Inspired by Andrew Lane’s “Young Sherlock Holmes” novels and with Guy Ritchie as director, Prime Video’s “Young Sherlock” is sensational. The series, which was adapted by Matthew Parkhill, remixes the beloved figure to deliver all the traits fans know and love — with more than one twist. The show turns Victorian England on its head, infusing it with modern energy while offering an intricate mystery anchored by singular characters and extraordinary circumstances.
“Young Sherlock” begins long before the legendary detective acquires his signature deerstalker cap and pipe. At 19, Sherlock (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) can’t stay out of trouble. It’s 1857, and Sherlock’s claim to fame is that he’s mastered the art of pickpocketing. Although his sticky fingers have landed him a six-month prison sentence, his esteemed older brother, Mycroft (Max Irons), comes to his aid. With their father, Silas (Joseph Fiennes, who is Fiennes Tiffin’s real-life uncle), away on business and their mother, Cordelia (Natascha McElhone), confined to a mental institution, Mycroft guides Sherlock onto the right path by offering him a new job.
A role as a scout or a housekeeping staffer at Oxford University doesn’t exactly tickle Sherlock’s fancy. Then the precious scrolls of Princess Gulun Shou’an (Zine Tseng), the distinguished guest of Sir Bucephalus Hodge (Colin Firth), go missing. When Sherlock and scholarship student James Moriarty (an exceptional Dónal Finn) are blamed, the two team up to find the relic and exonerate themselves. Yet the case of the missing artifact is the least of their worries. In a striking turn of events, the duo land in the middle of a murder investigation that leads them to the highest halls of government.
Across eight fast-paced episodes that are an origami puzzle of secrets and hilarious one-liners presented in Ritchie’s signature directorial style, we learn of Sherlock’s beginnings, which are filled with tragedy, vengeance and family revelations. A sweeping tale spanning England, Paris and even the pulsing markets of Constantinople (now Istanbul), the show reminds us how fun crime dramas can be.
All of the characters are entertaining, but the dynamic between Sherlock and Moriarty, his future nemesis, is the most engaging. At first, Sherlock appears to be useless, the black sheep of his family. Through Richie’s rhythmic editing, however, viewers are given insight into his photographic memory and attention to detail, which enhance his investigative skills. Meanwhile, as Sherlock and James’ bond strengthens, the importance of this brotherhood becomes more apparent. Still, as the season presses on, their differing perspectives emerge, underlining their diverging moral codes and priorities. It’s fascinating to watch Finn take on the brilliant Oxford student who will transform into Sherlock’s greatest adversary. Though James is squarely on Sherlock’s side throughout the season, it becomes clear that he will always look out for his own interests first.
Episode 6 is particularly riveting, as Sherlock discovers something significant about his childhood. But this truth pales in comparison with what he faces as the episode comes to a conclusion. Through dialogue and visuals, Parkhill and Ritchie pull every thread of the tale taut to unveil a complete narrative picture. It’s a staggering display of explosive revelations that reframe the entire world of the show.
A terrific mystery wrapped in intrigue, family drama and delightful wit, “Young Sherlock” is a compelling origin story that brings a classic character to life. This time, though, he is spry and bold enough for our fast-paced 21st-century world.
All eight episodes of “Young Sherlock” premiere March 4 on Prime Video.
