*proceed with caution, spoilers ahead!*
While discussing our current AP Lit read, Hamlet, Andy Evans casually mentioned a few references to the ancient play in Prime Video’s new series, Young Sherlock. If you know anything about me, you’ll know I am heavily invested in the universe of Detective Sherlock Holmes, and Mr. Evans’ brief reference to the English genius piqued my interest, so, of course, I had to watch it!
Having watched BBC’s adaptation of the novels prior to this, I was predisposed to having notions about where I thought the show might go, but it actually blew those out of the water. While I was instantly suspicious of James Moriarty, I love that the writers made him and Sherlock friends. Their personalities compliment each other so perfectly, allowing them to build on each others’ intellect and paint a picture of two boys just solving mysteries. But, as James says in episode 8, it just feels like the two are doomed to a “Greek tragedy,” as the Irishman becomes eclipsed in Sherlock’s shadow. As a result, the writers can enmesh the younger Sherlock storyline with the one we all know today (with Moriarty being the villain), and we can kind of see that towards the end of the season.
Next, the plot and the twists! We start out with Sherlock in a prison, no immediate cause for concern. After a semi-swift rescue from Mycroft, Sherlock finds out he will be going to Oxford…as a porter. Watching his proximity to prestige and boundless knowledge, his navigation between a menial job and overflowing curiosity kept me on my toes. What’s more, his relationship with Princess Shou’an of China was also very entertaining. Finding out about her vengeful motives, I immediately connected it to R.F. Kuang’s Babel (shameless plug, I know). I was initially unsure whether Holmes & Co. would support her in her murderous endeavors, but I’m glad to see her revenge carried out. Additionally, the inclusion of a sister to the Holmes clan, while not canon to Doyle’s books, is always welcome. Beatrice Holmes is clever, vulnerable, and definitely not someone I completely trusted, even after the season finale. In general, there are so many characters whose stories are delicately intertwined, and watching Sherlock and James slowly pick the strings apart: *chef’s kiss*.
There’s lots more to say about this series, but I don’t want to spoil too much…but let’s just say, I cannot wait for season two!