Sherlock Returns

Benedict Cumberbatch (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) will finally return to the small screen as our dear neurotic but undeniably brilliant Sherlock in early 2012 on BBC.

If you can't wait, you can always discover old gems such as "State of Play" (and I don't mean the Russel Crowe version) in 2003. Directed by David Yates starring familiar faces such as Bill Nighy, James McAvoy, and Kelly Macdonald. John Simm shines as Cal McCaffrey in this six part series.

There's also the spectacularly popular second season of "Downton Abbey", the original sci-fi series "Torchwood", Matthew Macfadyen (Pride and Prejudice) in "Spooks", or the cancelled two season romp, "Life" starring Damien Lewis.

Lately television has proven to be more original, interesting and imaginative than most multi-million dollar movies. Tired of vampires and zombies? Angels are the new Vampire. Immortal, beautiful and dangerous, what else? Look for biblical huge epics in the next few years. Noah's Ark, the teen Angel trilogy Mortal Instruments, and Milton's Paradise Lost are just a few upcoming stories to grace the big screen.

Holmes

Oy! I don't know how I missed this, but BBC released a version of Sherlock in July and August this year! What is this?? Three ninety minute dramas with fresh new faces??? Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Martin Freeman (Watson). Will be on PBS Masterpiece soon...

Episode 1: A Study in Pink

Episode 2: The Blind Banker

Episode 3: The Great Game

Interesting... must find online links....

Sometimes I really think Norman Jewison hit the nail on the head. Film is really going to the dogs and the television format is the future. With Game of Thrones, Boardwalk, The Borgias and Terra Nova... not to mention all the great shows already airing.. it makes you wonder why we all spend $15 for an overpriced bag of popcorn and bubble gum remakes.

If you have a particularly gifted producer / creative head, a few productions manage to select exceptionally appropriate and phenomenal music. Azure Ray's music was a great find...

Strange thing when you watch television shows you don't understand?? I've managed to find quite a few bands from Asia, Sweden.. and even North America which I wouldn't necessarily have found. I may not understand one word of it, but the enjoyment of music is universal.

TV finds..

Tearliner, The Avalanches, Adele Erichsen, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, L'Arc en Ciel, Bluedawn, X Japan, Tokio Hotel, Mika

Murder!

A very different take on Murder on the Orient Express last Sunday. Less polished, with a handheld technique that gave the experience an altogether more tense scenario. Diminishing the lustre of the famed Orient Express, it focused on Poirot's struggle with his views on justice and punishment. As a fan of the books I am curious how they will slowly arc Poirot's internal struggle of moral justice in his final bow "Curtain".

Overall? It's not a favourite unfortunately, and I do prefer the recent adaptation of Hallowe'en Party, (new online version link to part 1 of 9 here).. but I'm glad they made it.

Another new Mystery episode? One of Agatha Christie's best, The Pale Horse. The change? Adding Miss Marple into the story, perhaps a rather unnecessary addition.

Clueless

Seen it all? Tired of all reality television, talent shows, singing contests? Stumped to find another new mystery series?

Lord Peter Wimsey, a fictional well to do sleuth created by Dorothy L. Sayers has been adapted a number of times in a similar Poirot/Miss Marple style by BBC. Born into the upper classes, Wimsey is the classic well bred, highly educated gentleman who helps solves crimes more as a hobby than livelihood. The series takes place in the 1920-30s, following his deductions of crime and murder with the occasional appearance of his family members (very different from Sherlock and Poirot) and help of Chief Inspector Charles Parker.

Here are a number of links to various episodes...

Strong Poison

Five Red Herrings

Have His Carcase

Clouds of Witness

The Nine Tailors

Gaudy Nights

side note: Miss Marple Pocket full of Rye here