I see this as a brilliant combination of Sir Doyle's genius and the modern world.
If you asked a younger version of myself who my favorite superhero was, you would invariably receive one of two answers. While there is an excellent older television series showcasing Robin Hood, my other favorite was the mysterious Sherlock Holmes of 221B Baker Street. All nostalgia aside, the first season of BBC's hit series "Sherlock" introduces the series well.
The first episode opens by explaining Dr. John Watson. That may seem like an odd way to put it, but it's what happened. His character was explained through his words and actions, but also by those of the people around him and the state of his room and dress. The initial shots of Sherlock Holmes play him as a man almost certainly mad, but so very intriguing and almost endearing that we are willing to look past that and see a human inside. When the murder sequence is being introduced, everything feels more distant. The shot sequences and lighting are quick and just a little off. You know something bad is about to happen. The sound has a distance to it that seems to keep the audience from getting too close. The reactions of the main characters to these events and their interest when the rest of the world seems to be drawing away is fascinating.
"A Study in Pink" also introduces other key elements not related to the characters. It sets up the unique shooting style of the show, which is not something I have found the words to describe yet. Perhaps after I watch season two again, I will be able to explain that. Part of it is the text that appears on the screen whenever a text message is received. The music, too, has its own flavor. It is much like the music I have heard in other Sherlock Holmes stories. It relies heavily on violin, which is obviously Sherlock's instrument of choice, but has pizazz. It is upbeat and menacing and loud, it carries the story on its back, and swings it around the corner to come face-to-face with a verdict.
Episode two, "The Blind Banker," holds one of my favorite shots of all time. The scene where John is outside the young museum worker's apartment and ranting about Sherlock's "massive intellect" is one of my favorites, but the shot of him screaming through the mail slot just amuses me to no end. I'm not sure why. Anyway, the episode further develops the characters with a focus on Sherlock's relationships. A lot of time is devoted to how he views/interacts with each character, but also people in general, the world, and crime. Those developments are fascinating to watch. It also makes the point of showing you everything Sherlock and John see, but not letting you know the answer until it's time. Then you realise you had all the pieces already.
The third episode is the introduction of Jim Moriarty, consultant criminal. The entire season has been bringing in bits of repeated information that will make more sense later, but the introduction of Moriarty os so sly, it is almost unbelieveable. When he is posing as the "gay" in the hospital, I almost forgot who he was, and I had seen it before. Through the game Moriarty plays with the consultant detective, we learn about the big-picture thinking Sherlock must do. We also watch John slowly but surely proving his worth. Sherlock sees it, too, but won't admit it. John often has to be Sherlock's conscience, which he will also not admit, but is grateful for. And, of course, it ends on an epic cliffhanger that no fan can let go unresolved.
If you have not watched this, you should. Obviously.
The third episode is the introduction of Jim Moriarty, consultant criminal. The entire season has been bringing in bits of repeated information that will make more sense later, but the introduction of Moriarty os so sly, it is almost unbelieveable. When he is posing as the "gay" in the hospital, I almost forgot who he was, and I had seen it before. Through the game Moriarty plays with the consultant detective, we learn about the big-picture thinking Sherlock must do. We also watch John slowly but surely proving his worth. Sherlock sees it, too, but won't admit it. John often has to be Sherlock's conscience, which he will also not admit, but is grateful for. And, of course, it ends on an epic cliffhanger that no fan can let go unresolved.