Sherlock

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Season 2
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 870 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 813 out of 870
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 870
  3. Negative: 32 out of 870
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  1. EssenceOfSugar
    May 8, 2012
    10
    It would be difficult to find fault with even such a modern update of the most famous fictional detective. It is clever, it is witty, its humour is deliciously highbrow, the actors and actresses have superb performances - they are such a perfect fit considering the roles that they play - Moffat and Gatiss should be proud for what genius and creativity they have devoted to adapting theIt would be difficult to find fault with even such a modern update of the most famous fictional detective. It is clever, it is witty, its humour is deliciously highbrow, the actors and actresses have superb performances - they are such a perfect fit considering the roles that they play - Moffat and Gatiss should be proud for what genius and creativity they have devoted to adapting the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Need I say more?… Expand
  2. eagleeyeviking
    Dec 20, 2013
    9
    The second series of Sherlock improves upon the first with its unpredictability, emotional weight, and once again, brilliant acting by all the characters.
  3. sashaioffine
    May 27, 2012
    10
    It is so exciting (and rear) to witness a production that has comedy, psychology, mystery, and terror all in one show. But the modern day Sherlock accomplishes it with an absolute perfect rhythm. Genius. Thank you actors, writers, and the like. 11/10
  4. Sydbard
    May 29, 2012
    10
    The Sherlock Homes here is more of an Oscar Wilde than an Holmes in more ways than one, which happens to be a good thing. And a way better version then the one from the recent movies, that one is just horrible.
  5. Raels
    Jul 30, 2012
    10
    I love this series. The characters are fantastic, love the humor is so typically English, which means perfectly times and witty. Awesome modern twist on an old classic. Can't wait for the next season
  6. Kaleena
    Apr 6, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Yes, a 10 out of 10. I have not seen a modernization of a show quite as rich as this. Benedict Cummberbatch has quickly become a favorite of mine, though I rarely watch interviews with him because I love the image of him as Sherlock and I don't want to blow it; except for his upcoming appearance in 'Star Trek 2'. He is a perfect replication; troubled, drugged, a complete and utter that you cannot help but love and admire for his ability to excuse his sociopathic self as a huge credit to his character. Without it, he would not be able to be who he is. THE detective of the century.
    Then there's Martin Freeman as the incomparable Watson. The reincarnation of the original character is just lovely. Their relationship is like a perfectly imperfect marriage. A reality in which Watson knows he cannot survive without Sherlock. Sherlock becomes his irreplaceable partner, as is painfully brought forth in the final episode of Season 2 when he pleads with Sherlock's grave; "One more miracle for me, Sherlock. Don't be...dead. Would you do that for me?"
    I could continue on and on about the glorious characters, the impeccable acting abilities of main characters and side characters alike but I only have 5000 characters and am quite frankly it's late and I'm getting tired.
    What I can say for sure is what a perfect summation of a perfect rebooting of the perfect crime duo and, of course, who better to resurrect these characters than Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss. What a duo these two are! They have true love for these characters as well as they do for Doctor Who and it shows.
    I have waited with such anticipation for Season 3. Never before have I stayed so utterly tunnel visioned on a series. It is going to go down as one of the top 5 greatest reboots of a television series. I cannot wait.    … Expand
  7. Divine_Uchiha
    Mar 17, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Already with season 1 this show was already up on one of my favorite shows of all time. But season 2 exceeded my expectations for what was to come. With the introduction of Jim Moriarty the show became even more enthralling and tense as the last episode kept me guessing "How" and "Why" these events happened. Defiantly my favorite season of the show until season 4 comes out of course.… Expand
  8. DrewtheDude85
    Mar 29, 2014
    9
    While I did enjoy the first season of Sherlock, I had to say that this was much better. I thought this had a lot more humor and wit in it; I was lot more sophisticated and had better content in it. The ending was also very dramatic, I won't spoil it though; you just have to see it yourself.
  9. MightyMatt
    Jan 19, 2015
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This season is when I started to lose faith in the formula. There is a lot of style and little soul from the source material. A Scandal In Belgravia seemed fresh and entertaining on first viewing. But go back a second time and little of the dialogue makes sense. Moffat turns Irene Adler from the woman who outsmarted Sherlock (who gets away free and clear in the original) to another damsel in distress that needs to be rescued. Way to stray so far from the short story that you completely inverted the resolution. The genius Sherlock left his cell phone volume up and set to sex tones, on a covert mission. Dazzle over logic. Making Irene a kinky sex fetish S & M dominatrix, could you f* up the character any more?

    The Hounds of Baskerville was a decent retread of the source material with a modern twist. Although that's not how a memory palace works, that's just moving random images around on the screen. A minor nitpick (which they repeat in season 3) in a watchable episode, highlighting the value of Watson's friendship to Holmes. I do like the sense of humor and some of the camera tricks this show offers.

    I really don't like this Moriarty though, so he ruined the Final Problem remake for me. He's too much an insane flamboyant psychopath instead of the measured respectable equal of Holmes he was intended to be. There's nothing "Professor" about this lunatic. Him shooting himself was nonsense, took any responsibility or credit from Holmes, and the resolution to Sherlock's death was pretty sloppy in the following season. It's like they take stories from canon and butcher them for lack of understanding the material and trying too hard to stand out.

    There are many times in the Doyle stories when SH utters a phrase in French, showing some class and sophistication. Or they might explore how clients offer him vast sums of money but he only uses just enough to solve the case. There's something noble or interesting there, that solving the mystery and catching bad guys is its own reward. But this TV version would rather make him as rude and unlikeable a human being as possible, and spend half the time reminding us Holmes and Watson are JUST FRIENDS!--wink wink. Thanks, we got the gay joke the first 15 times.

    This season started to solidify as popcorn entertainment without much of a tether to Doyle's work, even more so next season, and fans and critics seemed to take all the Moffat/Gatiss flash and sleight of hand signifying nothing with open arms. Reading the gushing reviews, I feel like the only sane one who remembers or cares about Doyle's work, while the episodes are just star vehicles jumped up on Adderall, "murder mysteries" with little effort put into the mystery part. Instead of Doyle's sharp psychological portraits of what makes decent people go bad, and clues the reader might even work out the ending with, we get endless glimpses of Sherlock's and John's personal lives and squabbles, what was more of a backdrop in the books, mostly thriller plots instead of mysteries, and a last minute exposition dump attempting to justify the last 90 minutes of loosely related scenes. The worst part is that the literary character was odd and eccentric, but not pointlessly rude and abrasive, to absurd levels like these writers paint him. I do love shows filmed in England, but can't rate this more than a 5.    … Expand
  10. LinttaFlamingo
    Mar 10, 2017
    9
    I didn't even realize how much I cared about these characters until the third episode. Not only that, but Sherlock also continues to be just as good as the first season. A masterpiece mystery that is unpredictable, emotional and well acted. The only thing that I didn't like was that sometimes there is too much of the know-it-all stuff which doesn't even seem possible at times. But that's Sherlock!
  11. PrettyHonest
    May 7, 2012
    10
    One of the best that I've seen so far on TV, Sherlock comes as a complete package. The actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott were very notable in their portrayals of the highly popular characters and perfectly cast with the other actors. The cleverly-written scripts were spot-on, with the humor introduced just in the right places and the dialogues very well thoughtOne of the best that I've seen so far on TV, Sherlock comes as a complete package. The actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott were very notable in their portrayals of the highly popular characters and perfectly cast with the other actors. The cleverly-written scripts were spot-on, with the humor introduced just in the right places and the dialogues very well thought out and appealing to a wide range of viewers. Highly recommended for the fans and non-fans alike. Seriously, don't compare, just watch and appreciate the show.… Expand
  12. EludiumQ36
    Nov 30, 2017
    2
    No, no, no, what's with all these 9s and 10s?! Do we have that much a culture of shilldom?! I gave season 1 a tepid "4" rating but this one I couldn't even make past ep 1 due to its horribly lazy use of DExM not once but twice! The very last scene of ep 1 was most egregious and enough to abort wasting 90-min more with another episode. Again, you can't pace a 90-min episode like it's 30-minNo, no, no, what's with all these 9s and 10s?! Do we have that much a culture of shilldom?! I gave season 1 a tepid "4" rating but this one I couldn't even make past ep 1 due to its horribly lazy use of DExM not once but twice! The very last scene of ep 1 was most egregious and enough to abort wasting 90-min more with another episode. Again, you can't pace a 90-min episode like it's 30-min one. So that's its continuing first problem. But then to just "magically" make things happen is just lazy writing and directing. Seriously, in ep 1 Holmes simply asks two "American" spec-ops types to leave the room when he has absolutely NO leverage to do so is idiocy. Then to overcome the final armed one was just insulting. This series wants to be taken seriously but it simply can't with such pathetic antics. I'm on to the next streaming series...… Expand
  13. FacingDrama
    Sep 8, 2012
    10
    Something great happens when every element of a show are gathered together in perfection. The shooting style, the clever dialogues, the terrific performance and the magnificent story telling make BBC1's Sherlock the best version of Conan Doyle's investigator. As always, British dramas make difference in Telly. Long live Sherlock!
  14. vishavjitsingh
    Jun 29, 2012
    10
    It is one of the greatest mystery television series ever made and one of the best presently on TV.The performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman along with the writing of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss make this modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes pure fun and entertainment.
  15. kealiee
    May 7, 2012
    10
    This show is absolutely the most fantastic thing I've ever watched. The Reichenbach Fall was simply superb, and the funny thing is, I was extremely adverse to watching Sherlock in the beginning, as I was afraid the modernization of it would ruin it for me, but I was (happily!) proven wrong :)
  16. TomGlos
    May 8, 2012
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Brilliant show, a perfect reboot for the modern era! Very well written and acted. Only one irk - the characterisation of Moriaty is rubbish! "Super camp" definitely wasnt the way to play that role! At least we won't be seeing him in season 3!… Expand
  17. funenthusiast
    May 20, 2012
    10
    Simply put it, the first and last episode of the second season is by far the best television I've seen in many years. The series are loyal to the books with outstanding overall performances that are able to layer the characters and give them the required depth and complexity, while keeping it humorous and witty. If you are a S.H. fan, you own it to yourself watching this series.
  18. filmmaniac111
    May 7, 2012
    10
    If you don't like this show, there is something wrong with you. Sherlock is an amazing, brilliant show. Benedict and Martin are fantastic in their respective roles, as well as everyone else(especially Andrew Scot as Moriarty). If you can't stand this show, stick to Guy Ritchie's dismemberment of the series. This Sherlock is modern, but it's clever and exciting. All three episodes areIf you don't like this show, there is something wrong with you. Sherlock is an amazing, brilliant show. Benedict and Martin are fantastic in their respective roles, as well as everyone else(especially Andrew Scot as Moriarty). If you can't stand this show, stick to Guy Ritchie's dismemberment of the series. This Sherlock is modern, but it's clever and exciting. All three episodes are great, but the first one and the Reichenbach fall are the best.… Expand
  19. Ingeniat
    May 6, 2012
    10
    Ingenious. Intelligent. Challenging. Witty. Unique. Probably the best television from England for years. It really is a must watch for the more discerning viewer.
  20. silentshade
    May 20, 2012
    10
    The best T.V show ever, prefer it over the films.
    I laughed, I cried and I was baffled by amazing unpredictable twists with a great cast. Everyone needs to see it!
  21. Mal81
    Oct 6, 2012
    10
    Could not be more pleased with this series. After having watched this and attempting the new American version "Elementary", I found I could no longer stomach such a placating to viewership as found on the remake. "Sherlock" is simply exciting. It thrills with jolts of intellect and plot, and brings it all home with character development and the promise of more to come. It has easilyCould not be more pleased with this series. After having watched this and attempting the new American version "Elementary", I found I could no longer stomach such a placating to viewership as found on the remake. "Sherlock" is simply exciting. It thrills with jolts of intellect and plot, and brings it all home with character development and the promise of more to come. It has easily made my top ten list of all time, and I assure you, I do not rate it a perfect 10 lightly.… Expand
  22. Geno49
    May 11, 2012
    10
    Haven't seen 12 in, um, a very long time, and I think this series is wonderful. This coming from someone who has read all the novels and seen just about every Holmes movie ever made. This particular version wonderfully captures the character of Holmes and Watson for a new day and age.
  23. Aika
    Jun 3, 2012
    10
    ICONIC! From the phenomenal performances, music, story and witty dialogue! Truly, a love letter Conan Doyle will surely treasure. I cannot recommend it more.
  24. worleyjamers
    Jan 19, 2013
    10
    Even better than season 1. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are stunning; I'm completely in love with their relationship and I cannot wait to see what else Sherlock has to offer.
  25. D-M-E
    Jun 16, 2012
    5
    For all the promise and praise that season one deserved, season two came out a bit flat. Big disappointment. The acting was certainly good, but the scripts seemed very poorly handled. Hoping the glory of the first season can be found again.
  26. JakobVirgil
    May 8, 2012
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The baskerville episode was un-watchable.
    But the whole series has a feel of the authors dumbing things down for the rubes.
    1. the conceit of having the murder being shown in the scene why? so we don't have to be troubled solving anything. what is this CSI?
    2. Labeling the clues with cg text so the writer can be lazy writing dialogue and the watcher can be lazy on figuring out what is important. This robs us of the two joy of mysteries being surprised or figuring them out.
    3. having Jim Moriarty be behind every single crime but having the worlds greatest consulting detective never say maybe "hey Jim is behind this on too ?" as his first guess. like it is a saturday morning cartoon.
    4. having Jim Moriarty be behind every single crime by inserting a Post-mortem "some guy named Moriarty told me to do it"
    5. Irene Adler her password was "sher"-locked? also in that episode the cameras and graphics told us Holmes could not read her but 1 minute later Holmes reads her.
    It is stupid and sloppy show ,it is fun, but it is not smart. I like it but I also like the A-team mostly for the same reasons.    … Expand
  27. drlowdon
    Sep 23, 2016
    9
    I’ve always found Steven Moffats revised Doctor Who series very inconsistent in terms of quality from episode to episode and, as a result, I didn’t get around to watching Sherlock until recently. Focused on shorter seasons of just 3 episodes however Moffat and his team are able to sustain a consistently high standard of script and the chemistry between Cumberbatch and Freeman remainsI’ve always found Steven Moffats revised Doctor Who series very inconsistent in terms of quality from episode to episode and, as a result, I didn’t get around to watching Sherlock until recently. Focused on shorter seasons of just 3 episodes however Moffat and his team are able to sustain a consistently high standard of script and the chemistry between Cumberbatch and Freeman remains excellent. Yes, if you look too closely there are a few things that don’t always add up (the same could probably be said of most TV shows though to be honest) but Sherlock’s second season is a great example of what the BBC is capable of at its best.… Expand
  28. Kenmei
    Feb 1, 2014
    9
    Another great season for the modern retelling of the old Sherlock Holmes stories. This season was particularly known for dealing with 3 of the most popular things ever done in the SH novels. The introduction of a well-known character, a classic storyline known by almost everyone, and the fateful meeting between Sherlock and his nemesis, Moriarty. While they did a good job with the firstAnother great season for the modern retelling of the old Sherlock Holmes stories. This season was particularly known for dealing with 3 of the most popular things ever done in the SH novels. The introduction of a well-known character, a classic storyline known by almost everyone, and the fateful meeting between Sherlock and his nemesis, Moriarty. While they did a good job with the first two, the last one was so far removed from everything else the series has done that I cannot say I enjoyed it at all. I felt it was a severe disappointment as the final episode had a different tone and a different way to tell the story. I was honestly so disappointed in how it played out but I am definitely excited to start Season 3 here soon. While the final episode here was awful, I'm more than excited to see what will happen next.… Expand
  29. fanguychris
    May 13, 2012
    10
    Wow. And I thought series one was as good as it gets. Sherlock season 2 is one of the best television series I have ever seen. Just about everything seems to be upped from season one, and season one was already brilliant in so many ways. Each of the 3 episodes are ten out of ten in my eyes and I could happily watch them over and over. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are as great asWow. And I thought series one was as good as it gets. Sherlock season 2 is one of the best television series I have ever seen. Just about everything seems to be upped from season one, and season one was already brilliant in so many ways. Each of the 3 episodes are ten out of ten in my eyes and I could happily watch them over and over. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are as great as ever as well as all of the supporting cast but the stealer for me was Andrew Scott as Moriarty. He is the reason why the final episode of the three is absolutely jaw dropping and he is just a joy to watch. The visual effects seem to be bigger and better than season one, you can definitely tell that the shows budget has increased and it deserved the increase! Overall fantastic writing, directing and acting all wrapped into one fantastic show, you have to watch this!… Expand
  30. Sartay59
    Jun 23, 2012
    3
    The writers blew it in season two with a preposterous ending. If Moriarty was only an actor and Sherlock was a fraud, who was the mastermind behind the break-in at the Tower of London and the theft of the crown jewels? Sherlock could have simply pointed this out to Scotland Yard (and the media) and moved on with the case. No need to run. Better luck next season.
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Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best TV Season of 2012
10
#10 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
36
#36 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    May 7, 2012
    100
    In season 2 of PBS's richly clever Sherlock, the Victorian tales have been refitted to our century. [14 May 2012, p.44]
  2. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Matt Zoller Seitz
    May 7, 2012
    90
    Sherlock is a wonderful series. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
    Read full review
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    May 7, 2012
    100
    Sherlock strikes a perfect--and delicious--balance among comedy, pathos, murder, and mystery.
    Read full review
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