After waiting for what feels like forever, at long last the BBC hit show continues. This adaptation of Sherlock was everything that is missing from the Guy Richie films : Sherlock is portrayed more as the puzzle addict, rather cold and dry detective with major sociopatic tendencies. I know that the RDJ version incorporated these aspects as well, but they are fleshed out more in Cumberbatch's version of Holmes.

alternate Dr Watson : expert doctor , war veteran and professional hair stylist.

     Putting the comparisons with the hit Hollywood products aside, I was afraid that the start of this new season will "just" be more of the same (the first three episodes weren't per say clones of each other, but somewhat of a formula is present in all of them) , but thankfully I couldn't be more wrong . If you managed to avoid spoilers, trailers or previews , the character of Irene Adler is introduced to us (before you explode of rage because I "spoiled" this, she appears in the first five minutes of the film) and she brings all new goodies to the series . The actress portraying her (Lara Pulver) does a pretty good job . I personally believed that he can get the attention of someone like Sherlock Holmes ,or even tricking someone like him (SPOILER?! Right?) . She's "moderately clever" ,admitted by Sherlock and has the sex appeal to make you believe she can seduce people to get what she wants. Her story arc and interactions with Sherlock gives the show a welcome change of pace. With acting chops like hers , one would thing she could afford a good hairdresser (maybe she could hire Jude Law).

What can Sherlock deduce from that Nicolas Cage wig?

     Another story arc is Holmes and Watson becoming internet phenomenons ,because of the dear Dr's blog . The show creators finally got the moment to mock that "Sherlock Holmes" hat, which the detective wore in some Hallmark specials . It was a good and subtle enough inside joke. Also , the Holmes and Watson are a couple gag reel continues ,with some competently done interactions between Watson and Irene and Watson and his (soon to be ex) girlfriend.

That's a splendid hat ,Guvna' !

     The mysteries are fascinating enough and their solutions don't seem too far fetched for this universe (I won't go in detail to prevent spoilers) . Also the speed of Sherlock's deductions is picked up , making us believe in his genius even more , and less is explained than before (we get more text prompts like in previous episodes ) . Also , Cumberbatch's subtle but perfect face expressions sell us even more that he is the worlds (second to Batman) greatest detective : his gaze is rather cold, barely flinching and moving around, analyzing every nuke and cranny of his environment.

     The recurring cast members turn in solid performances ,we learn more about Mycroft and we see that Sherlock actually cares about people surrounding him. Moriarty ,while not in the spotlight (and doesn't need to be,because he's perfect for the man behind the scenes ), is up to his old tricks. A little more screen time wouldn't hurt though , because he chews up the scenery (in a good way) .And this series could use a mystery which doesn't involve him for a change ; he's great and all , but a puzzle not involving his handy work would be a refreshing change of pace for Holmes and for the audience as well.

And Americans think AT&T is bad.

Martin Freeman does an excellent job as Dr Watson ,Sherlock's partner .  

Sherlock " is writing sad music".

So, with just a few minor problems, I give "A Scandal in Belgravia" a BETTER THAN SEX  (for this Sherlock it most likely is)