Unlocking Sherlock

Steven Moffat, Mark Gattis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Lara Pulver, and others from the cast of the modernized "Sherlock Holmes" talk about the popular series, the evolution of Sherlock Holmes in history, and certain decisions that were made for their particular series.

I found this fascinating. One reason is that the documentary contained an actual interview with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and I had never heard him speak. They also showed scenes from some of the very earliest silent films featuring Holmes, which were done in London, so one could see what it was like then.

Another thing discussed was the importance of the character of Watson, and how it was Nigel Bruce who actually brought that character to prominence from that point forward. I never cared for Bruce's performance. I think he made Watson a fool, and I found Sherlock sometimes quite condescending to him. However, it turns out that Bruce's interpretation is quite important in the film canon and for future Watsons.

There were drawings of the original Sherlocks, based on the description in the stories, and various Sherlocks were shown over the years - William Gillette, Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett, Peter Cushing, and others.

Of course, for me, the star was Benedict Cumberbatch. Amazingly, after he was cast, the producers looked accusingly at the creators and said, "You promised us a sexy one." Your point? They got one.