{"id":29386,"date":"2025-04-15T23:17:54","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T03:17:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/?p=29386"},"modified":"2025-04-19T23:13:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-20T03:13:57","slug":"sherlock-daughter-it-should-satisfy-the-fanbase-and-makes-this-cws-oldest-skewing-series-yet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/?p=29386","title":{"rendered":"‘Sherlock & Daughter’ : It Should Satisfy the Fanbase, Makes This CW\u2019s Oldest Skewing Series Yet"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\u00a9Courtesy of CW<\/p>\r\n

Sherlock Holmes only had one canonical relative in Arthur Conan Doyle<\/a>\u2019s original stories, his older brother Mycroft, a late Victorian deep-state power broker. However, subsequent writers and filmmakers keep adding siblings, like his teen sister Enola and his \u201csmarter\u201d younger brother Sigerson (played by Gene Wilder<\/a>). Frankly, the prickly detective never showed much parenting potential, but in this new series, Amelia Rojas believes he is her father. Holmes assures her to the contrary, but he still agrees to employ her as his assistant during Dr. Watson\u2019s mysterious absence. Inevitably, as Rojas helps investigate the criminal cabal responsible, she too risks falling victim to the same shadowy villains in creator-writer Brendan Foley\u2019s Sherlock & Daughter<\/strong>, which premieres tomorrow on the CW.

According to Holmes\u2019 cover story, Dr. Watson is on a walking tour of Italy, but he and Mrs. Hudson (their housekeeper) have been kidnapped by a ruthless criminal organization. The consulting detective simply refers to them as \u201cthe Red Thread,\u201d due to the tell-tale string left at crime scenes, warning him to retreat\u2014or else. At this point, Scotland Yard considers Holmes semi-retired, due to the number of cases he has awkwardly declined. Consequently, the unknown Rojas could be quite useful as his eyes and ears, investigating the cases he cannot publicly accept.<\/p>\r\n

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Of course, Holmes dismisses the notion he might have a daughter, especially an American one. Yet, viewers quickly suspect the truth might be rather more complicated than he lets on. Regardless, Rojas quickly demonstrates her usefulness. She even ingratiated herself with Clara Anderson, the daughter of the new American ambassador, during their passage across the Atlantic. That relationship also comes in handy, because the Red Thread apparently has operatives placed in the Ambassador\u2019s household, placing the family in jeopardy.<\/p>\r\n


\"Sherlock
\u00a9Courtesy of CW<\/p>\r\n

Holmes has no suspects when it comes to the identity of the Red Thread\u2014not even his old nemesis, Prof. James Moriarty, who remains safely behind bars. In fact, Moriarty claims the Red Thread poached much of the illicit business his own criminal empire previously controlled. Yet, as fans might expect, Moriarty has a mysterious agenda of his own to pursue.

In the four episodes provided for review, Foley and showrunner James Duff spring several twists and turns, most of which have been embargoed. Regardless, the relationship between Holmes and Rojas develops nicely, already taking on father-daughter and mentor-prot\u00e9g\u00e9 overtones. Logically, she shows an affinity for his methods and deductive abilities, like a chip off the old block.<\/p>\r\n

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Fans should note, the good doctor has yet to appear, as of episode four, (even though an actor has reportedly been cast in the role). Mycroft Holmes, Inspector Lestrade, and Moriarty\u2019s chief lieutenant, Col. Sebastian Moran are also absent and unaccounted for, at least thus far. However, the Baker Street Irregulars return to service, even though they have grown older and considerably less endearing.

\"Sherlock\u00a9Courtesy of CW

Despite his somewhat humbled circumstances, David Thewlis\u2019s interpretation of the familiar character should please fans. He has the same keen intuition and temperamental impatience they associate with the great detective. Thewlis also forges a nice rapport with Blu Hunt, whose portrayal of Rojas credibly ranges from headstrong recklessness to grief-stricken angst.

As usual, Holmes dismisses most of the people around him as mere idiots. However, Antonio Aakeel brings some nebbish charm as Det. Swann, Scotland Yard\u2019s enthusiastic technology specialist, who periodically explains new inventions, like the telephone. Shashi Rami also adds formidable grit as Bertram Bertwistle, the dogged insurance detective, whose own inquiry might interfere with Holmes\u2019 proxy investigation.

However, Dougray Scott emerges as the greatest scene stealer, even and especially for devoted Holmes fans, as the suavely sinister Moriarty. It is jolly good fun watching him scheme and verbally spar with Holmes, in a way that feels like a throwback to the elegant, sophisticated villainy of the great British literary heavies exemplified by the likes of Sir Christopher Lee and George Sanders. (Seriously, he makes that kind of an impression, in a relatively short period of time.)

Clearly, the case for and against Holmes\u2019 paternity will be an open question over the first season. Trust issues also remain, but neither title character suffers fools gladly, which is certainly consistent with what we all know and love about the Holmes family. The continuing mystery is reasonably intriguing, while Foley and Duff consistently sly deliver hat-tips and callbacks to Conan Doyle\u2019s original cases. It should satisfy the fanbase, but it probably also makes this CW\u2019s oldest skewing series yet. Recommended for viewers who know their Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock & Daughter<\/strong> starts airing on April 16th on the CW.<\/p>\r\n

\"Sherlock\u00a9Courtesy of CW<\/p>\r\n

Grade: B+<\/p>\r\n

If you like the review, share your thoughts below!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Check out more of Joe’s articles.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Here’s the trailer of the series.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n