Sherlock & Daughter

As a big Sherlock Holmes fan, I've always loved how smart he is and how he keeps his distance. To me, the original stories are great because he's all about logic, not feelings or family. So, when this new series introduces a daughter, it feels a bit off. It just doesn't seem like the Sherlock I know, the one who cares most about solving a good mystery.

It feels wrong because the original Holmes was so focused on his work, with no wife or kids. Adding a daughter brings in a lot of emotion, which I think changes what makes him unique. It might make him seem more like any other detective with family problems, instead of the special character he is. For me, the old stories are important, and big changes to the main character can be tough to accept.

But, I also see why the series creators did it. Giving Holmes a daughter adds something new. The idea of a "lonely genius" can feel old-fashioned now. A daughter pushes him to deal with feelings and relationships, which makes him seem more human. This can open up new kinds of stories, not just about solving crimes, but about family and what kind of parent Holmes would be. It helps keep the character fresh and interesting for today's audiences.

So, while my first thought is often "that's not the real Sherlock," I understand that a daughter can enliven and modernize him, making him more relatable and giving creators new ways to tell his story. It's a different take, but it does bring him to life for a new generation.

I was expecting to be mildly amused but I ended up enjoying quite a bit. I used to to dislike Thewlis a while back but I've learned to appreciate some of the characters he's played though his Holmes here is a bit smug and annoying. Of course he's dealing with some loss and personal issues so he gets a pass for now. The daughter which could have been a waste of character is actually charming and interesting. I've seen untold movies and shows featuring Holmes as well as read dozens of novels and this is quite refreshing though somewhat reminiscent of Miss Scarlett and the Duke ( another good show ). This could have had dumb, unfunny jokes but while not overly dramatic it's mercifully not whimsical or campy ( two things I abhor ). Anyway give it a shot and you too might be surprisingly entertained.

I think most books, movies and some TV shows could be improved with maps. This one uses maps to illustrate old London and even a carriage chase. Well done.

I'm very forgiving with Sherlock stories. I was able to enjoy Sherlock and Elementary at the same time, but I can't stomach the Will Ferrell abomination. I suggest "Smarter Brother" and "Without a Clue" for a humorous Holmes. And I still miss Houdini and Doyle, but I digress.

This Holmes is older but still rude, egocentric and logical. I like that he does not accept the young American as his daughter ('You are not the first to make this claim") but finds her useful to investigate his case. Also we work with the same clues as Holmes. The main problem is extending the mystery across 8 episodes. The middle does bog down a bit. It would be better to have 2 four episode arcs. This is still an entertaining effort that I can recommend to a Holmes fan.

For me, Sherlock Holmes should notice all the small details, leave nothing to chance, and in the end you get an explanation of how how Holmes' conclusion was made.

Sherlock & Daughter did try to do all these things, but it felt like the writing used for the series was in iteration 2, when it needed to be iterated 10 times to be proper Sherlock Holmes.

It was entertaining, well paced and all that. Impressive how they can nail costumes and environment to the time period. A nick pick would be a lack of a realistic amount of bystanders / crowds, due to what I only can imagine to be budget costs.

I'll admit my expectations for a CW production are somewhat reduced compared to HBO, but Sherlock & Daughter is definitely a decent show worth watching.

There are a lot of little things done properly that show care and attention to detail. The little animation showing when characters move about London is simple and effective.

The sets and scenes in London and environs are top notch, particularly when I compare them to Miss Scarlett. The set designers performed excellent work here.

Where there is a bit of a letdown is the reliance on coincidence to further the plot. Amelia is definitely too much of a Mary Sue but I've seen far worse. The acting, other than Thewlis, is average at best. The actors read their lines rather than saying them, but, again, for a CW production this is not unexpected.

All in all, I'm enjoying this and I'd recommend it. Must see television, perhaps not, but if you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, this is worth giving a shot.