Sherlock & Daughter

I'll admit my expectations for a CW production are somewhat reduced compared to HBO, but Sherlock & Daughter is definitely a decent show worth watching.

There are a lot of little things done properly that show care and attention to detail. The little animation showing when characters move about London is simple and effective.

The sets and scenes in London and environs are top notch, particularly when I compare them to Miss Scarlett. The set designers performed excellent work here.

Where there is a bit of a letdown is the reliance on coincidence to further the plot. Amelia is definitely too much of a Mary Sue but I've seen far worse. The acting, other than Thewlis, is average at best. The actors read their lines rather than saying them, but, again, for a CW production this is not unexpected.

All in all, I'm enjoying this and I'd recommend it. Must see television, perhaps not, but if you're a Sherlock Holmes fan, this is worth giving a shot.

David Thewliss is a fantastic Sherlock, Surly, moody, cerebral and is generally true to the character we all know and love but without some of his (as yet) more destructive traits and quirks. Blue Hunt promises to be a match for his intelect, albeit more positive personality, the role is hers to mould and this first outing suggests she is doing just that.

The first episode promises good things, it grabs your attention, the costumes and settings are more than appropriate for the time period and the initial plot promises a longer running story with the opportunity to have episodal stories.

While some opinions are very negative, i fail to see why. Simply put there is nothing not likeable about this drama.

As a big Sherlock Holmes fan, I've always loved how smart he is and how he keeps his distance. To me, the original stories are great because he's all about logic, not feelings or family. So, when this new series introduces a daughter, it feels a bit off. It just doesn't seem like the Sherlock I know, the one who cares most about solving a good mystery.

It feels wrong because the original Holmes was so focused on his work, with no wife or kids. Adding a daughter brings in a lot of emotion, which I think changes what makes him unique. It might make him seem more like any other detective with family problems, instead of the special character he is. For me, the old stories are important, and big changes to the main character can be tough to accept.

But, I also see why the series creators did it. Giving Holmes a daughter adds something new. The idea of a "lonely genius" can feel old-fashioned now. A daughter pushes him to deal with feelings and relationships, which makes him seem more human. This can open up new kinds of stories, not just about solving crimes, but about family and what kind of parent Holmes would be. It helps keep the character fresh and interesting for today's audiences.

So, while my first thought is often "that's not the real Sherlock," I understand that a daughter can enliven and modernize him, making him more relatable and giving creators new ways to tell his story. It's a different take, but it does bring him to life for a new generation.

Sherlock & Daughter (Season 1, 2025, 7.3/10) is an attempt to reinterpret the Sherlock Holmes universe through the lens of family drama - an idea that sounds intriguing on paper but ultimately leaves mixed feelings. Introducing a sudden "daughter" into Holmes's life is a risky move, and while the series tries to balance classic elements with new themes, the execution doesn't always withstand the tension between them.

The show's main strength lies in its acting. David Thewlis is perfectly cast as Holmes: his portrayal of the detective is more weathered by time, more human, yet still retains the familiar cold sharpness. Blu Hunt as Amelia brings a refreshing energy: her character is independent, determined, and provides a good contrast to Sherlock's detached nature. Their dynamic is one of the main reasons the series manages to hold the viewer's interest.

Visually, the production is solid: London is depicted with atmosphere - without excessive gloss, tinged with a slight grayness and an attentive eye for period details. In terms of staging, the series looks robust and at times even impressive.

However, the main weakness lies in the script. Storylines often feel simplified: the mysteries are not particularly complex, some plot twists can be guessed long before the reveal, and themes that could have added emotional weight (such as generational conflict, trust, redemption) remain superficial hints rather than fully developed arcs. The pacing is also uneven: there are lively moments, but also noticeable lulls, especially in the middle of the season.

Conclusion: Sherlock & Daughter is a project with a good concept, solid performances, and a pleasant atmosphere, but it lacks depth in storytelling. It's more of an interesting side note in the world of Sherlock rather than a new pinnacle of the genre. As an easy evening watch, it works well enough. But if you're looking for the wit and complexity of the original Holmes, they are noticeably scarcer here.

For me, Sherlock Holmes should notice all the small details, leave nothing to chance, and in the end you get an explanation of how how Holmes' conclusion was made.

Sherlock & Daughter did try to do all these things, but it felt like the writing used for the series was in iteration 2, when it needed to be iterated 10 times to be proper Sherlock Holmes.

It was entertaining, well paced and all that. Impressive how they can nail costumes and environment to the time period. A nick pick would be a lack of a realistic amount of bystanders / crowds, due to what I only can imagine to be budget costs.