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Sherlock Holmes only had one canonical relative in Arthur Conan Doyle’s 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 “smarter” younger brother Sigerson (played by Gene Wilder). 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’s 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’s Sherlock & Daughter, which premieres tomorrow on the CW.

According to Holmes’ 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 “the Red Thread,” due to the tell-tale string left at crime scenes, warning him to retreat—or 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.

 

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’s household, placing the family in jeopardy.

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Holmes has no suspects when it comes to the identity of the Red Thread—not 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-protégé overtones. Logically, she shows an affinity for his methods and deductive abilities, like a chip off the old block.

 

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’s 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.

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Despite his somewhat humbled circumstances, David Thewlis’s 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’s 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’ 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’ 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’s original cases. It should satisfy the fanbase, but it probably also makes this CW’s oldest skewing series yet. Recommended for viewers who know their Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock & Daughter starts airing on April 16th on the CW.

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Grade: B+

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Here’s the trailer of the series.