After a brief showdown with Moriarty that was interrupted by a well-timed phone call from Irene Adler, Sherlock struggled with finding a new case that would challenge him along with his newfound fame as being an Internet detective thanks to Dr. Watson’s blog. After rejecting some possible clients, and working on a few cases involving dead bodies in car trunks and fields, Mycroft Holmes brought his brother an assignment that involved a member of the royal family and some compromising pictures. You see, this version of Irene Adler is a dominatrix with some very high profile clients, and she kept these photos in her phone as an insurance policy. Since the royals couldn’t risk them getting out, Sherlock was brought in to get them back.

During their first encounter, which Irene attended in the nude but eventually covered up after Sherlock offered her his coat, he realized that he could not read her like he could everyone else, and it started to dawn on him that she very well could be his equal. Their banter was cut short by a group of Americans who were also after Adler’s phone, but they were unsuccessful thanks to a booby-trap that was set in a wall safe. Once things settled down, Sherlock was able to get his hands on the phone, but he was duped and drugged by Irene which allowed her to get away. When he woke up, he heard a female moan, and it turned out that Irene had returned his coat which contained his phone, and she had added the sound as her personal ringtone. She texted Sherlock over the next couple of months, but he never replied until she sent him her phone for safekeeping which he interpreted as a sign of her upcoming death. Sure enough, Holmes had to identify her body at the morgue.

Like all great mysteries, there was more going on behind the scenes. Watson was taken by unnamed woman to a meeting where he learned that Irene was not dead. She had faked her death to throw off those who were tracking her down due to all of the secrets that she kept on her phone. One of those secrets was a code that she got from an email that belonged to an official of the Ministry of Defence. After a few seconds, Sherlock deduced that it was a seat on a plane from London to Baltimore. That particular flight ended up being a decoy set up by the British and American governments that was supposed to explode as a way to fool a terrorist cell. Unfortunately for Holmes, Irene sent that information to Moriarty who in turn let Mycroft know that he was aware of the plan thus ruining everything.

Now that Irene proved how much power she could wield, she sat down with Mycroft and negotiated how much money and protection it would take to keep her from toppling Britain. While she gloated, Sherlock figured out the pass code to her phone since her body betrayed her when she previously tried to seduce him. Holmes was able to take her pulse while she was attempting to be intimate with him, and he realized that she cared about him which gave him the key to her secrets. He entered the letters “S-H-E-R” into her phone’s lock screen which read, “I Am Sher-locked.” With all of her leverage gone, and without any protection, it was reported that she was beheaded by a terrorist cell as punishment, but she did have someone looking over her in the end: Sherlock himself.

As you can see a lot happened during Sherlock‘s first episode back, but the most important development was the introduction of Irene Adler. In my opinion, her debut into this updated universe was flawless, and I got a lot enjoyment out of watching her rival, outwit and frustrate our hero even though he ended up winning in the end. Also, having her be a dominatrix was a fun little twist in spite of some of the criticisms that the move could be interpreted as sexist which I don’t really get. From what I could tell, this new Irene Adler still used her smarts to stay one step ahead of Holmes up until the very end, but she also skillfully used her sexuality for some added umph. While I can see how some would view this take on the character as a slight, I for one thought that it was inspired and didn’t diminish her at all. Then again, my familiarity with Irene Adler’s limited to Rachel McAdams’ interpretation, so I admit that my attachments aren’t very strong. At least Lara Pulver’s performance eclipsed her predecessor’s. Since the original only appeared in one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, I’m interested to see if Pulver will show up again, and I truly hope that she does because she was able to hold her own and added a lot to this world.

While it was fun watching Sherlock and Irene dance around for the entire episode, the real draw of the show continued to be the bond between Holmes and Watson. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freemen have a flawless rapport, and it was once again on display during “Belgravia”. The two shared so many great scenes together that I lost count, and it’s easy to see that they’re on track towards becoming one of the best duos on modern-day television. Seriously, anyone who gets a kick out of watching House and Wilson bicker should do themselves a favor and check out Sherlock because Holmes and Watson put them to shame. Not only do these two have great chemistry, but they’re also responsible for the lion’s share of laughs that are necessary for a show like this. Excellent stuff all around.

Now, I pretty much cherished everything about this episode, but it had its share of mishaps. One complaint that I’ve had about Sherlock since the beginning has been the length of each installment. Since I’m an American, I’d prefer it if these episodes were cut into six one-hour slivers instead of three two-hour chunks, but I get that the British do things differently. While I do my best to pay attention, I usually find myself losing interest while powering through each chapter because there’s so much story to wade through and most of it ends up not being all that important. For example, we really didn’t need to have the bit about the backfiring car and the dead sportsman. Sure, that case added some shading to Sherlock and Watson, but it ultimately was just a stepping stone to Adler and the secret plane bombing. Usually, I wouldn’t mind such a stall tactic, but it felt like it took up too much time, and I got bored until Holmes popped up in Buckingham Palace in nothing but a sheet. Getting back to the main plot, while it was gripping with all of the twists and turns, it too took a while to pick up steam which was only hurt by the extended run time. Had Moffat trimmed it down to a standard 45-minute time frame, it would have had a smoother pace, but I once again realize that he’s playing by a different set of rules.

Other Odds and Ends:

• Moriarty’s an odd duck, isn’t he?
• Nice nod with the deerstalker cap.
• The dueling scenes of Sherlock and Irene preparing for their first entanglement was brilliant.
• I wonder how long Watson had been waiting to lay into Sherlock like that.
• Now that’s how you make an entrance.
• Of course the combination to her safe was her measurements.
• The boys scolding Mycroft for telling Mrs. Hudson to shut-up was great.
• Aw, poor Molly.
• “This is your case, so it’s entirely up to you. This is only advice, but give Sherlock five minutes with your crime scene and listen to everything he has to say. And as far as possible, try not to punch him.”
• Watson: “Are you wearing any pants?”
  Sherlock: “No.”
  Watson: “Okay.”
• “John, you might want to put that cup back in its saucer now.”
• “I always hear ‘punch me in the face’ when you’re speaking, but it’s usually subtext.”
• “Look at those cheekbones. I could cut myself slapping that face. Would you like me to try?”
• “I missed something, haven’t I?”
• “Somebody loves you. If I had to punch that face, I’d avoid your nose and teeth too.”
• “Brainy’s the new sexy.”
• “Why bother? You can follow her on Twitter. I believe her user name is the Whip Hand.”
• Watson: “Tell him you’re alive.”
  Irene: “He’d come after me.”
  Watson: “I’ll come after you if you don’t”
• “Mrs. Hudson leave Baker Street? England would fall.”
• “You think she’s my girlfriend because I’m x-raying her possessions?”
• “I make my way in the world. I misbehave.”
• Sherlock: “Please don’t feel obliged to tell me that was remarkable or amazing. John’s expressed that thought in every possible variant available to the English language.”
  Irene: “I would have you right here on this desk until you begged for mercy twice.”
  Sherlock: “I’ve never begged for mercy in my life.”
  Irene: “Twice.”
• “Hamish. John Hamish Watson. Just in case you if you’re looking for baby names.”
• “He’s good isn’t he? I should have him on a leash. In fact, I might.”
• “Sentiment is a chemical defect found in the losing side.”

The premise involves three hosts, professional driver Tanner Foust, actor Adam Ferrara (Rescue Me), and automotive analyst Rutledge Wood, discussing and reviewing cars. But, much more than that, it often sees the trio coming up with a lot of unique scenarios to test and challenge different cars as well as the people driving them. For example, seeing who can find the best car with a $1000 budget. Or racing a Dodge Viper through a track while being chased … by a military helicopter. Did I mention it has missiles? Or my personal favorite, finding the best pickup truck  for under $3000 and pushing its limits in the Alaskan wilderness.  There are also weekly celebrity guests, such as Buzz Aldrin and Dominic Monaghan, who each perform test runs in a Suzuki SS4 in the Big Star, Small Car segment and their mystery driver, the Stig, that also performs test runs on vehicles discussed throughout the show.

During the challenges, the cinematography is pretty amazing. The colors really pop and makes the cars look extremely sexy, even if it’s a 1984 Nissan. The show travels to a number of cool locations throughout the US, and the geography looks gorgeous everywhere they go. I wish I had seen this on Blu-ray because it looks fantastic on normal DVD. The sound production is also very well done and makes me wish I had a sound system that could take advantage of all of those rumbling engines.

The show’s hosts are quite good. The chemistry doesn’t always feel completely natural and is a bit forced at times, but there are times when they seem to be having a great deal of fun, and as the show goes on they seem to gel better as a team. In fact, their constant sparring at each other becomes fun to watch the further you get into the series. Seeing them all get drunk while doing a prohibition run – and discovering how flammable moonshine is at the same time – was pretty awesome.

The ten Season 1 episodes are spread over three DVDs. Episodes on the DVD menu are broken up and labeled by segment which allows you to easily see what is on an episode and jump to the section you want to see. There are also some additional special features. There are a handful of Webisodes, about 15 min in length total, that have a good mix of outtakes and on-set shenanigans. There are also about another 30 minutes of segments called Poolside Chats which has the hosts covering a number of random topics off the top of their heads.

Overall, I really enjoyed the Season 1 set. If you’d like to get your hands on your very own copy of the DVDs, check out their official site for details. I won’t be rethinking my stance on reality TV but I will be looking out for Season 2 of Top Gear. Speaking of which, Season 2 kicked off on July 24 on the History channel in the US and airs Sundays at 10pm. You can even catch full episodes on the History channel website – even in Canada!

Photos Courtesy of BBC

I have to admit, I wasn’t on board with Eleven. I still wasn’t over Ten – David Tennant’s version of The Doctor was an extremely tough act to follow – and when I attempted to watch any of the Matt Smith episodes, I’d just end up disappointed and frustrated. I was torn, because I really liked Matt Smith and Karen Gillan in all of the interviews I saw with them, but their characters annoyed me to no end!

Fast forward to present day and the DVD release of Doctor Who: Series 6, Part 1. I watched the episodes, and have to admit I enjoyed them. My main issue with the start of Smith’s run as The Doctor was the stories were a bit too childish for me. I preferred the darker, intense episodes with both Nine and Ten, so the 2-part Series 6 opener was right up my alley with its elements of mystery and suspense, and I was pleased to see the characters have become more endearing rather than annoying. The Silence, the alien threat that The Doctor was up against in “The Impossible Astronaut” and “Day of the Moon” were Ood-level creepy. I’d even be as bold to say they’re almost as creepy as The Gentlemen in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Incorporating Area 51, the Nixon administration and the US space program were really neat touches to the story as well.

There are two “Monster Files”, one on each disc, which feature The Silence and The Gangers. You get a really good behind the scenes look on what went into creating each creature, and learn more about what they are, and the threat that they pose. The Silence are basically parasites that have always been around that can use humans to their will, planting thoughts in people’s minds. It’s an interesting take on the idea of deja vu because when you see them, they immediately wipe your mind so you don’t remember them. I don’t want to give too much away, but you get to see what work of art inspired The Silence, and what went into creating the prosthetics and SFX makeup to bring these aliens to life. The Gangers, short for Doppelgangers, appear in “The Rebel Flesh”, and are they ever a unique looking creature. Several sets of prosthetics had to be created for each actor playing one of The Gangers, and this Monster File gives you a real appreciation of the level of work that’s required for the effects makeup intensive episodes.

I may go back to Series 5 at some point, but for now, these DVDs have actually convinced me to watch the second half of this series, which starts at the end of August. I’d say if you weren’t impressed with Series 5, at least give the Series 6 opener a chance. You might be surprised. This DVD set is a good refresher for those who have already seen the episodes, or the perfect way to catch up in time for the new episodes.

Photo Courtesy of BBC

We’ll have a full review of the discs for you soon, but in case you haven’t checked it out yet, here’s a look at the two-disc set that includes the first seven episodes.

In case you didn’t catch these episodes when they originally aired, or need a refresher, here’s the lowdown:

In Part 1, the Doctor, Amy and Rory find themselves in Sixties America, battling the invasion the world forgot, then journey on the high seas of 1696 aboard a pirate ship, to solve the mystery of the Siren. In a bubble universe at the very edge of reality, the Doctor meets an old friend with a new face, and in a monastery on a remote island in the near future, an industrial accident takes on a terrible human shape. And waiting for them, at the end of all this, is the battle of Demon’s Run, and the Doctor’s darkest hour. Can even the truth about River Song save the Time Lord’s soul? Only two things are certain. Silence will fall. And a good man is going to die…

Take a glimpse at some of the adventures that The Doctor, Amy and Rory embark on in this fantastic photo gallery:

To get your hands on your very own copy, visit the official site! And remember to check back soon for our review!

Images Courtesy of BBC

The iOS app will focus on 10 three-minute motion comics combined with an interactive treasure hunt. It will not only tell a parallel story, it will also give hints on Miracle Day.

According to the press release, Torchwood: Web of Lies “reveals a past day in the lives of Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper – a day they’ve both forgotten. The events of that day fuel a modern day conspiracy-laced treasure hunt, as Holly Mokri, voiced by Eliza Dushku, labors to uncover the secrets of Miracle Day.” John Barrowman and Eve Myles have lent their voices to their motion comic counterparts.

A new episode will be unlocked each week as the TV series airs; the first one will be released promotionally via iTunes, and then you can purchase the other nine inside the app in packs of three for $0.99 each, or you can choose to buy the bundle of 10 for $2.99.

Once a linkto the app becomes available in the iTunes store, we’ll be sure to share it with you!

Photo Courtesy of Starz

Luckily, some kind person posted it to Daily Motion so those of us outside the US could revel in it:

Torchwood: Miracle Day Trailer by radionovadj

My impressions based on this promo? There’s definitely a different feel from the Torchwood we’ve come to know and love. It’s a bit more sleek, stylized, and dare I say, has a much more “American” feel to it. The action factor has been upped, and its signature sexiness is almost non-existent in the clip. That being said, it does look great, and like it will be a fun ride. Motherhood seems to agree with Gwen Cooper, and hasn’t gotten in the way of her butt-kicking abilities. Captain Jack is as suave as ever. Let’s just hope that in Miracle Day‘s actual run, we get more of the rawness that has made Torchwood one of the best series out there.

What are your thoughts on the promo? Do you think that Torchwood as we know it is gone forever, or will it be able to retain its essence?

Photo Courtesy of Starz

Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman)

Gwen Cooper (Eve Myles)

Rhys Williams (Kai Owen)

Dr. Vera Juarez (Arlene Tur)

Rex Matheson (Mekhi Phifer)

Jilly Kitzinger (Lauren Ambrose)

Oswald Danes (Bill Pullman)

Esther Drummond (Alexa Havins)

Hopefully by Starz posting these photos, it means that our first video previews aren’t far behind

Bring on July 8th!!!

Photos Courtesy of Starz

Hearing that brief snippet of music at the end put the biggest smile on my face. I cannot wait for the return of Jack and Gwen, and meet some of the new characters. July 8th can’t get here soon enough for me!

Who else has started their countdown to Miracle Day?

Image Courtesy of Starz

TV Line broke the news just a short while ago, and also had the first poster for the series.

A UK start date hasn’t been announced as of yet, and still no news of a Canadian network picking it up.

*UPDATE – According to Amber Dowling of TVGuide.ca, Canadian network SPACE has picked up Torchwood: Miracle Day, but an air date hasn’t been set at this time.

Image Courtesy of Starz

In this clip, Annie … ahem … makes a new “friend”, Sasha, outside a bar:

Be sure to watch Being Human tonight at 9pm UTC on BBC3.