Daunting, Daring, Engaging, Outstanding! Cumberbatch was never very high on my list of talented actors. I watched two episodes of Sherlock and left it at that. I tolerated him in Star Trek Into The Darkness and I wasn't overly impressed with him as Marvel's Doctor Strange. But I'm a tough nut to crack.
All that said, the trailer for Patrick Melrose caught my attention. It came across as witty, intelligent and possibly engaging. Inasmuch as the first episode in this five part mini-series goes, I was not disappointed.
From the get go this episode draws you in, from the bad news phone call to the ensuing adventure that follows. Melrose not only has to deal with the bad news, but must do so in the company of his personal demons throughout the episode.
Cumberbatch's performance is stellar, at times leading you to worry about what his character is going to do next. The script is flawless with an abundance of quotable sarcasms . The rest of the cast are equally as engaging, as is the cinematography.
I'll say no more than this, watch it. Make sure you have no distractions. It's worth it.