A week from now, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ Sherlock returns to BBC 1 after a two year absence. Just as Moffat has done Doctor Who minisodes to tease upcoming seasons and specials, he’s done a Sherlock minisode, “Many Happy Returns,” to tease the new season. I watched it. I grinned through it. From aContinue reading “Thoughts on the Sherlock Minisode, “Many Happy Returns””
Tag Archives: Sherlock Holmes
The Problem of Mycroft
A quick thought on last night’s Elementary. Specifically, the final scene with Mycroft as portrayed by Rhys Ifans. I really like Ifans. I’ve watched and enjoyed a film I was certain I wouldn’t like — Anonymous — purely because of Ifans. I think he has great rapport with Johnny Lee Miller. I have absolutely noContinue reading “The Problem of Mycroft”
My Philcon 2013 Schedule
This weekend is Philcon, a science-fiction convention held annually in the Philadelphia area. This year, like recent years, it’s being held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. And this year, like recent years, I’ll be at the convention and participating on panels. For those attending, here’s what my schedule this weekend looks like: Saturday MOFFAT ONContinue reading “My Philcon 2013 Schedule”
The Daleks
“When this damnable business is done, Watson, I shall be glad of it,” said Holmes. “The state visit?” “Naturally.” London’s papers were filled that spring with news of the impending state visit by the Crown Prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. “I should think this a time for celebration, Holmes, not exasperation.” “Were it not forContinue reading “The Daleks”
On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge
I had long admired Holmes’ ability to distinguish the varieties of cigarette ash by sight, but it was not until the affair of Lord Bassington’s manservant that I questioned the origins of Holmes’ knowledge. “Personal experience,” said he. “What may seem as trivial knowledge began, absent noble reasons, in my university days with the searchContinue reading “On the Origins of Trifling Knowledge”
Scientific Study
“Precise experimentation,” said Holmes one morning, and then: “You wondered how I came by my ritual seven percent solution of cocaine.” “Holmes!” I exclaimed, for his surmise was correct. “I note, Watson, that you are reading this month’s Lancet, which advises a tincture of ten percent, and then your gaze falls upon the desk whereContinue reading “Scientific Study”
After Reichenbach
I had been not long returned from Switzerland when, one afternoon after making my rounds, my travels brought me by Holmes’ old lodgings in Baker Street. Mrs. Hudson, our former landlady, greeted me warmly and we spoke for some time. “I began to tidy up his things,” said she, “until a telegram arrived from hisContinue reading “After Reichenbach”
A Fractional Consultation
A series of arsons throughout the city had all London aghast. Inspector Hopkins of the Yard believed they held a common thread and he came to our Baker Street rooms one evening to consult with Holmes. Hopkins withdrew from his jacket pocket a sheet of folded paper and passed it to Holmes. “This was foundContinue reading “A Fractional Consultation”
Reflections on a Case
Occupied as I was with my medical practice, I saw little of Sherlock Holmes in the spring of 1890, though the papers were filled with tales of his exploits, particularly in the case of Lady Violet Churchill. “A dark affair,” said Holmes to me one evening. “Robbery, was it not?” “Blackmail, Watson! The lady hadContinue reading “Reflections on a Case”
Theatricality
I long believed that Holmes loved as much the theatrics of his profession as the deductions themselves, and the Irving affair confirmed my suppositions. A German anarchist had made threats upon the life of noted thespian Henry Irving and Holmes, rather than simply collar the fiend, chose to draw him out with an elaborate disguiseContinue reading “Theatricality”