Russian Sherlock - What's going on?
There was much excitement when it emerged that Russia was, once again, going to produce a Sherlock Holmes series.
We were teased with photos from the set and, in the sea of contemporary Sherlocks, I think we were pleased to see our hero back in his Victorian habitat.
Now, a lot of the excitement stemmed from the fondness expressed by many for the original Russian Holmes series starring Vasily Livanov and Vitaly Solomin. Said series did not impress me too much but I confess that I have not watched it all and may not be in the best position to judge it as a result.
The new series starred Igor Petrenko as Sherlock Holmes and Andrei Panin as Doctor John Watson. Panin died following filming which, presumably, gives the producers some issues if they wish to make another series. It's not impossible of course as Granada showed you could replace a main actor without serious issues.
But how was the series received? Usually, Sherlock related news, if you are a Sherlockian, tends to find you and almost hit you in the face. For me, information on this series has not done so. I have no idea of its impact. Can anyone out there fill me in on how it went down both within Russia and internationally? Are there any plans for a second series?
My thanks in advance.
Written by Alistair Duncan
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We were teased with photos from the set and, in the sea of contemporary Sherlocks, I think we were pleased to see our hero back in his Victorian habitat.
Now, a lot of the excitement stemmed from the fondness expressed by many for the original Russian Holmes series starring Vasily Livanov and Vitaly Solomin. Said series did not impress me too much but I confess that I have not watched it all and may not be in the best position to judge it as a result.
Regardless of my personal opinion, people were excited about the prospect of a new series from Russia and I have to admit that the set photos looked good.
But how was the series received? Usually, Sherlock related news, if you are a Sherlockian, tends to find you and almost hit you in the face. For me, information on this series has not done so. I have no idea of its impact. Can anyone out there fill me in on how it went down both within Russia and internationally? Are there any plans for a second series?
My thanks in advance.
Written by Alistair Duncan
According to the latest Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press the seventh episode of the series has just been translated into English. I would think that just being available on on YouTube and being translated piecemeal has a limiting effect on its impact with English-speaking Sherlockians. As I don't have a lot of devices, sitting in front of the computer to watch a ninety minute movie holds little attraction. Would you think its impact would be bigger if it was broadcast on television? And for us lazy Americans, dubbed so we're not reading subtitles?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get over the fact that Andrei Panin is dead. He was one of the most powerful Dr. Watson I've ever watched and became quite fond with him. It was only recently when I found of his demise. Such sadness... I love the show.
ReplyDeleteOf the new Sherlock, I wanted to hear more from Russia. It's already been translated and since its 2016 I was hoping to see more... um feedback. If ever they replace Andrei (which is the only choice) I would still love to see it since the same writer made his character act the way he did. Oh but Andrei Panin had such a charm as Dr. Watson. I'm still not over it.
It is my all-time favorite Sherlock Holmes series. In this essay I attempted to explain why Russians are so critical of it: " Is It Any Longer Always 1895? Why the Latest Russian Sherlock Holmes Failed and the Implications for Twenty First Century Perceptions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Detective." http://www.nplh.co.uk/uploads/7/3/3/6/7336521/is_it_any_longer_always_1895_-3.pdf
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