The Man Who Revitalized 'Doctor Who' And 'Sherlock' (NPR)

[Robert]

Benedict Cumberbatch (left) plays Sherlock Holmes — of London's 221B Baker St. — opposite Martin Freeman's Dr. Watson.

 

 

TV writer and producer Steven Moffat specializes in injecting new life into old, familiar characters and stories. He first worked his magic on the revived edition of Doctor Who, leading to several BAFTA and Hugo Awards for the series.

More recently, he has turned his eye to the world's greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes. As the co-creator of the critically acclaimed BBC series Sherlock, Moffat is responsible for updating Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous fictional creation for a modern-day audience.

The series, which is set to start its second season on PBS Masterpiece on May 6, stars the charismatic British actor Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role. Cumberbatch's Sherlock is now a 21st century Londoner who uses GPS and text messaging to solve crimes alongside his partner Dr. Watson, played by Martin Freeman.

Martin and Cumberbatch work seamlessly together, though Moffat notes that finding the right actors for the roles was not the easiest task. (Read More on NPR)

 

 

 

 

Steven Moffat talks about his work writing for Doctor Who And Sherlock on NPR Fresh Air

The Man Who Revitalized 'Doctor Who' And 'Sherlock' (NPR)

 

 Preview

Watch Sherlock Season 2: A Scene from Ep. 1 on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

[Tim Szeliga]

"Charismatic" is right!

Strange -- I introduced my teenage girls to "Cabin Pressure" and they
focused right away on Martin, Benedict Cumberbatch.  Comedically, he's the foil,
the straight man, the butt of all the jokes, the Captain Binghamton role,  
but he's the one they worship.    

 There's a live podcast of The Nerdist, where the boys interview ST_TNG's
Data (Brent Spiner) at an Arizona SF convention.  Spiner just mentions 
the name "Benedict Cumberbatch" and there is a hushed and reverential
reaction from the audience.

Seems Spiner was out to dinner with Sir Patrick and BC came over from another
table to ask his advice:  "I've been offered a great role in the new Star Trek
movie;  will it derail my career (or shunt me onto a permanent Star Trek siding)?" 

Spiner started toying with the audience, dropping BC's name and hearing
a Pavlovian gasp from the boys and girls.  Hmmm.... not my demographic, I guess.

Speaking of BC, one of the Cabin Pressure cockpit wordgames was 
"People who are not necessarily evil, but have Evil-sounding Names."

"Heston Blumenthal"..."Calista Flockhart"... even "Agatha Christie".
Some require an additional evil laugh and description of their
megalomaniacal plans to push them to point of consideration.

Seems like "Benedict Cumberbatch" would head this list.

timbabwe

PS: I voted for they guy (and will again), but even I have
to admit that the name "Barack Hussein Obama" fits the bill. 

[JakeTucker]

Years ago I watched Dr Who because there was so little on the box and it was always on around tea-time so I was usually in front of the box anyway. Half the time it came down to if I liked the actor playing the Dr. or not.

When the BBC rebooted it with Ecclestone I watched a few episodes and have watched a couple of episodes with the newer doctors but I just can't get into it. My eyes start wandering, my hands and feet start itching and that always tells me that it's time to find something else to listen or watch.

I only watch it nowadays when there's a new Dr.  because people keep telling me to watch it because I'm sure to like this new Dr and I can't truthfully say I'm not into it if I don't at least watch it.

[Mike Hobart]

Oh yes, must listen to this one.   I never miss an episode of either show.

I have a friend who doesn't like the new Doctor Who at all but I can't understand her attitude.  (I think she has a touch of OCD and can't stand alterations in any of her old favourites.}