Winter blues

Did you ever love to hunt for treasure? As a child, I especially relished the annual Easter Egg hunt, or the survival games arranged by camp during middle school. The days of trying to figure out maps and compasses are gone, Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game played by Indiana Jones lovers across the globe. Played with kids, families, and friends... a less stressful version of the "Amazing Race" but no less satisfying.

Geocaching

Quick study

Evidently there was an alternative version of the Sherlock remake? A Study in Pink. This is the first legit online version I've found for those that have been dying to see this show.. who aren't in the United Kingdom.

Part 1 of 12 link here

Making of Sherlock: Unlocking Sherlock.. part 1 here

Trimmings

What the hell is this?

Victoria Wood with All the Trimmings (link for clip)

I never would've stumbled upon this if it weren't for the casting of Alan Rickman, Richard E. Grant, Pete Postlethwaite, and Hugh Laurie...

Mystery overseas

Shinzanmono is a modern day crime drama that is sure to please for many Poirot and Sherlock fans. Ten episodes centre on ONE murder, as each episode/segment peels back the lies and motives of the people in Nihonbashi, Tokyo through deduction and logic.

Although Korean and South American television and cinema have been on an upward climb in both quality and originality, I've found Japan's recent releases to be lacking. (Yes.. yes... Departures was great.. but that's ONE in a particular year, and I haven't seen a Studio Ghibli picture in years).

Japan normally specializes in a large array of horror, animation, scientific dramas and popular psychological contests of will (Liar Game, Death Note) adapted from manga. Shinzanmono has a subtler touch, with the occasional strange cultural differences in humour and technique from its Western counterparts.

"In the Ningyo-cho area of Nihonbashi, Tokyo – a woman was murdered. Detective Kaga Kyoichiro, who just transferred to the Nihonbashi police precinct, is placed in charge of the murder case. With virtually the entire residents of Ningyo-cho’s shopping street emerging as suspects, Detective Kaga must use his keen sense of deductive reasoning to uncover the truth … ."

Part 1 here

Fast and furious

Ever watch the Thin Man series? The sharp, witty, quick dialogue that leaves your mind spinning? Not a surprise that Johnny Depp is reported to be interested in a remake of the classic series. What the Tourist failed to do, the Thin Man delivers in spades.

The Thin Man: Art of Murder link here

Building Foundations

A new approach to BBC? Perhaps after seeing the excellent King's Speech I've been itching to see other well done period dramas.

Similar to the modern reboot of Sherlock, BBC has been testing the waters with only a few 90 minute episodes. I loved Gosford Park, and recently discovered Upstairs, Downstairs (Trailer), the remake of the incredibly popular series in the 70s. Starring Eileen Aikins, Keeley Hawes, Ed Stoppard, Anne Reid, Clair Foy, Adrian Scarborough, ARt Malik, Ellie Kendrick, and Nico Mirallegro.

A few other shows that have escaped my notice.

2008: Little Dorrit

2008: Merlin (Reminds me of Jonathan Rhys-Meyers in Gormenghast)

2011: Downton Abbey

Created by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) starring Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth McGovern etc...