BBC's Sherlock: Why a Movie Would Be Better than Season 5
BBC's Sherlock is one of the most beloved adaptations of the Arthur Conan Doyle character. While there has been no update on whether there will ever be a season 5, some believe that a movie would be a better option. Sherlock is a modern-day retelling of Sherlock Holmes, and many of Doyle's best stories have been adapted with slight twists in this series. The popularity of the show continued to grow with each consecutive season, even when season 4 was mostly negatively received. Despite its growing popularity, there hasn't been a new season, and it has been over six years since Sherlock season 4 ended.
Co-creator Mark Gatiss has mentioned the possibility of a Sherlock movie. Gatiss stated, "We would love to make a Sherlock movie. It's the natural thing to do." Although there was initial hesitance due to the challenges of getting a movie greenlit, a movie adaptation would be a great way to follow up the series and potentially redeem Gatiss and Steven Moffat for the shortcomings of season 4.
A Sherlock movie could bring several benefits compared to another season:
Fresh Approach: A Sherlock movie could rejuvenate the character of Benedict Cumberbatch's Holmes, making him feel fresh again to the audience.
Avoid Writing Problems: A movie could avoid potential writing issues that a full season may face, allowing the creators to focus on a single, engaging story.
Actor Availability: Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as other cast members, have busy schedules, making it challenging to coordinate another season. A movie with a shorter shooting schedule could be more feasible for the actors.
Bigger Budget: A movie adaptation would have a larger budget compared to a TV show, allowing for higher production value and potentially attracting a star-studded cast.
A-List Cast: With a bigger platform, a Sherlock movie could feature not only the main cast but also additional A-list actors, enhancing the overall appeal of the film.
Trend Capitalization: The current popularity of murder mystery movies could benefit a Sherlock movie, as audiences have shown interest in this genre in recent years.
Revive the Genre: Despite several adaptations, there hasn't been a great Sherlock Holmes movie in over a decade. A well-executed Sherlock movie could revitalize the genre on the big screen.
Decades-spanning Story: A movie could span decades in the lives of Sherlock and Watson, offering a unique narrative approach that could delve into different stages of their lives.
In conclusion, while the future of Sherlock season 5 remains uncertain, a movie adaptation could be a promising alternative. With the potential to address past criticisms, capitalize on current trends, and offer a fresh take on the beloved characters, a Sherlock movie could breathe new life into the iconic detective story.