Many actors have donned the role of the classic British consulting detective, but who held the magnifying glass best? Weekend compares characters from three Sherlock Holmes adaptations.
Best Sherlock: Sherlock (BBC)
Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the infamous detective goes uncontested. The mind palace, the quick thinking when examining a scene and the deductions are much more impressive and showcase how Sir Arthur Conan Doyle might have imagined the intricate and reeling mind of Sherlock Holmes as he wrote the books himself.
Apart from the impressive speeches and lengthy deductions, BBC’s Sherlock also has better relationships with the characters in the series. Everyone knows how important John Watson, Mrs. Hudson and even Irene Adler are to him.
We also see a nice temper in this Sherlock as he blatantly calls out someone’s banal thoughts, Philip Anderson being a particular favorite. All of these attributes that come with BBC’s Sherlock is what gives him the edge. Also his floppy, curly, black hair might be slightly better.
Best Watson: John Watson (BBC)
My dear Watson, where would Sherlock be without you? Probably in a ditch.
Martin Freeman took a different approach to Dr. John Watson in BBC’s “Sherlock.” Where other adaptations see him almost as emotionless as the detective he helps, Freeman softens this retired war doctor with subtle facial expressions and bits of humor.
This Watson has more to offer to the series. He’s not just Sherlock’s assistant. He becomes a blogger and Sherlock’s only friend. He understands and accepts Sherlock more than anyone else has ever cared to. He is the best Watson to take care of our beloved consulting detective.
Best Moriarty: Jamie Moriarty (Elementary)
Natalie Dormer. Need we say more? We will anyway.
“Elementary” had already turned heads by casting a female John Watson, but heads absolutely spun when Dormer’s character Irene Adler was revealed to be a cover-up for the classic Holmes’ nemesis, Moriarty.
This Moriarty is scarily clever, just as she should be, but she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. There is a stronger sense of ferocity in Dormer’s character. She watches everyone as though they are prey, keeping you on the edge of your seat wondering what she could be up to at any given second.
