If you thought nepo babies were found only in Hollywood, you're wrong. The handsome cast (along with exquisite costuming and cinematography) is comprised of stellar A listers, and their progenies. The sexy hero of the Amazon series, Sherlock, is Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Sherlock's father Silas Holmes is played by Joseph Fiennes; Hero's real life uncle. Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's elder brother is played by Max Irons; son of actor Jeremy Irons. Non-related actors included: Colin Firth as a buffoonish professor, Natasha McElhone as Sherlock's mother, Cordelia Holmes and James Moriarty is portrayed by a dashing Donal Finn. This recent incarnation of Sherlock Holmes, the iconic investigator created by Sir Arthur Doyle, is depicted as a 19 year old college student in an Oxford University facsimile. It's here that Sherlock meets his partner in crime solving (whom you'll recall becomes his nemesis) James Moriarty. Sherlock and James find themselves thrust into a murderous crime scenario leading to their expulsions. They align themselves to finding the true culprits. Meanwhile, on an Asian tundra, Princes Xiao Wie (an alluring and formidable Zine Tseng) returns astride her majestic horse to the grizzly discovery of her entire clan dead. There are no discernible wounds or weapons found. However, a Prof. from the same elite Univ. in Cambridge where Sherlock & James have matriculated, had been living. He surreptitiously returns to the Univ. leaving a rank odor behind him. It's apparent a nefarious plan is underfoot that gives way to clues Sherlock, James and Princess Wie to decipher. The plot lines are somewhat convoluted and confusing but the lush settings and whip smart dialogues are so beguiling rest assured, everything else will resolve itself in the end. Furthermore, there is Sherlock's beautiful mother whose ben sent by Silas to langour in an insane asylum since grief stricken by the drowning of Sherlock's and Mycroft's younger sister, Beatrice as a young girl. Is Silas Holmes sinister or to be believed? Is Princess Wie going to solve the mystery before her compatriots in crime, Sherlock and James? Why are all the prominent professors being permanently silenced? Is the body in the grave actually Beatrice? And, has there ever been a sexier sleuth than Hero Tiffin as Sherlock? The answer to this one is obvious. NO! But oh, there is so plenty to recommend in this first rate production directed in part by Guy. Ritchie and created by Peter Harness (creator of Doctor Who and Wallander on the BBC). It doesn't take a crystal ball to call this mystery series top-notch. It's elementary. "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself; but talent instantly recognizes genius." (Sir ACD)
