robert Downey Jnr/Jude Law pairing.

In point of fact, I’m one of those who think that Brett set the standard as Holmes, which was nicely matched, in it’s way, by that recent film.

I can’t help but think that Sherlock — going on this one episode — is both a fair treatment of Sir Arthur’s original stories, and a good retelling of the tales.

And a very good match of the standard that Brett, Downey — and Sir Arthur — set.

‹‹‹~›››