Average YA fantasy series (not for adults)
Had to give this a watch based on its reviews.
It's a FANTASY series set in Victorian London (a fact which seems to have been missed by many reviewers). It is very reminiscent of family friendly BBC TV series of the nineties and noughties, a bit of a mash-up of everything, so I wouldn't consider this a new phenomenon; it is very much early Saturday evening viewing aimed at the kids, but parents can watch if so inclined.
Unfortunately, I fall outside that category, and even back then, it wouldn't have been what I'd go for. It is a little bit hammy and a little bit cheesy, but it has always been that way - typical family friendly BBC fare but now on Netflix.
The level of vitriol contained in many of the reviews is nonsensical. As I've said, it is a fantasy series, and watchers are requiring it be authentic and historically accurate (as if kids watching this are looking for an object lesson on the etiquette and behaviour of Victorian London, and its absence may leave them confused).
These points would be laughable if not so dangerously stupid. Holmes and Watson are FICTIONAL characters in the public domain (and new writers can do whatever they like with them), and let's be honest, if Robert Downey Jr. Can play Holmes, then anyone can play anything.
Won't be watching past the 2nd episode, but again, this is aimed at kids and likely won't have much crossover appeal for most. Therefore, I am rating it with that in mind (also, I think the lead girl, Bea, and Watson, are two of the better/more interesting characters, particularly Bea. On Watson, Lucy Liu, played Watson, as an Asian-American woman for nearly a decade, pretty well too, notwithstanding the quality of the show - I hope she didn't get this much flack!).
You'll know by the end of the 1st episode whether it is a series to suit your sensibilities (but even if it doesn't, if you are an ADULT, have pause; this wasn't made for you, and even in the past, this still wouldn't have been made for you - It is for kids).
It's a FANTASY series set in Victorian London (a fact which seems to have been missed by many reviewers). It is very reminiscent of family friendly BBC TV series of the nineties and noughties, a bit of a mash-up of everything, so I wouldn't consider this a new phenomenon; it is very much early Saturday evening viewing aimed at the kids, but parents can watch if so inclined.
Unfortunately, I fall outside that category, and even back then, it wouldn't have been what I'd go for. It is a little bit hammy and a little bit cheesy, but it has always been that way - typical family friendly BBC fare but now on Netflix.
The level of vitriol contained in many of the reviews is nonsensical. As I've said, it is a fantasy series, and watchers are requiring it be authentic and historically accurate (as if kids watching this are looking for an object lesson on the etiquette and behaviour of Victorian London, and its absence may leave them confused).
These points would be laughable if not so dangerously stupid. Holmes and Watson are FICTIONAL characters in the public domain (and new writers can do whatever they like with them), and let's be honest, if Robert Downey Jr. Can play Holmes, then anyone can play anything.
Won't be watching past the 2nd episode, but again, this is aimed at kids and likely won't have much crossover appeal for most. Therefore, I am rating it with that in mind (also, I think the lead girl, Bea, and Watson, are two of the better/more interesting characters, particularly Bea. On Watson, Lucy Liu, played Watson, as an Asian-American woman for nearly a decade, pretty well too, notwithstanding the quality of the show - I hope she didn't get this much flack!).
You'll know by the end of the 1st episode whether it is a series to suit your sensibilities (but even if it doesn't, if you are an ADULT, have pause; this wasn't made for you, and even in the past, this still wouldn't have been made for you - It is for kids).
- Thinker365
- Mar 26, 2021