"A Decidedly Nautical Appearance" [NOBL]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu30KbaCekJgIjjbGgmbMz7RlermOp5vqbFgEytK9Svj4kqVA3-E1N1-A_U7UDHYxXRqIbKYx7tooS54HYDdNGdH4PX7QW8C27LqHmziFqBlqsc-e-ySDfhfF9cfvh1BfIEza3VBDQRGiM/s1600/SH_portrait_porder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu30KbaCekJgIjjbGgmbMz7RlermOp5vqbFgEytK9Svj4kqVA3-E1N1-A_U7UDHYxXRqIbKYx7tooS54HYDdNGdH4PX7QW8C27LqHmziFqBlqsc-e-ySDfhfF9cfvh1BfIEza3VBDQRGiM/s200/SH_portrait_porder.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>Your help is needed.<br /><br />There is a Kickstarter project called <b><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/369012565/steampunk-holmes-for-the-ipad">Steampunk Holmes</a></b> that has but three days left of fundraising and is just beyond the 50% mark. We have more information on how you can help below.<br /><br />If you're not familiar with Kickstarter, it's a platform by which people with ideas can seek small amounts of funding from their communities, thus kickstarting their projects. But projects don't get funded unless the goals of the campaigns are met. And if you're not familiar with <a href="http://www.steampunk.com/what-is-steampunk/">Steampunk</a>, it's a genre that incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative fiction, usually in a Victorian or Old West setting.<br /><br />In this case, we have a passionate group of individuals, namely author P.C. Martin and the Noble Beast team led by Richard Monson-Haefel who are proposing to write <b>a series of seven books across a variety of media</b> - the Web, e-readers (Kindle, Nook, iBooks, etc.), audio players, tablets (Galaxy Tab, iPad, etc.), and print. The first in the series will be <a href="http://www.steampunkholmes.com/">Steampunk Holmes: The Legacy of the Nautilus</a>.<br /><br />The plot sounds quite exicting:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The series starts in the year 1885, when Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are called in by Sherlock’s sister, Mycroft Holmes, to help find the stolen plans of a very advanced submarine, the Nautilus, recovered from the watery grave of the most notorious terrorist of the British Empire, Captain Nemo. Who stole the plans and what will they do with them? This is a job for the world's greatest Amateur Detective and his trusty bionic sidekick. </blockquote><br /><a name="more"></a>When one thinks about it, it makes perfect sense: A Jules Verne-inspired creation meeting a plot similar to "The Bruce-Partington Plans." The fascinating part will be how this all rolls out across a variety of platforms. According to the creators, multi-channel publishing will give readers a choice in how they consume content.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySA_MiW6BbYYV17t24DE1VyzYUjO8k3weBqWo4SEem1xUDF5sGmxnH-KCSevfIx7YkMyIMEeaXYyPxRDgHgAmqFLjeIrk3lYPiT9_DMV47azacsK7GAIphAl77At2QM6Oh0_A2emRzl9r/s1600/Masthead+with+ACD+Seal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhySA_MiW6BbYYV17t24DE1VyzYUjO8k3weBqWo4SEem1xUDF5sGmxnH-KCSevfIx7YkMyIMEeaXYyPxRDgHgAmqFLjeIrk3lYPiT9_DMV47azacsK7GAIphAl77At2QM6Oh0_A2emRzl9r/s640/Masthead+with+ACD+Seal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">A complete edition of every book in the series will be published on each of the following platforms:<br /><ul><li><b>The Web Edition</b></li>- A yearly subscription gives you access to the fist interactive novella as well as the seven planned sequels. </ul><ul><li><b>The Tablet Edition</b></li>- Initially developed for the iPad, we plan to eventually create interactive editions for Android and other Tablets. </ul><ul><li><b>The eReader Edition</b></li>- for those folks who just want to read the text on their Kindle, Sony, or other eReader we'll have an edition for them too. </ul><ul><li><b>The Audiobook Edition</b></li>- for those readers who love to listen to audiobooks while driving or cleaning the house, we have a dramatized audiobook that is about two shakes from being completed. </ul><ul><li><b>The Print Edition</b></li>- We love to curl up with a paper book as much as the next person and so we'll have an illustrated printed edition as well.</ul></blockquote>And here's a preview for what you can expect from them (email and RSS readers, please click through to view the video):<br /><br /><br /><center><iframe frameborder="0" height="360px" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/369012565/steampunk-holmes-for-the-ipad/widget/video.html" width="480px"></iframe></center><br /><br />If you'd like to get more information, their site <b><a href="http://www.steampunkholmes.com/">Steampunk Holmes</a></b> and their Twitter account <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SteamHolmes"><b>@SteamHolmes</b></a>, are two valuable resources, as well as <b><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/369012565/steampunk-holmes-for-the-ipad">the Kickstarter page</a></b> that describes the project in great detail.<br /><br />But for an even more valuable resource, we thought we should go straight to the Steampunk Holmes team, as represented by Richard Monson-Haefel, who was kind enough to answer these interview questions.<br /><br /><b><i>1. Why Steampunk Holmes?</i></b><br />Back in 2009 after seeing Sherlock Holmes movie by Guy Ritchie (3 times) my interest in Sherlock Holmes was re-ignighted and I started reading his adventures again. I found that in my older years I could really appreciate the complexity of the stories and Arthur Conan Doyle's style much better than I did as a kid. I just fell in love with the stories all over again. It was about that time I also re-read <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440423627/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0440423627">The Difference Engine</a></i></b> by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling which is, in my opinion, the first modern steampunk novel. I had read it years before "steampunk" became a genre and it remains one of my favorite books. After reading that it seemed natural to combine two loves: Sherlock Holmes and Steampunk into one series of adventures, so that's what I did. <br /><br /><b><i>2. The Steampunk movement has been around since the early 1990s and traditionally incorporates the Victorian era. Why has no one ever tried adapting Sherlock Holmes to Steampunk before? </i></b><br />I'm not sure. It seems obvious enough once you've thought of it but it just never - to my knowledge - was done before. We have all these mashups right now like Sherlock Holmes vs Jack the Ripper (there must be a dozen of those) and even stranger, cooler things like <i><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0446563080/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0446563080">Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter</a></b></i> (which is excellent by the way) but no one seemed to spot the obvious mashup of Sherlock Holmes and Steampunk until we came out with it. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbMHs5dyBthBgqWfYdadiNYrc6kjm9KqiGizip4vTiYKelbXCdeb_CpErYCua7zDnKifLAS6NfBgOpEV1tpC_Lzulxsn_3KyWVENlJp2uwJVGfVOD-TiGyZRogkf3m_44bSktCpp5zYnm/s1600/Excerpt+-Nautilus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbMHs5dyBthBgqWfYdadiNYrc6kjm9KqiGizip4vTiYKelbXCdeb_CpErYCua7zDnKifLAS6NfBgOpEV1tpC_Lzulxsn_3KyWVENlJp2uwJVGfVOD-TiGyZRogkf3m_44bSktCpp5zYnm/s1600/Excerpt+-Nautilus.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><b><i>3. What are some of the challenges in working with Holmes in Steampunk? The advantages? </i></b><br />The biggest challenge with Holmes and Steampunk is preserving the essence of the characters (Holmes, Watson, Mycroft, and Lestrade) while putting them in a completely different universe. P.C. Martin (the author) and I struggled and argued and discussed everything about Holmes and the other characters and how to make them steampunk without loosing the essence of who they are. It was very challenging but in the end I think we did a pretty good job. P.C. Martin also worked very, very hard to get the narrative style to match Arthur Conan Doyle and at this I think she succeeded. It reads to me just like one of his stories only with steampunk devices. The biggest advantage was the fact that we love Sherlock Holmes, which makes a project like this a total joy to work on. But we are not the only ones: the rest of the world loves this Consulting Detective as well. I found out that Sherlock Holmes is the most recognized fictional character in history. In history! That makes title recognition really easy. People know what to expect when they see the name "Sherlock Holmes". Adding the Steampunk part was easy because its just so fun to do a mashup and steampunk is so very cool. It puts a cool twist on a beloved character. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFy_bTEsCuTdvZ7QFezYUWf87MDDCKgj9hpCTCUiptn6jNPiyGT31wwx_Utpt4ZhNIPEUs9CDuJFcgc1dU2woQMstaC0-iMloBalXPiRckSrcM2INlDepUz8umU_HUiYKxPUDbrlvFEV6/s1600/Steampunk+mycroft+portrait1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFy_bTEsCuTdvZ7QFezYUWf87MDDCKgj9hpCTCUiptn6jNPiyGT31wwx_Utpt4ZhNIPEUs9CDuJFcgc1dU2woQMstaC0-iMloBalXPiRckSrcM2INlDepUz8umU_HUiYKxPUDbrlvFEV6/s320/Steampunk+mycroft+portrait1.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><b><i>4. Your Mycroft is female. Why the choice to change Mycroft's gender? Is she still part of the British government? </i></b><br />I really enjoy a story with a strong female character. I'm a huge Buffy fan, and don't get me started on Ripley of Alien. When I set out to create this series I had to have a strong female character. I thought about Holmes or Watson, but that sounded too obvious. I also thought about Moriarty, but then I remembered Holmes' brother Mycroft and how much respect Holmes has for him. He stated in the original story that Mycroft is as capable, if not more capable, than Holmes himself. There it was: Mycroft was to be my strong female character. Mycroft is, in every way, Holmes equal and that will be important because Sherlock and Watson can't handle what's coming down the road by themselves. When you look at how Mycroft is depicted, there is really nothing about the original character that requires a fixed gender except Victorian gender trappings. With steampunk you keep what you like about Victorian England and toss out the rest. We tossed out a strong gender bias. Mycroft is still a part of the government, and in fact its her role as head of the British Secret Service that brings her and Holmes together on this case in the first place and will make her a pivotal character through out the seven book series. <br /><br /><b><i>5. Will Holmes's traditional arch-enemy Professor Moriarty be making an appearance in the series? </i></b><br />I have to be careful here so that I don't reveal too much. A Sherlock Holmes series without Moriarty is kind of unthinkable and we are not about to make that mistake. Moriarty is in the series. I'll leave it at that. <br /><br /><b><i>6. How has the feedback been from Sherlockians so far? </i></b><br />You know I was a little concerned about other Sherlockians taking offense to this project, but I've been really happy to see that they are very supportive. I have not yet heard a single negative statement about what we are doing from a Sherlock Holmes fan. In fact, the feedback has been very positive and supportive. I suppose there will be a few folks who don't like it and we respect that, but I think the movies and the T.V. series has smoothed the way and so Sherlockians seem not only to accept what we are doing but support it. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbEiFBlxH6THJWMlAWsyPDS8jaQfGt9o12BXWMF0dfr7JpsEpU6T6xLfX4jF6GGSQDFuEjDenJaSWVzIIq_fX2HW1cl5YcvOacBjpadbDCep1tRD_Cqr5-VFWhA1a1iZlH9L3BKg4s_sz/s1600/Steampunk+Cast.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbEiFBlxH6THJWMlAWsyPDS8jaQfGt9o12BXWMF0dfr7JpsEpU6T6xLfX4jF6GGSQDFuEjDenJaSWVzIIq_fX2HW1cl5YcvOacBjpadbDCep1tRD_Cqr5-VFWhA1a1iZlH9L3BKg4s_sz/s1600/Steampunk+Cast.PNG" /></a></div><br /><b><i>7. How has the Steampunk universe viewed this project? </i></b><br />They love it! The Steampunk universe is very supportive of creative mashups and we have received nothing but praise from the steampunk community. <br /><br /><b><i>8. If the project isn't funded, will you be able to resubmit it for consideration? </i></b><br />I think we can get it funded if everyone who loves this idea can pitch in. What I've found out is that most Sherlockians and Steampunks love this idea. Our concept has been validated and so if we happen to miss the mark we'll definitely keep going. We started this about a year ago as a self funded project and nothing, not even a lack of funding, is going to stop us. 9. What can our readers to do help, in addition to pledging to support the project? <br /><br />At this point <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/369012565/steampunk-holmes-for-the-ipad"><b>pledging money is the most important thing people can do</b></a>. If you like this idea then please help us get it funded. Just <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/369012565/steampunk-holmes-for-the-ipad">go to Kickstarter and pledge what you can</a>. That said, we can always use more tweets and Facebook "Likes" from fans. It's this kind of grass roots support that will make or break the project in the long run. If people don't know about it they can't judge the product and discover how great it is. We've put quality ahead of everything, even marketing, so people who find out about it generally love it. The problem is making people aware of the project in the first place. <br />--<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYt48ttg337VscMs6B2fyHeF-60O1yw0Kh4c61beI4zxhIKA5GCIzMFGHiatfuoanFBCMF5mYjIcf7-V2kZ0DeBTERUcpNKwI-pgXz4VcpY6py9YlRdSNGM4d_WgdiRmYWmOVgPjSbNyn/s1600/Widowmakr-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYt48ttg337VscMs6B2fyHeF-60O1yw0Kh4c61beI4zxhIKA5GCIzMFGHiatfuoanFBCMF5mYjIcf7-V2kZ0DeBTERUcpNKwI-pgXz4VcpY6py9YlRdSNGM4d_WgdiRmYWmOVgPjSbNyn/s640/Widowmakr-banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Widowmakr</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />So there you have it, friends. <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/369012565/steampunk-holmes-for-the-ipad">Steampunk Holmes needs your help</a>. Please share this post via Facebook, Twitter, email or any other method. And more importantly, pledge your support. Even a modest amount helps, and there are benefits for getting involved at a number of levels (see the Kickstarter page for that). Wouldn't it be cool if one of the rewards were something like the Widowmakr? <br /><br />

"A Decidedly Nautical Appearance" [NOBL]

Your help is needed. There is a Kickstarter project called Steampunk Holmes  that has but three days left of fundraising and is just beyond ...

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by Scott Monty

"Relics of My Adventure" [BLUE]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_HUrHz8q2_6UNgTf6chuiEq8mH83g9KgJwWGQGy-MqOemn65RPX6NdBqXOwVQQ9rOcydvnaJ5WW7h72MNQUYkFdASOQlvP_TkPTZaUluqviejdiratvQ6ux3ylqjS6TC-jC-m_OtYx_C/s1600/BlueCarbuncle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_HUrHz8q2_6UNgTf6chuiEq8mH83g9KgJwWGQGy-MqOemn65RPX6NdBqXOwVQQ9rOcydvnaJ5WW7h72MNQUYkFdASOQlvP_TkPTZaUluqviejdiratvQ6ux3ylqjS6TC-jC-m_OtYx_C/s200/BlueCarbuncle.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We all have a favorite Sherlock Holmes story. Whether it's the first one we read, or one that has characters, scenes or a plot that particularly resonates with us, we develop an emotional attachment to it.<br /><br />We're reminded of <a href="http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2011/09/21/a-doyle-man/">Michael Dirda's description of the scene</a> of himself as a fifth-grader reading <i>The Hound of the Baskervilles</i> for the first time, thunderstorm raging outside while he was curled up underneath the covers with an Orange Crush. [Incidentally, Mr. Dirda just won an <a href="http://www.theedgars.com/">Edgar<b style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">®</b> Award</a> for Best Critical/Biographical Work for <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0691151350/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0691151350">On Conan Doyle: Or, the Whole Art of Storytelling</a></i></b>.] When that classic phrase is shared, it sends chills up our spine:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">“Footprints?”<br />"Footprints.”<br />“A man’s or a woman’s?”<br />Dr. Mortimer looked strangely at us for an instant, and his voice sank almost to a whisper as he answered:<br />“Mr. Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound!”</blockquote>As we're certain that you must have your favorite story or scene, Steve Mason, a listener of <a href="http://ihearofsherlock.com/">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</a>, is certain that you must have a favorite thing in the Canon. To wit, he has organized a survey that he would like your assistance with. Please use the form below to participate (and if you can't see this form due to reading this update on email or a feed reader, <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2012/04/relics-of-my-adventure-blue.html">please click through to see the form</a>).<br /><br /><a name="more"></a>You are given the chance to receive and keep one (1) memento from any of the stories of the Canon. For example, you could ask for and receive: a pipe used by Holmes, the Persian slipper, magnifying glass, or any token of appreciation given to Holmes; any item used by Watson, such as the tin box or his notebook; or you can receive any other item in the Canon -- a Napoleon bust, the orange pips, even the beryl coronet. You must decide which item would be the most endearing to you and why.<br /><br /><br /><b>Only two rules apply:</b><br /><br /><ol><li>The item must be from the Canon itself, and not from a pastiche, movie, or other media.</li><li>You must agree to keep the item for the rest of your life, so you cannot immediately re-sale it (takes away the monetary value for greed purposes).</li></ol><br /><br />Be creative!<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/embeddedform?formkey=dHR4S0RMcHZReWVLR25IdEFXTFE1Nmc6MQ" width="600">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><br />Thank you in advance. Once the results are in, we'll share them.<br /><br />--

"Relics of My Adventure" [BLUE]

We all have a favorite Sherlock Holmes story. Whether it's the first one we read, or one that has characters, scenes or a plot that part...

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by Scott Monty

"No More Dangerous Man in Europe" [ILLU]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2603/4181736469_8dfa4e800c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2603/4181736469_8dfa4e800c.jpg" width="177" /></a></div> When considering <a href="http://www.schoolandholmes.com/">all the pastiches written involving Sherlock Holmes</a>, it is rare to find one that is purely a sequel - most Sherlockian non-canon lore involves crossovers with other public domain characters, integration of science fiction and/or horror themes, or loose adaptations of the canon.<br /> <br /> Gary Lovisi's <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615594433/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615594433">Sherlock Holmes: The Baron's Revenge</a></i></b>, published by <a href="http://www.airship27.com/" target="_blank">Airship 27 Productions</a>, is a rare novel - a straightforward sequel to a past Holmes story that manages to be a crackling good read.<br /> <br /> The novel servesas a sequel to <a href="http://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/d/doyle/arthur_conan/d75ca/chapter1.html" target="_blank">"The Adventure of the Illustrious Client"</a> from 1927's <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0199555648/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0199555648">The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes</a></i></b>. Much like of Conan Doyle's later Holmes work, <b><i>The Baron's Revenge</i> </b>shares a similar hard-boiled, almost pulp-flavored edge as it tells its tale. Thankfully, one does not have to read Conan Doyle's story in order to understand <b><i>The Baron's Revenge</i></b>, given various callbacks to the original tale.<br /> <br /> It's also a daring book in that it is written (except for one chapter) from Holmes' perspective. Although it would have been easy to fall into cliche and write Holmes as exceptionally omniscient, Lovisi does Holmes a great service by writing the detective at the proper emotional tone. It is easy to "hear" Holmes narrating the story. Rob Davis' illustrations throughout the book provide it with the right sense of pace and atmosphere, almost making it seem like a "lost" edition of <b><i>The Strand Magazine</i></b>. (Thankfully, it is a relatively quick read - I finished it within two days while commuting back and forth to downtown Chicago).<br /> <b><i></i></b><br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><b><i>The Baron's Revenge</i> </b>is one of those rare Holmes books - an unexpected sequel that is a very good read and well worth checking out. It is available through Airship 27 as well as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615594433/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0615594433">Amazon.com</a>.<br /> <br /> This book is worth owning and reading. Repeatedly.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal</a>! and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> <i><i><br /></i></i> <i><i>--</i></i><br /> <i><i><br /></i></i> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0199555648" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>    <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0615594433" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

"No More Dangerous Man in Europe" [ILLU]

When considering all the pastiches written involving Sherlock Holmes , it is rare to find one that is purely a sequel - most Sherlockian n...

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by Scott Monty

Episode 41: The Woman — Lara Pulver

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "to Sherlock Holmes, she is always <i>the</i> woman" [SCAN]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36GmUQpeavl98u7i-lHNY18ZwzTXubNB9_a4HFMVJttnWYDvyj7ag82hil-cNlBVv0HB4ZE7U_FT-Dzp0TQixW5fj1LohzO87T_PDgd6x8u49HIBellas21OQ5se3Bd21kJP8LTJMGJrd/s1600/Irene+Adler.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36GmUQpeavl98u7i-lHNY18ZwzTXubNB9_a4HFMVJttnWYDvyj7ag82hil-cNlBVv0HB4ZE7U_FT-Dzp0TQixW5fj1LohzO87T_PDgd6x8u49HIBellas21OQ5se3Bd21kJP8LTJMGJrd/s1600/Irene+Adler.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br /> To Burt and Scott she will always be <i>the</i> guest. While you may have heard her mentioned by the name of Irene Adler, she is actually <b><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3091498/">Lara Pulver</a></b> and she is our interview subject for this very special episode of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QOB8SO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B004QOB8SO"><b>Sherlock: Series Two</b></a> originally aired on BBC One in January and now we're poised for it to air on PBS's Masterpiece Mystery in the United States. One of the most intriguing characters of this new series is none other than the adventuress Irene Adler, the antagonist in the first episode "A Scandal in Belgravia."<br /> <br /> So in our 41st episode, titled "The Woman," we're joined by the woman who played <i>the</i> woman in "A Scandal in Belgravia," Lara Pulver. An actress, singer, and dancer, Lara has the enviable distinction of playing Irene Adler as perceived in the 21st century. She joined us from Chichester after a theatre performance and chatted with us on her experience with Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman on the set of the BBC "Sherlock," and what it was like to inhabit the character of the only woman who beat Sherlock Holmes.<br /> <br /> We close the show with an appropriately titled and themed Editor's Gas-Lamp from the Vol. 41, No. 1 issue of the <i>Baker Street Journal</i>.<br /> <br /> [<b><i>Editor's note about the Gas-Lamp and commentary</i></b>: we did in fact welcome Susan Rice and Evelyn Herzog to the show to share their memories of The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes and the admission of women into the BSI on <a href="http://ihose.co/ihose89" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 89</a>.]<div><br /><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock041.mp3" target="_blank">Download</a> [Save As] | File size 29.7 MB, 1:01:49</b></h3><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" data-dashlane-frameid="9730" data-dashlane-rid="511614947dc0da9d" data-form-type="" height="192" mozallowfullscreen="true" msallowfullscreen="true" oallowfullscreen="true" scrolling="no" src="//play.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/1922423/height/192/theme/modern/size/large/thumbnail/yes/custom-color/d4ac7c/time-start/00:00:00/playlist-height/200/direction/backward" style="border: none;" title="Embed Player" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="100%"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br /> <b>Links:</b><br /> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/thebsjoncdrom.html">The BSJ CD-ROM</a> and <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/ebooks/ebsj.html">other eBooks</a></li> <li>Great Sherlockian scholarship: <b><i><a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/grandgamelimited.html">The Grand Game</a></i></b>, published by the Baker Street Irregulars</li> <li><a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock">Sherlock on PBS Masterpiece</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QOB8SO/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=B004QOB8SO">Pre-order your DVD of Sherlock: Season Two</a> (U.S.)</li> <li><a href="http://www.ash-nyc.com/">The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes</a>, who meet the first Wednesday of each month in New York City</li> </ul> <br /> <h4> Listen</h4> <div style="text-align: center;"> <iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/134349920&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br /></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://traffic.libsyn.com/ihearofsherlock/ihearofsherlock041.mp3"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TL5jgdrUh_nM_zlDgxql-jKOFGUVFqhoV6A2JtYklXOu4qmVDyRVbwGV6XrwXZgnG9awSwJ7td-txL1_4KGrpSf4igJLILOim4yJmX5pGTPIdMhCBYLyImSI5gs1MOMUZPAlpAgvtPdb/s1600/podcastIcon.gif" /></a></span></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> Download this episode by right-clicking the icon and selecting "Save As..." or simply click on the file to listen, or on the nice box above. (File size: 28.37 MB, 1:01:50)</div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> <br /></div> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin: 0px;"> Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email, call us at (774) 221-READ (7323) or drop by our <a href="http://facebook.com/ihearofsherlock">Facebook page</a>.</div> <br /> <br /> Be sure to check out our sponsors: <b><a href="http://www.wessexpress.com/">Wessex Press</a></b> and <b><a href="http://bakerstreetjournal.com/"><i>The Baker Street Journal</i></a></b><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /></div></div>

Episode 41: The Woman — Lara Pulver

"to Sherlock Holmes, she is always the woman" [SCAN] To Burt and Scott she will always be  the guest. While you may have...

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by Scott Monty

"Hung About and Screened" [BRUC]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QOB8SO/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QOB8SO" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B004QOB8SO&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thebakerstree-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a></div><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004QOB8SO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />Would you like a chance to meet Benedict Cumberbatch, the star of <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QOB8SO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QOB8SO">the new Sherlock series</a></b>? Or co-creator Steven Moffat and producer Sue Vertue?<br /><br />Even better: how would you like a chance to see excerpts from the first episode in Season 2, "A Scandal in Belgravia"? Well, here's your chance.<br /><br />We have a special offer from the nice folks at <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/sherlock/">PBS Masterpiece</a> (the very same people who gave us a chance <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2010/10/more-to-me-than-twitter-illu.html">to host a Twitter chat</a> when Season One aired in October of 2011) have presented to us and we in turn present to you. We hope that you'll be able to take the time to share this news and participate in this offer for "super fans."<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nzmtCTtPBgLlfyyilFDGsszO1KKoDSUO8NBDDHA7K1lZVbSu4GC2BIRIWYK16ehllT2H4zgmsv2s9FJY-xQuB_WV2gmldemg1DgmYnYJIEiUHsCl-gx6A-aW22BQxCaq7mzouGr6eIK1/s1600/PBS+Sherlock+SuperFans+May2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2nzmtCTtPBgLlfyyilFDGsszO1KKoDSUO8NBDDHA7K1lZVbSu4GC2BIRIWYK16ehllT2H4zgmsv2s9FJY-xQuB_WV2gmldemg1DgmYnYJIEiUHsCl-gx6A-aW22BQxCaq7mzouGr6eIK1/s640/PBS+Sherlock+SuperFans+May2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click image to enlarge</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Masterpiece and PBS are hosting an evening event in New York City on <b>Wednesday, May 2</b>, celebrating the premiere of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QOB8SO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QOB8SO">Sherlock, Series 2</a>. There are limited tickets to this public event, but PBS would like you to have the chance to attend! RSVP's will only be taken <a href="mailto:ibelieveinsherlock@pbs.org">via e-mail</a>, so get your note in and please feel free to spread the word.<br /><br />In case you're not convinced, here's a video clip of what you may expect to see:<br /><br /><br /><center><object height="300" width="500"> <param name = "movie" value = "http://www-tc.pbs.org/s3/pbs.videoportal-prod.cdn/media/swf/PBSPlayer.swf" > </param><param name="flashvars" value="width=500&height=300&video=2188153420&player=viral&end=0&lr_admap=in:warnings:0;in:pbs:0" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"> </param><param name = "allowscriptaccess" value = "always" > </param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"> </param><embed src="http://www-tc.pbs.org/s3/pbs.videoportal-prod.cdn/media/swf/PBSPlayer.swf" flashvars="width=500&height=300&video=2188153420&player=viral&end=0&lr_admap=in:warnings:0;in:pbs:0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" wmode="transparent" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="300" bgcolor="#000000"></embed></object><div style="background: transparent; color: grey; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 5px; text-align: center; width: 500px;">Watch <a href="http://video.pbs.org/video/2188153420" style="color: #4eb2fe !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;" target="_blank">Sherlock Season 2: A Scene from Ep. 1</a> on PBS. See more from <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/" style="color: #4eb2fe !important; font-weight: normal !important; height: 13px; text-decoration: none !important;" target="_blank">Masterpiece.</a></div></center><br /><br />And for those of you who are <i>really</i> into the show, here's an opportunity to lock in a pre-order of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QOB8SO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QOB8SO"><b>Sherlock: Season Two</b></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004QOB8SO" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (price guaranteed) from Amazon.<br /><br /><i>When you make purchases from the links we share, it provides us with a stream of revenue to help keep this site running. Thank you for your generosity.</i><br />--<br />Pre-order <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QOB8SO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004QOB8SO">Sherlock: Season Two</a></b>:<br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B004QOB8SO" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

"Hung About and Screened" [BRUC]

Would you like a chance to meet Benedict Cumberbatch, the star of the new Sherlock series ? Or co-creator Steven Moffat and producer Sue Ver...

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by Scott Monty

"A Government Matter" [SIGN]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TleLDWGBthEJLEIG2q7QbHdjpKPiQgQBjdaweV26EmVRgHEBj79F-1Jql9PKe0BkmCyZuLzDtjH0OOC-62MbzUK_FXVi_5qdPh25YOwr7HETI7DPPyGS-WAjkDJyzOI2F4tqW7WUXnJP/s1600/PamBruxner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TleLDWGBthEJLEIG2q7QbHdjpKPiQgQBjdaweV26EmVRgHEBj79F-1Jql9PKe0BkmCyZuLzDtjH0OOC-62MbzUK_FXVi_5qdPh25YOwr7HETI7DPPyGS-WAjkDJyzOI2F4tqW7WUXnJP/s320/PamBruxner.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>Pamela Bruxner, BSI ("The British Government") died on March 28, 2012 at the age of 77. Pam was a medical secretary at Maidstone Hospital and among her many talents, had a great love and knowledge of music. Her secretarial skills and musical knowledge were used to great advantage with several musical and dramatic societies. She was an Associate member of Glyndebourne, an operatic cultural institution, and hosted their annual picnic for groups of friends. The caveat to attend the picnic was that one had to help prepare an elaborate spread and carry chairs and tables to the gardens. <br /><br />After the death of her musician husband, Mervyn Bruxner in 1973, Pam joined <a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk/">The Sherlock Holmes Society of London</a>. Among her many contributions to the Society was her highly-acclaimed dramatization of "The Three Students," which was performed at the 1988 expedition to Oxford, with the late Bernard Davies directing and appearing as Holmes. Pam served as Meetings Secretary of the Society from 1989 to 2005, edited or co-edited nine of the Society's handbooks, was made an Honorary Member of the Society in 2003, received the Tony Howlett Award in 2006, and wrote the Foreword to Volume Two of <i>The Best of 'The Sherlock Holmes Journal'</i> (2011). <br /><br />Pam met Geoffrey Stavert on the 1988 Switzerland pilgrimage and, to the delight of their friends, they became inseparable companions. After Geoffrey's death in 2002, Pam moved to a beautiful village on the Kent/Sussex border, where she immersed herself in local artistic and musical societies. Pam's interests also included Jane Austen, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Margery Allingham, and was a member of their societies. <br /><br />Pamela Bruxner was invested into The Baker Street Irregulars in 1998 as "The British Government."<br /><br />You may read her obituary from the Sherlock Holmes Society of London <a href="http://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk/press_cutting.php?id=280"><b>by clicking here</b></a>.<br /><br />If you have any special memories of Pam that you would care to share, please leave us a comment.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shsl/5171194105/">The Sherlock Holmes Society of London (Flickr)</a></i></span><br /><br /><br />--

"A Government Matter" [SIGN]

Pamela Bruxner, BSI ("The British Government") died on March 28, 2012 at the age of 77. Pam was a medical secretary at Maidstone ...

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by Scott Monty

"A Hundred Years Under" [HOUN]

We're all aware that today marks 100 years since the <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RMS_Titanic">R.M.S. Titanic</a></i> struck an iceberg and sunk to the depths of the North Atlantic Ocean. The reason we bring it up here is because of a few minor connections with the Canon: the <b><a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2011/04/of-it-first-by-that-strange-wireless_14.html#.VS0ghPnF-AU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marconi wireless</a></b> that was used on the ship, as well as Bill Seil's book <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0947533354?tag=thebakerstree-20&camp=213761&creative=393545&linkCode=bpl&creativeASIN=0947533354&adid=1BH8MGKHJ6CP1JSGVDZJ&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bakerstreetblog.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fheard-of-it-first-by-that-strange.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock Holmes and the Titanic Tragedy: A Case to Remember</a></i></b> that found the great detective on board the vessel for its maiden voyage.<br /> <br /> But we'd like to stop for a moment and simply take this auspicious occasion to remember the 1,517 people who perished that cold night exactly 100 years ago. To do so, we share this short playlist of songs that were said to have been the last played by the band: "Song d'Automne" and two different versions of "Nearer, My God To Thee" from the 1958 film <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ML50TC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006ML50TC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Night to Remember</a></i></b> and of course the 1997 film <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H5120E/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006H5120E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Titanic</a></i></b>.<br /> <br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="325" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL7621BF22DC7D1F2C&hl=en_US" width="580"></iframe></center> <br /> <i><br /></i> In addition to those heartfelt notes and tragic images, we also like to listen to Gavin Bryar's very odd and mesmerizing album <b><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000040UW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000040UW" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sinking of the Titanic</a></i></b>, with its haunting sounds of creaking metal, muffled voices and wistful strings.<br /> <br /> These videos and music are a sad reminder of the fragile souls who were taken from the world on that cold April night so long ago. May they and the <i>R.M.S. Titanic</i> rest in peace.<br /> <br /> P.S. You may note that while we usually time our posts at 2:21 a.m., this one was posted at 2:20 a.m. This was in observance of the local sinking time of the <i>Titanic</i>.<br /> <br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B006ML50TC" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>   <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0947533354" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>   <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0000034DL" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>   <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0000040UW" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <br /> <br />

"A Hundred Years Under" [HOUN]

We're all aware that today marks 100 years since the R.M.S. Titanic struck an iceberg and sunk to the depths of the North Atlantic Ocea...

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by Scott Monty

Finding the Hidden Sherlock in Advertising

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "to a collector of fairy tales" [HOUN]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpSXPwM8Tue10iYq0OZ5AoA7sisIg0-yPHs_2pKgKebRhAYd7jU1qmV-I0TRRCPHmBCCsh5k98KORm1Lq-K6HOgxjWFywv4zyQ4uFTv7TqykhLYC5AszP57xFyPkhBiWgJT8Lvdv4EiZP/s1600/Come+with+a+story.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpSXPwM8Tue10iYq0OZ5AoA7sisIg0-yPHs_2pKgKebRhAYd7jU1qmV-I0TRRCPHmBCCsh5k98KORm1Lq-K6HOgxjWFywv4zyQ4uFTv7TqykhLYC5AszP57xFyPkhBiWgJT8Lvdv4EiZP/s1600/Come+with+a+story.png" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> We're used to seeing Sherlock Holmes in advertising. Indeed, the <a href="http://www.bakerstreetjournal.com/christmasannual2009.html">2009 <i>Baker Street Journal</i> Christmas Annual</a> was dedicated to that subject. From cigarettes and other tobacco products (naturally) to home security systems, vegetables, baby powder, appliances, cereal and more, Sherlock Holmes has been part of the imagery in advertising for over a century.<br /> <br /> <h3 style="text-align: center;"> "Did you notice nothing curious about that advertisement?" [3GAR]</h3> <br /> In this case however, the target of the ad in question is the character himself. Or more specifically, the stories in which he appears.<br /> <br /> Ad agency Lowe created minimalist ads that feature storybook characters hidden within storybook characters, to promote the book exchange service at Colsubsidio’s Libraries that allows patrons come in with one book and leave with another. <br /> <br /> Titled "<i>Come with a story and leave with another</i>," the three illustrations of iconic characters (<a href="http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/colsubsidio_book_exchange_snow_white_and_sherlock_holmes" target="_blank">Snow White</a>, <a href="http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/colsubsidio_book_exchange_harry_potter_and_troy" target="_blank">Harry Potter</a> and <a href="http://adsoftheworld.com/media/print/colsubsidio_book_exchange_llttle_red_riding_hood_and_moby_dick" target="_blank">Little Red Riding Hood</a>) each feature another famous figure embedded within their familiar faces (Sherlock Holmes, the Trojan Horse and Moby Dick, respectively). <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw-tkzyNzNEyQ7DqEbioIM920fDPAu9PNg7_DQwu1CY1y-gmyyZEXQg22armaWNoS_KHhlLzyCaAulIW4EAEDcLn8xkN-3kNnJBjh0TydZ5UPnoypmpOLpz7THPwgTo61B5t18mQNBfUp/s1600/littleredandmobydick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come with a story and leave with another - the hidden Moby Dick in Little Red Riding Hood" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVw-tkzyNzNEyQ7DqEbioIM920fDPAu9PNg7_DQwu1CY1y-gmyyZEXQg22armaWNoS_KHhlLzyCaAulIW4EAEDcLn8xkN-3kNnJBjh0TydZ5UPnoypmpOLpz7THPwgTo61B5t18mQNBfUp/s1600/littleredandmobydick.jpg" title="Little Red Riding Hood and Moby Dick" width="448" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwijlj5hH9SBSLlygovLpJqY2UcoGF_7sr_IuU6JhtRw2K9a3F-Vqs_Hp5cSyaK0DpTgVDPbboA_nqpGbWGAdQ12w351HhGqhkqoYXN48fq42ih7TXf0XedGED3o_mEVvGrgcsCjM6NoWB/s1600/harryandtroy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come with a story and leave with another - Troy hidden in Harry Potter" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwijlj5hH9SBSLlygovLpJqY2UcoGF_7sr_IuU6JhtRw2K9a3F-Vqs_Hp5cSyaK0DpTgVDPbboA_nqpGbWGAdQ12w351HhGqhkqoYXN48fq42ih7TXf0XedGED3o_mEVvGrgcsCjM6NoWB/s1600/harryandtroy.jpg" title="Harry Potter and Troy" width="448" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHjvpDrUiRxhxDHXixNDl-xGicDMryFm3Kmj9phUyRQDC7U2aSe7NA4KrsYuy_Yt-7yanuXGsu0-ST-PasHzlPYIxFHDDLt2ASnnjmHOnPwClmptSXOMaUtJxzXiyqXbwIFgumGkcfe8o/s1600/SnowWhiteandSherlock.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Come with a story and leave with another - Sherlock Holmes hidden in Snow White" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHjvpDrUiRxhxDHXixNDl-xGicDMryFm3Kmj9phUyRQDC7U2aSe7NA4KrsYuy_Yt-7yanuXGsu0-ST-PasHzlPYIxFHDDLt2ASnnjmHOnPwClmptSXOMaUtJxzXiyqXbwIFgumGkcfe8o/s1600/SnowWhiteandSherlock.jpeg" title="Snow White and Sherlock Holmes" /></a></div> <br /> We hope that the campaign will spark some imagination and curiosity among young readers and lead them to Sherlock Holmes. <br /> <br /> <br /> Originally posted on <a href="http://headvertising.tumblr.com/post/20903655422/come-with-a-story-and-leave-with-another">Headvertising</a>, found via <a href="http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/cosubsidio-book-exchange-advertising">My Modern Met</a>.<br /> <br /> Do you like this post? Please consider sharing it.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Finding the Hidden Sherlock in Advertising

"to a collector of fairy tales" [HOUN] We're used to seeing Sherlock Holmes in advertising. Indeed, the 2009 Baker Str...

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by Scott Monty

In Defense of Dr. Watson

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> <b>"my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson" [NOBL] </b></h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xsDfobe8MBE49q1iapkBknIWAMaMe-lLK5bY0APKIzWGssMIlRPg5QZ1xUl1PkPxWFFda5S5K4Wex4e8t7zjFbMPinhbAYUxnda7_516oarDkizETekL1b3wem9rbPHVWx9Eiz1azkza/s1600/DrWatson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="821" data-original-width="996" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xsDfobe8MBE49q1iapkBknIWAMaMe-lLK5bY0APKIzWGssMIlRPg5QZ1xUl1PkPxWFFda5S5K4Wex4e8t7zjFbMPinhbAYUxnda7_516oarDkizETekL1b3wem9rbPHVWx9Eiz1azkza/s640/DrWatson.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <i><b><br /> </b></i> <i><b>Editor's note:</b> Recently, <a href="http://www.kansan.com/news/2012/apr/02/schumaker-troubles-modernizing-holmes/" target="_blank">an opinion piece on The University Daily Kansan by Lou Schumaker</a> took great issue with the narrator and individual responsible for bringing Sherlock Holmes to our collective attention: Dr. Watson. He referred to Watson as "underdeveloped," going so far as to say, "the only thing he's really good for is to compliment Sherlock Holmes and propose wildly inaccurate theories at crime scenes. He's boring and slow and lifeless and famous." So we asked one of our contributors to craft a response.</i><br /> <br /> If one wants a biographer, one strives to find the best one. It is the better if he is also your dearest friend. The Great Detective of No. 221B, Baker Street, was that lucky. Without John H. Watson, M.D., the world would know nothing of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. <br /> <br /> Opinions run rampant within the arts, and this is a good and wonderful thing. For me the fun of it all is the conjecture itself. But I also love “playing the game,” as Sherlockians love to do. Within that realm, Holmes would be the first to stand up and defend his best pal’s good name. And as an admirer of them both, I shall do no less.<br /> <br /> But there is more to this than simply believing in the reality of Holmes, Watson and their adventures. The process goes much deeper. As for me, I adore looking between the lines of the text or the images on the large or small screen. Painting a complete picture of the characters makes me appreciate Conan Doyle’s work all the more, as well as its current incarnations.<br /> <br /> Indeed it could be argued that Watson (or John as he is now called) is uninteresting or even downright dull. Well, if a wounded Veteran come home from service in Afghanistan (yeah, no relevancy to our times there!) to a glum future who by fate moves in with a wacky genius who fills his life with enough adrenaline-packed adventure to sustain ten lifetimes isn’t interesting, then I guess it isn’t interesting.<br /> <br /> As for Watson being ordinary? Yes, that is true. However, that is precisely the point. He is not a superhero, nor does he have the lightning mental reflexes of his best friend. He is normal, just like the viewers/readers. As the lens through which the audience sees Sherlock Holmes (or just plain Sherlock), the late <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCYzvzp9Z_Q" target="_blank">Edward Harwicke said it best when he remarked</a> that Watson “is the audience…Watson really is everyman.”<br /> <br /> Compared to a genius like Sherlock Holmes, most people would look dull. The differences between these two characters make them all the more intriguing. Yes, scenes without Holmes can tend to be less than stellar at times. In those circumstances, I remember the old phrase about absence making the heart grow fonder. <br /> <br /> <center> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UCYzvzp9Z_Q" width="560"></iframe></center> <br /> <br /> With the flatmates of 221B Baker Street, it’s all about balance (yes, even when they’re arguing). As ying is to yang, the two men complement each other. Particularly in the <b><a href="https://amzn.to/31ynNvl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BBC’s <i>Sherlock</i></a></b>, their weaknesses are largely balanced by their strengths. It serves as both a point of conflict and as a plot carrier. They are so vastly different in all the obvious ways while being strikingly similar just underneath the surface. Like we all are.<br /> <br /> And who doesn’t love seeing them tell each other off? The witty banter between Sherlock and John is genius script writing, and pays homage to some of the conversations that surely their Victorian counterparts must have engaged in.<br /> <br /> Upon a further look beneath the surface of both the text and screen versions, questions arise (at least for me): When Holmes had an injury, who dressed his wounds? When he craved the cocaine bottle, who took him out for a walk or some other nonsense to get his mind off of it? When Mrs. Hudson had an ache, who helped her to soothe it? When one of the Irregulars had a sprained ankle or an infected foot (from not wearing shoes), who tended them and asked for no money? When Sherlock says something a little too snarky for polite conversation, who is there to jerk him up short? Holmes himself might have said that such contemplations are “of course, a trifle, but there is nothing so important as trifles” [<a href="http://ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/twis.htm">TWIS</a>].<br /> <br /> If I had to select one enduring quality about John Watson, it would be this: he doesn’t give a rip about the spotlight. The man knows himself and is comfortable in his own skin. True, his blood pumps at the thrill of the chase, but that is true for many people. Watson’s observation (and participation) in Holmes’s cases gives us that bird’s eye view of the Great Detective.<br /> <br /> As for doing nothing, he was a writer. This meant that he was prone to observation. While he did not possess the ability as adeptly as his associate, it still paid off. After all hanging in the background and later committing what he saw to paper (or to his laptop) made Holmes’s name a household word. I would hardly consider that a fault.<br /> <br /> Furthermore, Watson makes up half the crime-sleuthing duo that inspired countless others ever since. Sherlock Holmes and John Watson have one of the most enduring friendships in the history of English Literature. Without that, the stories mean very little.<br /> <br /> If my closest friend, the greatest detective who ever lived, regarded me as, “the one fixed point in a changing age” [<a href="http://ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/last.htm">LAST</a>], let me just say I wouldn’t be worried about what anyone else thought. Enjoy the stories, the films and the episodes for what they are, and take from them what you will. Holmes and his Boswell will continue to be reincarnated in countless adaptations.<br /> <br /> There will always be those, as Holmes would say who turn what “should have been a course of lectures into a series of tales” [<a href="http://ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/copp.htm">COPP</a>]. Some directors and actors will get it right for our personal tastes, and some will not. Some adaptations will find favor, some will not. But this is immaterial. For as the penultimate lines of <a href="https://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2013/10/celebrate-national-poetry-day.html" target="_blank"><b>Vincent Starrett's </b><b>poem</b></a> declare, “though the world explode, these two survive...”<br /> <br /> And that is all that matters.<br /> <br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Jennifer has had a life-long interest in English and American literature (particularly of the 19th century), and grew up watching both the Rathbone/Bruce & the Granada incarnations of Holmes and his Boswell. Some of her favorite authors are Charles Dickens, George Gordon Lord Byron, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Washington Irving and Edgar Allan Poe. One of her two current efforts include research into the Holmes Canon for a collection of short stories centered around Dr. Watson. The other is a historic fiction novel-in-progress dealing with reform methods for London prostitutes in the Victorian Era. She has a decade of experience in the field of 19th century living history, and enjoys <a href="http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=63709c1ff5d9d35a61c4186a878d6a7d&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bakerstreetblog.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fhis-eyes-kindled-croo.html&v=1&libid=1333500089465&out=http%3A%2F%2Fbozwellmd.livejournal.com%2F&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bakerstreetblog.com%2F&title=%22His%20Eyes%20Kindled%22%20%5BCROO%5D%20%7C%20The%20Baker%20Street%20Blog&txt=sharing%20little%20tidbits%20and%20musings%20on%20her%20blog&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13335002105541">sharing little tidbits and musings on her blog</a>.</i><br /> --<br /> <br />

In Defense of Dr. Watson

"my friend and colleague, Dr. Watson" [NOBL]  Editor's note:  Recently, an opinion piece on The University Daily Kansa...

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by Scott Monty

"The Artist Had Brought Out the Full Effect" [NOBL]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9waWCTIBh0uA6cVnANfdjbGcNwFLb7KOf4pLdC6GyBHXmYgjDeEXsX2YAwfi4vUOdcFvpOONmZ3DVl29wEgWjGTi6imLxY8VUi_ceJGkQd9KsTVaPoKc4_9IHQOt-urYZnUnpsBTPRVmu/s1600/NisJessenCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9waWCTIBh0uA6cVnANfdjbGcNwFLb7KOf4pLdC6GyBHXmYgjDeEXsX2YAwfi4vUOdcFvpOONmZ3DVl29wEgWjGTi6imLxY8VUi_ceJGkQd9KsTVaPoKc4_9IHQOt-urYZnUnpsBTPRVmu/s320/NisJessenCover.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>Do you appreciate Sherlockian art? Or perhaps you know <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2007/12/episode-16-collectors-corner-jerry.html">someone who does</a>. In either case, you should most definitely take a look at what <a href="http://www.mr-holmes.com/Default.asp?ID=289">Nis Jessen</a> has created.<br /><br />Jessen, an artist native to Denmark, has <b><a href="http://www.mr-holmes.com/Default.asp?ID=290">lavishly illustrated <i>A Study in Scarlet</i></a></b> in two editions: a regular and a deluxe edition. This new edition of <i>A Study in Scarlet</i> is fully illustrated by the Danish artist. The more than <b>600 striking illustrations</b> bring new life to the original text from <i>Beeton's Christmas Annual</i>. This beautiful volume (in oversize: 25 x 35 cm - 10" x 14") consisting of <b>160 pages</b> of text and illustrations printed on quality paper and bound in fullcolor laminated hardcover, and with dust cover.The deluxe editions are produced in a run of 1,000, come with a slipcase and are personally signed by the artist.<br /><br />It's clear that Nis enjoys his work, but there must be something else to it as well. We discovered, that like Holmes, he has "art in the blood," and in Jessen's case it was not likely to take the strangest of forms, but to follow in the tradition of his ancestors who were artists and writers. If you take a look at some <a href="http://medit-consult.icatalog.dk/files/default.aspx?i=2C433Cc317">examples from the book</a>, you can see what we mean:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1epnFOE1B3sNWpuwNCFReid4VsZS8itQe3HMcxWlN5bs6_0tBQWCCdB10woTgEj0bE2fZuq9LwMX8U-Hau_jlkJ-MpjqOubL6vNV9tvcGRQ2irXKStW5XrchxhooWZc6Qq_-t5CB7jdwa/s1600/NisJessenInside4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1epnFOE1B3sNWpuwNCFReid4VsZS8itQe3HMcxWlN5bs6_0tBQWCCdB10woTgEj0bE2fZuq9LwMX8U-Hau_jlkJ-MpjqOubL6vNV9tvcGRQ2irXKStW5XrchxhooWZc6Qq_-t5CB7jdwa/s320/NisJessenInside4.PNG" width="229" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtAZiMdVNONUPOy5anRudRHH4uWuuz6BFFVpbfqmFJIZSeAN4WRD27YQWELXXRS9tH_Xy-4oQgtoWfZwUpuuSxDfGm4a4-7ACMv-hq-WfVrVBZ0jBgj1MMrEy6WTeUBulPYUvakRmWvZt/s1600/NisJessenInside2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtAZiMdVNONUPOy5anRudRHH4uWuuz6BFFVpbfqmFJIZSeAN4WRD27YQWELXXRS9tH_Xy-4oQgtoWfZwUpuuSxDfGm4a4-7ACMv-hq-WfVrVBZ0jBgj1MMrEy6WTeUBulPYUvakRmWvZt/s320/NisJessenInside2.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvkfxsFWeqFY6O3sS536XrkITGEf9EvgOegIxECnWMmIVXtkXYhF_zWTq_S3NusShcKxgRK2daN4XI5DqpM5aNca5gELwt_S8h5aEe94hCcFm0ZxvtVpzrqumSjV0HAi1YEok8qOQODdY/s1600/NisJessenInside1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvkfxsFWeqFY6O3sS536XrkITGEf9EvgOegIxECnWMmIVXtkXYhF_zWTq_S3NusShcKxgRK2daN4XI5DqpM5aNca5gELwt_S8h5aEe94hCcFm0ZxvtVpzrqumSjV0HAi1YEok8qOQODdY/s320/NisJessenInside1.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tvgPzE-ajQwHJHSJjas7ZqmwI_4LZ6uT3wdSVbyfE4Ke0uMRIBUuA8msSBZigbrJ1B0NSXuD8VbRf7123FOqe7Pj9oKXbtpBThZ9zNRCqkWgpYOa67065VFs5XC_-3rQk75nzdNC-tgY/s1600/NisJessenInside3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tvgPzE-ajQwHJHSJjas7ZqmwI_4LZ6uT3wdSVbyfE4Ke0uMRIBUuA8msSBZigbrJ1B0NSXuD8VbRf7123FOqe7Pj9oKXbtpBThZ9zNRCqkWgpYOa67065VFs5XC_-3rQk75nzdNC-tgY/s200/NisJessenInside3.PNG" width="142" /></a><br />The <a href="http://www.mr-holmes.com/Default.asp?ID=617">Foreword was written</a> by the late Edward Hardwicke, who muses, "the drawings of the characters and Victorian London convince totally, and the action and energy of the American scenes are wonderfully conveyed."<br /><br />Also, if you're interested, you can purchase <b><a href="http://www.mr-holmes.com/Default.asp?ID=226&M=Shop&PID=2503&ProductID=192">posters from two full-page spreads</a></b> featured in the book, as well as <b><a href="http://www.mr-holmes.com/Default.asp?ID=226&M=Shop&PID=2503&ProductID=240">postcards</a></b> and <a href="http://www.mr-holmes.com/Default.asp?ID=381&M=Shop&PID=1479&ProductID=276"><b>stickers</b></a> with Jessen's images on them.<br /><br /><b>UPDATE:</b> If you do wish to make a purchase, please do so through <a href="http://www.jessen-gallery.dk/"><b>http://www.jessen-gallery.dk</b></a> and contact Nis' wife Flerida.<br /><br />Reader Al Gregory has let us know that Jessen also offers many original pieces of artwork for sale for those who are so inclined. Those art collectors among you should take note and contact Nis Jessen to inquire about such opportunities.<br /><br />We hope that you can find some inspiring artwork here that is suitable for owning - whether it's the book, some prints for framing and hanging in your Sherlockian sanctum - or as a gift for the rabid Sherlock Holmes fan in your life. It's most unusual and striking artwork that must be seen to be appreciated.<br /><br />And if you do make a purchase from Nis, please tell him that the Baker Street Blog sent you.<br /><br />--<br /><br />

"The Artist Had Brought Out the Full Effect" [NOBL]

Do you appreciate Sherlockian art? Or perhaps you know someone who does . In either case, you should most definitely take a look at what Nis...

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by Scott Monty

"I Think That We May Get Started" [LAST]

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915341069/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0915341069" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0915341069&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thebakerstree-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0915341069" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />No doubt you're familiar with the board and video game <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0915341069/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0915341069">Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective</a></b>.<br /><br />Well, it's the digital era and that means there are all sorts of ways to enjoy the great detective and the various forms of media about him. Or at least, there <i>should</i> be.<br /><br />Until now, no one has thought to make it a priority to make this fun and interactive game available on multiple devices - such as PC, Mac and mobile devices. But <a href="http://zojoi.com/">Zojoi</a> has decided to take it on, and here's how they describe how the game will work:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The game is a storytelling/mystery/adventure based on an award-winning board game and revolves around using game "tools" where you choose who/what to investigate and where to direct Holmes and Watson to solve a mystery that appears to be stumping Scotland yard. Using many of these tools will costs you "clue points." Your goal is to solve the case in the fewest number of "clue points" as possible. </blockquote>The new version of Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective is being developed via <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1920171553/sherlock-holmes-consulting-detective-adventure-mys"><b>a Kickstarter campaign</b></a>. What's that, you ask? You contribute to the cause (and get others to help as well), and get the satisfaction of collectively bringing a product to market.<br /><br />And in this case, you may get a credit in the game as well: levels of donation reap different accolades, such as <b>London Constable</b> ($9 or more), <b>Hound of the Baskervilles</b> ($20 or more)<b> Moriarty's Henchma</b>n ($30 or more, targeted for the mobile app), <b>Inspector of the Yard</b> ($50 or more) and <b>Reporter of the Times</b> ($100 or more). Each level comes with some benefit, <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1920171553/sherlock-holmes-consulting-detective-adventure-mys">described on the Kickstarter page</a>.<br /><br />Here's a video to describe the project (please click through to the article link if you're reading this on email or an RSS reader):<br /><br /><br /><center><iframe frameborder="0" height="360px" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1920171553/sherlock-holmes-consulting-detective-adventure-mys/widget/video.html" width="480px"></iframe></center><center style="text-align: left;"></center><br /><br />And some screenshots of the game itself as it will appear on various devices. The full set is also available on Flickr. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe align="center" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?group_id=&user_id=39297597@N00&set_id=72157629684219109/with/6876443326&text=" width="500"></iframe></div><small>Created with <a href="http://www.admarket.se/" title="Admarket.se">Admarket's</a> <a href="http://flickrslidr.com/" title="flickrSLiDR">flickrSLiDR</a>.</small><br /><i><br /></i><br />But this vision will never come to life without your help. Will you join me in making a donation to this very worthy cause? It's a great way to help spread the word of Sherlock Holmes and another fun way to experience his world.<br /><br /><i>When you make purchases from the links we share, it provides us with a stream of revenue to help keep this site running. Thank you for your generosity.</i><br />--

"I Think That We May Get Started" [LAST]

No doubt you're familiar with the board and video game Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective . Well, it's the digital era and that m...

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by Scott Monty

Episode 40: One Voice of Sherlock Holmes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhtplLQHJrAj5TWV7EpcWJTWvyI9wmg4NDNo6Cfcq86DzcWjmxuv53RzTuPMREClkl_ALqkvY9bIFvZif2BGh19fYqHOdGBCZmHEJauYutIUldxT8cUtehcM_g3jZHWm-O0rgNx5EOYNA/s1600/Ian_Davies.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhtplLQHJrAj5TWV7EpcWJTWvyI9wmg4NDNo6Cfcq86DzcWjmxuv53RzTuPMREClkl_ALqkvY9bIFvZif2BGh19fYqHOdGBCZmHEJauYutIUldxT8cUtehcM_g3jZHWm-O0rgNx5EOYNA/s400/Ian_Davies.jpg" width="357"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br></div> <br> <center> <iframe allowfullscreen="" height="90" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/1896698/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/backward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/907047/" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="100%"></iframe><br> </center> <br> While our listeners normally have to deal with the voices of Burt Wolder and Scott Monty, this episode is different. We're pleased to be able to bring you the smooth baritone of one Mr. David Ian Davies.<br> <br> A veteran actor for many decades, having been trained at the London Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, David traces his heritage to England by way of California. But along the way (you may be surprised to hear just how young), he was bitten by the acting bug. Combine that with David's inherent love of Sherlock Holmes and a desire to be the first individual to record the entire Canon, and you'll find a passionate and talented voice of Sherlock Holmes.<br> <br> Through his production company <a href="http://www.onevoicerecordings.com/"><b>One Voice Recordings</b></a>, David has managed to create a nine-volume series called <b>The Consummate Holmes Canon</b> (see below for links - Amazon affiliates), as well as a few other non-Canonical stories.<br> <br> We had a delightful chat with Mr. Davies that included hearing a few clips from his interpretation and a live reading. He helps the amateurs understand how he as a professional prepares for the roles - and just how many roles there are!<br> <br> We close this episode with a surprise archival recording from some radio stars from a bygone era who took on some rather unorthodox roles in a special appearance. And we offer an opportunity for our listeners to win one a very special prize.<br> <br>

Episode 40: One Voice of Sherlock Holmes

While our listeners normally have to deal with the voices of Burt Wolder and Scott Monty, this episode is different. We're plea...

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by Scott Monty

"A Clear Statement of His Career" [FINA]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2498/4182495358_0602655baa_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2498/4182495358_0602655baa_m.jpg" /></a></div> One of the highlights of both <b>Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows</b> and Season Two of the BBC<b>'s Sherlock</b> series are their unique takes on "The Adventure of the Final Problem" and "The Adventure of the Empty House." However, there is a third entry which simply serves as a powerful dramatization of these two stories....simply by focusing on the simplicity of Conan Doyle's words.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/">Big Finish</a> is a company out of England that writes and produces audio dramas around a variety of franchises, most notably <b>Doctor Who. </b> Their kickoff to the second "series" of Sherlock Holmes adventures is a double disc set of <b><a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/21-Sherlock-Holmes-The-Final-Problem-The-Empty-House">The Final Problem/The Empty House</a>. </b>Quite simply, this is simply an excellent dramatization of one of the highlights of the canon, and well worth a listen.<br /> <br /> Much of the power of this audio comes not just from drawing from the canon, but also in its staging - beginning with the sound of pen scratching against paper, followed by Watson's (Richard Earl) narration, the story kicks into high gear. It's a moody, atmospheric approach that simply grabs the listener's attention and will not let go. Part of the success is also the way in which Nicholas Briggs plays Holmes - in these stories, rather than play it large, Briggs performs Holmes at almost a whisper pitch, and it is this approach that makes this audio set enthralling, so much so that you will be sorely tempted to order the other audios in the series.<br /> <br /> One of the great aspects of the canon is that it can be adapted and molded towards a modern sensibility (witness Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss' <b>Sherlock</b>); however, what Nicholas Briggs and Big Finish have done is to make it appealing to a modern ear by focusing on the clarity and simplicity of the original language, making this as much as testament to the skill of Conan Doyle's writing as much as to the appeal of his characters. The fact that his language seems so appropriate to a 21st century medium - and audience - makes this a clear statement of Conan Doyle's career as an author.<br /> <br /> If you are looking for a great listen either for traveling or commuting, please head to <a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/">Big Finish's web site</a> to order - they allow you to purchase either CD or digital download, and you will not be disappointed.<br /> <br /> Especially since the audio does something very few adaptations do - draw upon the strength of Conan Doyle's writing style. Eerily atmospheric, this audio is worth adding to your collection. <br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal</a>! and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>. </i><br /> <i><br /></i> --

"A Clear Statement of His Career" [FINA]

One of the highlights of both Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows  and Season Two of the BBC 's Sherlock  series are their unique takes...

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by Scott Monty

The End of the Encyclopedia Britannica

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <h4 style="text-align: center;"> "encyclopaedia down" [REDH] </h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PWdoscFBhIH80pUx0uenP1KKkG2xjuEqd4HBTnyHmwMhbmcd3SgFLv2wVYWRKQ2gj2UpbvJYaSZsiQJwLbh7fiEGI21Bvp8RSEEkW5n_5j-MQpnWf3ERTlpaY26geButsCFCkdikuxza/s1600/REDH+-+vacancy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="618" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PWdoscFBhIH80pUx0uenP1KKkG2xjuEqd4HBTnyHmwMhbmcd3SgFLv2wVYWRKQ2gj2UpbvJYaSZsiQJwLbh7fiEGI21Bvp8RSEEkW5n_5j-MQpnWf3ERTlpaY26geButsCFCkdikuxza/s640/REDH+-+vacancy+1.jpg" width="622" /></a></div> <br /> The legendary Encyclopedia Britannica is going out of print.<br /> <br /> Those very words are almost as abrupt and arresting <a href="http://ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/redh.htm">as what Jabez Wilson saw</a> when he arrived at 7 Pope's Court, Fleet Street that fateful morning:<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b><i>The Red-Headed League is dissolved.</i></b></div> <br /> <a href="http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/after-244-years-encyclopaedia-britannica-stops-the-presses/">According to reports</a>, the 244 year-old print publication is suffering the fate of a world of information that is rapidly changing. The likes of Wikipedia and information at our fingertips by simply typing in keywords on search portals means that it's less likely that individuals will be turning to the printed page for up-to-date information. Rather, the company will focus its efforts on its online information and the services it provides to educational institutions.<br /> <br /> The <i>New York Times'</i> <a href="http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/after-244-years-encyclopaedia-britannica-stops-the-presses/">Media Decoder</a> blog does a marvelous job of describing the cultural difference between today and that age when information was not quite as ubiquitous as it is today:<br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> In the 1950s, having the Encyclopaedia Britannica on the bookshelf was akin to a station wagon in the garage or a black-and-white Zenith in the den, a possession coveted for its usefulness and as a goalpost for an aspirational middle class. Buying a set was often a financial stretch, and many families had to pay for it in monthly installments.</blockquote> And of course, Jabez Wilson, as part of his rite of passage as a member of the Red-Headed League, had to copy out the Encyclopedia Britannica. If this story were to take place in the present day, we suppose the perpetrators of that hoax would have to borrow an older edition for this use, or perhaps have Mr. Wilson code his own website for hours on end.<br /> <br /> Perhaps you have an idea of what the modern busy work might be in the absence of a physical encyclopedia. Let us know.<br /> <br /> <i>When you make purchases from the links we share, it provides us with a stream of revenue to help keep this site running. Thank you for your generosity.</i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B0037EPQ8C" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>   <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-uk.amazon.co.uk/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakstrblo-21&o=2&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B000096KIE" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

The End of the Encyclopedia Britannica

"encyclopaedia down" [REDH]  The legendary Encyclopedia Britannica is going out of print. Those very words are almost as ...

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by Scott Monty

"The Last Message from Slaney" [DANC]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w5XQsSWfj8aNeZz6d7RkoxDqY-y7cFONwsAe2bGxxANYkOXwBYAIUnQx0tlmW7oG39hyphenhyphenpc4xp6ZCU62_TVycjU18xeiS13t8xpd5Iy27gVm-a7W67GQva4Mi3FeVLhKvU6qcJ65H2u1K/s1600/fred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6w5XQsSWfj8aNeZz6d7RkoxDqY-y7cFONwsAe2bGxxANYkOXwBYAIUnQx0tlmW7oG39hyphenhyphenpc4xp6ZCU62_TVycjU18xeiS13t8xpd5Iy27gVm-a7W67GQva4Mi3FeVLhKvU6qcJ65H2u1K/s1600/fred.jpg" /></a></div> Alfred A. (Fred) Levin, BSI ("Abe Slaney") died in a suburb of Chicago on February 17, 2012 at the age of 83. He worked for various chemical companies as an organic chemist and upon retirement worked at Scotland Yard Bookstore until it closed. He then went on to work for an on-line book selling business. <br /> <br /> Fred was a pillar of not only his temple, but several others, as his temple didn't have daily services. <br /> <br /> His many passions included the Civil War, sports (Cubs, Black Hawks, Bulls, and Bears), Tolkien, and classical music. He had opera and symphony subscriptions for many years. Fred and his wife Sunnie traveled extensively in Europe and enjoyed dining in gourmet restaurants. <br /> <br /> His love of all things Sherlockian extended to amassing an extensive collection of foreign editions of the Canon. Fred was one of the founders of Torists International, President of the Criterion Bar Association, Treasurer of The Watsonians, Board member of The Scotland Yarders, and belonged to many other scions, including STUD Sherlockian Society, Hugo's Companions, <a href="http://www.houndsofthebaskerville.org/">The Hounds of the Baskerville (sic)</a>, and Maiwand Jezails. <br /> <br /> Fred Levin was invested into the Baker Street Irregulars in 1993 as "Abe Slaney." <br /> <br /> We apologize for the size of the photo; if you have a larger photo of Fred, please let us know and we'll gladly update it.<br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

"The Last Message from Slaney" [DANC]

Alfred A. (Fred) Levin, BSI ("Abe Slaney") died in a suburb of Chicago on February 17, 2012 at the age of 83. He worked for vari...

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by Francine Kitts

"If the Matter Is Beyond Humanity..." [DEVI]

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2737/4182494218_44186f0587_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2737/4182494218_44186f0587_o.jpg" width="232" /></a></div> Very few Sherlockians would make the argument for Holmes as a vehicle to discuss religious or spiritual principles. In fact, quite the opposite - Holmes may be seen as the ultimate in rational thinkers, keeping himself within this world and staying within the realm of sheer intellect.<br /> <br /> That would be a mistake, for as Stephen Kendrick suggests in his book <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375703381/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0375703381"><i>Holy Clues</i></a></b>, many spiritual lessons can be learned from Holmes' approach. (Recently, I had an opportunity to revisit the book, having read it a few years ago)<br /> <br /> Subtitled "The Gospel According to Sherlock Holmes," the book uses Holmes' approach - with a liberal helping of other thinkers - to suggest a way of approaching spirituality through a more skeptical lens. Granted, the book may tactfully avoid the darker aspects of the canon, but Kendrick provides multiple examples of ways in which a Holmesian approach may strengthen one's spiritual convictions.<br /> <br /> Thankfully, there is an open approach towards integrating different trains of spiritual thought, with Zen/Buddhist concepts given equal weight with Judeo-Christian ideas. It's a book that provides a great deal of enlightenment, and that may spark a great deal of debate and discussion amongst Holmes aficionados.<br /> <br /> Granted, this is an unusual approach to the canon - treating it as a way of determining a spiritual lifestyle. Kendricks, however, manages to perform an impressive feat in <i>Holy Clues</i>, suggesting that matters beyond humanity are <i>not</i> necessarily beyond anyone....including Holmes.<br /> <br /> Very highly recommended.<br /> <br /> Have you read it? We would be interested in your opinion in the comments below.<br /> <br /> <i>Editor's note: Gordon regularly covers the intersection of Sherlock Holmes and the entertainment industry. You can also find him at <a href="http://www.blogthispal.com/">Blog THIS, Pal!</a> and <a href="http://www.comicrelated.com/">Comic Related</a>.</i><i><br /></i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br /> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=thebakerstree-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0375703381" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

"If the Matter Is Beyond Humanity..." [DEVI]

Very few Sherlockians would make the argument for Holmes as a vehicle to discuss religious or spiritual principles. In fact, quite the opp...

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by Scott Monty

Elementary — It's Not Sherlock

<h4 style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> "the protection of the law against an old rival" [STUD]</h4> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihFxJTOMYZRaYbcobDt8A-PTGMFYyVPH1xmWemKwmg5S23hdk2VQa5iFt8RGaF4S12r7meCkMVqeYBhTnk9CIw2mShX_SxuEknMD6LnyQssSu_0mer2WEVGGVVKDI0f8Q8QJPVUxrpj_Z/s1600/Flag+-+Stars+and+Stripes+and+Union+Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihFxJTOMYZRaYbcobDt8A-PTGMFYyVPH1xmWemKwmg5S23hdk2VQa5iFt8RGaF4S12r7meCkMVqeYBhTnk9CIw2mShX_SxuEknMD6LnyQssSu_0mer2WEVGGVVKDI0f8Q8QJPVUxrpj_Z/s640/Flag+-+Stars+and+Stripes+and+Union+Jack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The <a href="http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/2012/02/its-lucy-that-brings-me-here-stud.html">casting of Lucy Liu as Doctor Joan Watson</a> in CBS’s upcoming pilot <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2191671/"><i>Elementary</i></a>  is exciting buzz, pro and con, on the internet. This gives we Sherlockians an entryway into the creation of a television show whose source material we know better that the producers (probably, let’s give them some benefit of the doubt), and the ability to speculate on future content based on innate knowledge of American TV tropes.<br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> Of course, <i>Elementary</i> is not the first show to be based on a successful British counterpart. If we go back to the 1970s, <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B008HUSFTS" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="d9e23cb76e6a72f70fd905cc7f5efbf7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="All in the Family" href="http://www.amazon.com/All-In-The-Family-Complete/dp/B008HUSFTS/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=d9e23cb76e6a72f70fd905cc7f5efbf7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6975787" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">All in the Family</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6975787" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=d9e23cb76e6a72f70fd905cc7f5efbf7&_cb=1454215385854" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> was based on the British sitcom <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B0015RCULO" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2f7311cce8e4e306caf49756b23d8a33" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="till death do us part dvd" href="http://www.amazon.com/Til-Death-Do-Us-Part/dp/B0015RCULO/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=2f7311cce8e4e306caf49756b23d8a33&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7172348" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Till Death Do Us Part</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7172348" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2f7311cce8e4e306caf49756b23d8a33&_cb=1454215404775" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. <i>All in the Family</i> (coincidentally also on CBS) broke new ground by having comedic episodes dealing in race, the Vietnam War, rape, abortion, women’s lib, and many facets human sexuality in frank language. I believe it was the first time on US television that the sound of a flushing toilet was used as a punch line. It ran from 1971 to 1979, was the number one rated TV show for many of those years, and had a number of successful spinoffs, including: <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00AQ6SPF0" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="11ad7a6e82d384f6132b10a9fce2b681" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Archie Bunker’s Place" href="http://www.amazon.com/ARCHIE-BUNKERS-PLACE-COMPLETE-SEASON-DISC/dp/B00AQ6SPF0/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=11ad7a6e82d384f6132b10a9fce2b681&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1178179" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Archie Bunker’s Place</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1178179" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=11ad7a6e82d384f6132b10a9fce2b681&_cb=1454215416475" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>, <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00MIA0HJE" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="9ae5ad08c720a839cf62b10aca22f24f" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Jeffersons" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Jeffersons-Complete-Series/dp/B00MIA0HJE/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=9ae5ad08c720a839cf62b10aca22f24f&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3895333" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Jeffersons</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3895333" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=9ae5ad08c720a839cf62b10aca22f24f&_cb=1454215428278" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>, and <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00QJN33Q0" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="66ccb83bdf66e1f4175a5ffd4088c9a6" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Maude" href="http://www.amazon.com/Maude-Complete-Series-Bea-Arthur/dp/B00QJN33Q0/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=66ccb83bdf66e1f4175a5ffd4088c9a6&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_459828" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maude</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_459828" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=66ccb83bdf66e1f4175a5ffd4088c9a6&_cb=1454215437568" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. There are other US remakes that could be mentioned, but the point is redoing a British TV show is not an inherently bad idea.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /> <a href="http://draft.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a>Nor is updating Sherlock Holmes to the present a bad idea. <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B008P9M614" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="705b978bb5caa444887a5689b2e3308f" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="House" href="http://www.amazon.com/House-M-D-The-Complete-Series/dp/B008P9M614/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=705b978bb5caa444887a5689b2e3308f&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_659640" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">House</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_659640" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=705b978bb5caa444887a5689b2e3308f&_cb=1454215446550" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>, <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B001CTDH76" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="2459ac4f92ae0b1401fdba47d94ad1d8" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Mentalist" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Mentalist-Season-Simon-Baker/dp/B001CTDH76/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=2459ac4f92ae0b1401fdba47d94ad1d8&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4639751" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Mentalist</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4639751" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=2459ac4f92ae0b1401fdba47d94ad1d8&_cb=1454215459537" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>, <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00IRHL59I" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="f1eef1b3b6f37934aa84d1a1e6c6dba5" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Monk" href="http://www.amazon.com/Monk-The-Complete-Series/dp/B00IRHL59I/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=f1eef1b3b6f37934aa84d1a1e6c6dba5&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3443501" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monk</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3443501" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=f1eef1b3b6f37934aa84d1a1e6c6dba5&_cb=1454215469393" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>, and <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B0000AVHCD" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="1a97a1818eef684408c2e4bf7db41ab7" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Law  and Order: Criminal Intent" href="http://www.amazon.com/Law-Order-Criminal-Intent-First/dp/B0000AVHCD/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=1a97a1818eef684408c2e4bf7db41ab7&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2602800" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Law  and Order: Criminal Intent</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2602800" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=1a97a1818eef684408c2e4bf7db41ab7&_cb=1454215492300" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> are all shows that have a Holmes-like character. Gregory House, Patrick Jane, Adrian Monk, and Robert Goren are not Holmes. They have their own personalities and foibles. We can appreciate their Holmesian qualities, but enjoy them for themselves.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001V017K/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=thebakerstree-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001V017K" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0001V017K&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=thebakerstree-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=thebakerstree-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0001V017K" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> I remember, before BBC’s <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B004132HZS" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="188f246d54e88c24fe12940fac7868e0" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Sherlock" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Season-1-Benedict-Cumberbatch/dp/B004132HZS/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=188f246d54e88c24fe12940fac7868e0&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_4259020" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sherlock</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_4259020" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=188f246d54e88c24fe12940fac7868e0&_cb=1454215344951" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> aired, the consternation in some quarter of taking Holmes and setting him in the 21<span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span> century. Holmes couldn’t be Holmes if set in the present day. He was too much a Victorian to be updated. Such naysayers forgot that until 1939’s <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B0001DCYBE" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c3b8036baf3747437746c5977ae67cef" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="the hound of the baskervilles rathbone" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-The-Hound-Baskervilles/dp/B0001DCYBE/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=c3b8036baf3747437746c5977ae67cef&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7614083" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hound of the Baskervilles</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7614083" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c3b8036baf3747437746c5977ae67cef&_cb=1454215363908" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>, all the film Holmes were set in the present day. Updating <i>The Sign of Four</i> from 1888 to 1932 does not, in retrospect, seem to be that big a deal. Indeed, Holmes himself could have gone the cinema nearest to his cottage on the South Downs to see how Rathbone portrayed him in 1939. But the chasm of 129 years between <i>A Study in Scarlet</i> and “A Study in Pink” would seem too great a hurdle for Holmes to jump. However, series creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss did an admirable job of making the detective a man of today.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> I am not, however, a fan of the cinematic Holmes. I find all the film treatments of the Canon wanting in comparison to Doyle’s original. Rathbone was a great Holmes but I'm afraid that Nigel Bruce's Watson ruins the films for me. And while the production values of the Granada series is incredible, I wish I liked Jeremy Brett's Holmes better. I find his odd line readings off-putting and his treatment of people sometimes anachronistic. And don’t get me started on Robert Downey, Jr.<br /> <br /> As for the BBC's <i>Sherlock</i>, I watched it with some trepidation due to its updating to the present, but I was pleasantly surprised. “<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00499LTLM" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="e2b107e8de63e7f9fdf4e2860df249d4" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="A Study in Pink" href="http://www.amazon.com/A-Study-in-Pink/dp/B00499LTLM/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=e2b107e8de63e7f9fdf4e2860df249d4&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2991210" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Study in Pink</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2991210" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=e2b107e8de63e7f9fdf4e2860df249d4&_cb=1454215319166" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />” was well done and Cumberbatch and Freeman were well cast. “<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="4041211271" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="333ce65774315c8df5a779f3d4b7b999" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="The Blind Banker" href="http://www.amazon.com/SHERLOCK-Blind-Banker-editor-Kadokawa/dp/4041211271/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=333ce65774315c8df5a779f3d4b7b999&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6574692" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Blind Banker</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6574692" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=333ce65774315c8df5a779f3d4b7b999&_cb=1454215329855" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />” was less successful. By the time of "<a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B004B8K2C8" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="f99da228eca4269b0c773df47d4988c1" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="the great game sherlock" href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Great-Game/dp/B004B8K2C8/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=f99da228eca4269b0c773df47d4988c1&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3400817" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Great Game</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3400817" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=f99da228eca4269b0c773df47d4988c1&_cb=1454215308287" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />” I was very disappointed. The fey, manic, dancing, young "Jim" Moriarty—that's the Napoleon of Crime? A professional criminal committing a series of crimes just because he’s bored and wants to play with Sherlock? I was surprised that the laser-sighting marksmen at the end of the episode didn't put a round into "Jim" to put him (and the audience) out of his misery.<br /> <br /> Now, don’t get me wrong, there are many things to like about BBC’s <i>Sherlock</i>. Moffat and Gatiss know their Canon and the Sherlockian touches tucked into the episodes are delightful. I have not yet seen series two, but I look forward to PBS’s broadcast of them in May.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> The point is that BBC's <i>Sherlock</i> is no more Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes than Fox’s <i>House</i>. This brings us to <i>Elementary</i>. Usually when US TV imports a show, it’s done in conjunction with the British producer. It appears that CBS did go to the BBC to do a remake of <i>Sherlock</i> but that nothing came of the offer. As the character of Sherlock Holmes is in the public domain, CBS went ahead with their version.<br /> <br /> This led Moffat to tweet, “<a href="https://twitter.com/#%21/steven_moffat/status/113907980164005889">Dear CBS. A modern day Sherlock Holmes? Where, oh where, did you get THAT idea? We’ll be watching</a>.”<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtN07SPA2yINjavqlbJ6t5ml2roA_6auLCj08JyqkFGVz0iHYx42xRWXcJFXXiKjqgSVpr6pXMc19BaCCBo7O2LZ2OkuhhzmTGkKEwT7gFqLzaoarrTdKbJtNQSaAB31gbKYDf0lhXns7/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtN07SPA2yINjavqlbJ6t5ml2roA_6auLCj08JyqkFGVz0iHYx42xRWXcJFXXiKjqgSVpr6pXMc19BaCCBo7O2LZ2OkuhhzmTGkKEwT7gFqLzaoarrTdKbJtNQSaAB31gbKYDf0lhXns7/s400/Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></div> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> The media friction between BBC and CBS is fascinating to watch. The casting of Jonny Lee Miller as Holmes is a case in point. Miller is a British actor who starred in <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B007V4LBLU" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="3a15f33632f1e192303a274d4055cc88" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Trainspotting" href="http://www.amazon.com/Trainspotting-Collectors-Edition-Ewan-McGregor/dp/B007V4LBLU/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=3a15f33632f1e192303a274d4055cc88&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_556672" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trainspotting</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_556672" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=3a15f33632f1e192303a274d4055cc88&_cb=1454215263702" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> and 2009’s <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B007SSEZNA" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="b3b43abbb1747e6b31437bb296b39219" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Emma" href="http://www.amazon.com/Emma-Gwyneth-Paltrow/dp/B007SSEZNA/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=b3b43abbb1747e6b31437bb296b39219&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_6823675" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emma</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_6823675" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=b3b43abbb1747e6b31437bb296b39219&_cb=1454215272246" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. He’s familiar to American television viewers as the star of the short-lived ABC show <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B001ASIHZG" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="a025bfd195d4066639f82a2186438956" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Eli Stone" href="http://www.amazon.com/Eli-Stone-Jonny-Lee-Miller/dp/B001ASIHZG/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=a025bfd195d4066639f82a2186438956&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3481812" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eli Stone</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3481812" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=a025bfd195d4066639f82a2186438956&_cb=1454215284457" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> and his turn as a serial killer on the fifth season of Showtime’s <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B01329A15E" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="7b9951846534196748a4ffed647d184b" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Dexter" href="http://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Complete-Series-James-Remar/dp/B01329A15E/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=7b9951846534196748a4ffed647d184b&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2156223" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dexter</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2156223" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=7b9951846534196748a4ffed647d184b&_cb=1454215256364" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>. In Danny Boyle's production of the National Theatre's "Frankenstein" last year, Benedict Cumberbatch and Miller alternated daily between playing Victor Frankenstein and the Creature and, indeed, won a joint Best Actor prize. This lead "Sherlock’s" producer Sue Vertue to <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/jonny-lee-miller-to-play-sherlock-holmes-in-us-series-6939158.html">tell the British newspaper The Independent</a>,<br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> "Jonny is a very fine actor....Let's hope their pilot script has stayed further away from our Sherlock than their casting choice. We have been in touch with CBS and informed them that we will be looking at their finished pilot very closely for any infringements of our rights."</blockquote> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> Of course, the <i>Sherlock</i>/<i>Elementary</i> controversy should be familiar territory to Moffat and Vertue. It is doubtful that Moffat and Vertue’s <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B0006HBLU0" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="6bb4164b9113980a10a2233144dc2d84" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Coupling" href="http://www.amazon.com/Coupling-The-Complete-Seasons-1-4/dp/B0006HBLU0/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=6bb4164b9113980a10a2233144dc2d84&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_1959821" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Coupling</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_1959821" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=6bb4164b9113980a10a2233144dc2d84&_cb=1454215227983" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> (BBC2, 2000-2004) would have existed without <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B00B1LN8WY" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="c9e538264b3925f4033fdf4ed7a3da98" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Friends" href="http://www.amazon.com/Friends-Complete-Series-Jennifer-Aniston/dp/B00B1LN8WY/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=c9e538264b3925f4033fdf4ed7a3da98&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9365761" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Friends</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9365761" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=c9e538264b3925f4033fdf4ed7a3da98&_cb=1454215236250" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> (NBC 1994-2004). The similarities between the shows are more than superficial. That said, <i>Coupling</i> is the far superior show of the two. British television, indeed, world television, would be much poorer if NBC threatened action against BBC2 upon reading of the upcoming series in the trades and the Beeb caved.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> This fear of a lawsuit may have led to the casting of Liu as Watson. As <a href="http://www.deadline.com/2012/02/lucy-liu-to-play-watson-in-cbs-modern-sherlock-holmes-pilot-elementary/">Deadline reported on February 27</a>,<br /> <blockquote class="tr_bq"> “The project, written by Robert Doherty, is set in present day and stars Jonny Lee Miller as eccentric Brit Sherlock Holmes, a former consultant to Scotland Yard whose addiction problems led him to a rehab center in New York City. Just out of rehab, Holmes now lives in Brooklyn with “sober companion” Joan Watson (Liu), a former surgeon who lost her license after a patient died, while consulting for the NYPD.” </blockquote> Not an army surgeon back from Afghanistan, but disgraced medico.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> This highlights a couple of problems for <i>Elementary</i>. One is the legal sword BBC is holding over the head of CBS. There are certain traits that make the character of Sherlock Holmes Holmes and as well that make Dr. Watson Watson. Doyle’s Watson is proud of this military service. He refers to himself as an “old campaigner” more that once in the Canon. The symmetry of a 19<span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span> century Watson and a 21<span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span> century Watson both serving on the frontlines in Afghanistan is just too brilliant to pass up. It serves the character perfectly. It is in the public domain. Despite roles in <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B006RXSGLE" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="f8b9cda902e1a55925aeccfa42239678" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Kill Bill" href="http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Bill-Volume-Uma-Thurman/dp/B006RXSGLE/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=f8b9cda902e1a55925aeccfa42239678&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7491689" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kill Bill</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7491689" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=f8b9cda902e1a55925aeccfa42239678&_cb=1454214902206" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i> and <i><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B003F1ERDC" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="9f6d1121dfda71f99e4c40db796a5246" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Charlie’s Angels" href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlies-Angels-Cameron-Diaz/dp/B003F1ERDC/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=9f6d1121dfda71f99e4c40db796a5246&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8904679" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charlie’s Angels</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8904679" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=9f6d1121dfda71f99e4c40db796a5246&_cb=1454214914593" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></i>, I cannot image an actor least likely to be an army doctor under Taliban fire than Liu.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wsmonty/2557890494/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="veil-02 by Scott Monty, on Flickr"><img alt="veil-02" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3070/2557890494_5e71aa3f26_m.jpg" /></a><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> Show biz is not a virtuous profession. We may look at it as Watson did of the late Irene Adler, as “dubious and questionable.” Intellectual theft is a misdemeanor at best in Hollywood. Holmes’ perennial popularity is now on an upswing and I see no problem with the American appropriation of a modern day Holmes. In fact, CBS needs to tell Moffat and Gatiss, in that pithy British phrase, “Piss off!’</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> The second problem for <i>Elementary</i> is the state of TV storytelling. Protagonists nowadays need a tragic back-story to make them interesting. Joan Watson lost her license when a patient died. Sherlock Holmes is a recovering drug addict. Please.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> Holmes's drug use can only be seen through a contemporary lens on TV, but the reality of Victorian cocaine use is much more complex than network television can portray. (For one thing, cocaine wasn’t illegal and could be picked up at the corner chemist.) Watson can’t be an Afghan veteran (too close to <i>Sherlock</i>), but there has to be something to give the character sleepless nights. Hence, the lost medical license. A psychic wound, then, rather than a physical one.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> While casting Watson as a woman takes <i>Elementary</i> a step away from <i>Sherlock</i> (and <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/2014/02/watson-actually-was-woman.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a step closer to Rex Stout</a>), it takes "Elementary" several steps away from the Canon. One of the fundamental aspects of the Canon is the friendship of Holmes and Watson. Christopher Morley called the Canon a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><a amzn-ps-bm-asin="143258071X" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="9650fb43d198068119452a68e58e130a" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="sherlock holmes and dr. watson textbook of friendship" href="http://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Holmes-And-Dr-Watson/dp/143258071X/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=thebakerstree-20&linkId=9650fb43d198068119452a68e58e130a&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_8985829" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Textbook of Friendship</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_8985829" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=thebakerstree-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=9650fb43d198068119452a68e58e130a&_cb=1454215214646" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /></b></i>. And it is one that is more complicated that the bromance that popular culture perceives between Cumberbatch and Freeman or Downey and Law. I do not doubt that a deep friendship between a man and woman can exist, just network television ability to depict it. Sexual tension between major characters is just television scriptwriting 101 and I wonder if the producers of <i>Elementary</i> have the strength to stay away from it.</div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> After all, unlike <i>Sherlock</i>, which has only three 90-minute shows a season to get plot, character and dialog right, CBS will have to crank out 22 one-hour episodes and the temptation for scripting shortcuts in that pressure cooker will be great. I’m not sure of the Sherlockian background of the producers or writers, or whether they have hired a Holmesian as a consultant (as Warner Bros. did with <a href="http://lesliesklinger.com/">Les Klinger</a>), but titling the series "Elementary" alone makes me wonder if can expect writing on the level of "Sherlock" or of, say, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_%26_Yo-Yo"><i>Holmes and Yo-Yo</i></a>. </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <br /></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"> <i>Elementary</i> will ultimately survive or fail on its own merits. If it fails, it will be no more that a footnote in the history of <i>Sherlock</i>. If it succeeds, then the majority of fans the world over will proclaim the British version superior, and Moffat's and Gatiss’ glory will be that much greater. Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly may yet pleasantly surprise us. Only time will tell. We should keep our minds and eyes open to further developments, but like Holmes's refrain from theorizing before one has the facts. No matter how fun it is.</div> <br /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Image credit: <a href="https://flic.kr/p/cfu61E" target="_blank">Nicolas Raymond (Flickr)</a></i></span><br /> <br /> <br /> <i><b>Editor's note: </b>James is a long-time Sherlockian and a huge fan of <a href="http://www.ihearofsherlock.com/">I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere</a> . This is his first contribution to the site.</i><br /> <br /> --<br /> <br />

Elementary — It's Not Sherlock

"the protection of the law against an old rival" [STUD] The casting of Lucy Liu as Doctor Joan Watson in CBS’s upcoming p...

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by James C. O'Leary