Author Topic: Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Poldark, The Durrells in Corfu and Other PBS Programs  (Read 44802 times)

marcie

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See the 2015-2016 MASTERPIECE schedule

Let's talk about PBS programs that we enjoy.

CURRENT


The Durrells in Corfu, Season 1
October 16 - November 20, 2016

Keeley Hawes (Upstairs Downstairs) stars as an intrepid widow who decamps from dreary England to a sun-dappled Greek island with her four recalcitrant children, ages 11 to 21, on this six-part adaptation of Gerald Durrell’s My Family and Other Animals and its two sequels.


Poldark, Season 2
October 2 - November 27, 2016

In 18th century Cornwall, times are as tough as the rocky shoreline: unemployment, hunger, and sickness are widespread among the working class, while the wealthy landowners prosper. Only one man dares to defy the status quo.

ALREADY DISCUSSED

Lewis Season 8
August 7-21, 2016

Kevin Whately stars as Inspector Lewis, the former working-class foil to the erudite Detective Inspector Morse. Together with his cool, cerebral partner Detective Sergeant Hathaway (Laurence Fox), Lewis tackles murder and mayhem in the seemingly-perfect academic haven of Oxford.


Endeavour Season 3
June 19 - July 10, 2016

Shaun Evans (The Take, The Last Weekend, Silk), charms audiences with his portrayal of the early career of cerebral and solitary Detective Constable Morse in Endeavour, written by Inspector Lewis creator and Inspector Morse writer Russell Lewis.

Wallander Season 4
May 8-22, 2016

Kenneth Branagh returns as Inspector Kurt Wallander in the Swedish sleuth’s farewell episodes, bringing the beloved, Emmy®-nominated series to a poignant end. Neither carnage, corruption, or terrifying lapses of memory can keep this brooding detective from cracking cases. In the final mysteries, Branagh gives a heartbreaking performance of a gritty cop starting to lose his grip. The series is based on the novels by Henning Mankell.


Grantchester Season 2
March 27 - May 1, 2016

“As a priest, isn’t everything our business?” asks Reverend Sidney Chambers as he
 gets to the bottom of another baffling murder around the placid village of Grantchester. James Norton stars as the handsome, jazz-loving vicar, with Robson Green as his law-enforcement ally, Inspector Geordie Keating. The series is based on the acclaimed novels by James Runcie.


Downton Abbey Season 6
January 3- March 6, 2016

Rejoin this Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning drama for a sixth and final season.



Sherlock - The Abominable Bride
January 1; repeated on January 10, 2016

Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit) return as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in the acclaimed modern retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic stories. But now, our heroes find themselves in 1890s London.


Discussion Leaders:  JoanP and marcie


marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #1 on: December 31, 2015, 12:13:27 PM »
The last season of Downton Abbey starts this Sunday! There is an 11 minute audio "podcast" about the new season at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/features/podcast/get-ready-downton-abbey-final-season/

And, before that, as Ginny has reminded us, "Sherlock: The Abominable Bride," a 90-minute special, will premiere tomorrow, Friday, January 1, 2016, on MASTERPIECE Mystery! on PBS at 9:00pm ET, and simultaneously online at pbs.org/masterpiece. The special will have an encore broadcast on Sunday, January 10, at 10:00pm ET. This is the first time that Sherlock has premiered in the US and the UK on the same day. There is a new trailer for the program at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/watch-online/previews/sherlock-abominable-bride-trailer-2/

Watching this Sherlock special on the first of January seems a good way to start the new year. Happy new year everyone!

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2015, 01:14:53 PM »
mark
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #3 on: December 31, 2015, 01:50:01 PM »
X

FlaJean

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #4 on: December 31, 2015, 02:28:03 PM »
Looking forward to the New Year, although I am having a bit of trouble with realizing how far we have travelled into the 21st century.

Happy New Year Everyone!

marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #5 on: December 31, 2015, 02:46:17 PM »
Jean, so true! It's already almost 16 years since the "millenium."!!!!

I'm glad that everyone is checking into this new discussion for 2016.

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #6 on: December 31, 2015, 08:08:50 PM »
Marking my place, looking forward to the 2016 PBS programs and

Wishing each of you a Very Happy New Year


as I'm watching a New Year's Eve "Live At Lincoln Center" with the New York Philharmonic Symphony on PBS.


nlhome

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #7 on: December 31, 2015, 09:57:59 PM »
Just checking in. I haven't watched Downton Abbey recently, though. Lost interest.

rosemarykaye

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #8 on: January 01, 2016, 01:51:32 PM »
Happy New Year to everyone from a very cold Edinburgh. Today OH and I walked along the Water of Leith from the Dean Gallery to Leith itself, had tea and cake in a very nice cafe (one of the few open) then walked back via Princes Street, where almost all the shops were closed but the 'entertainments' - the ferris wheel, scarey chair thing, helter skelter, etc - were still going strong. Elder daughter worked on a pop up bar in Princes Street for the duration of the Hogmanay celebrations (now unfortunately totally commercialised and run by Underbelly, a company also much in evidence during the Fringe Festival in the summer) - got home at 3am but had made £120 in one night, so it was worth it for her. She had to sell little bottles of beer at £5 EACH, and says people were buying ten at a time - £50 a throw on beer!

I have seen the Grantchester TV programmes and I've also seen James Runcie in the flesh, speaking about his books, his father (the late Archbishop of Canterbury) and his writing life. He's a hugely entertaining speaker, and seems a very decent sort of man too. He says that he does not intend his Grantchester books to be 'cosy', and wants to use them as a vehicle for looking at issues like death, the experience of homosexual men before legalisation (he himself is not gay), the treatment of refugees, etc. He is well worth going to see if you get the chance.

I've been very lazy these last few days and really must start to get organised again tomorrow.

Best wishes to all,

Rosemary

nlhome

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #9 on: January 01, 2016, 05:10:17 PM »
Thanks for the information about James Runcie, Rosemary. I read a couple of his Sidney Chambers books and saw a few episodes on TV, and I enjoyed them. I agree, not cozy, as there is darkness running through.

Frybabe

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #10 on: January 02, 2016, 06:27:27 AM »
What a strange Sherlock that was. I thought about turning it off, but just couldn't. Glad I didn't. So is Moriarty a product of Sherlock's drug addled brain as a stimulus to solve difficult crimes by attributing them to a criminal mastermind his equal? Or was he real at some point and Sherlock had drug induced nightmares that he still exists. Whether he was real or not, Sherlock seems to thrive (need?) Moriarty as a catalyst to stimulate his creative thinking processes. It kind of reminds me of one or two artist/musicians who, it's been said, couldn't unlock their creativity without the use of drugs. I wonder if Conan Doyle ever commented on the character of Moriarty as real or figment of Sherlock's fertile imagination.

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #11 on: January 02, 2016, 10:07:21 AM »
Scared me to death. hahahaa I had to tape it to watch in the daytime. 

FlaJean

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #12 on: January 02, 2016, 12:22:09 PM »
I'm probably the only person on this forum that does not like Cumberbatch as Holmes.  I turned on the CC as he talks so fast I have trouble understanding him, but, after a half hour, I gave up and went on to something else.  I think I would have enjoyed this new series of Sherlock Holmes if Martin Freeman had played the part of Sherlock and Cumberbatch had gone on to one of the other roles he does so well.

marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #13 on: January 02, 2016, 04:44:25 PM »
It sounds like you enjoyed a lovely January 1, Rosemary. I appreciate the info about Runcie and the Grantchester books/series.

I couldn't believe it when I tried to watch the Sherlock special last evening. None of my 3 local/near local PBS stations were showing it!!! I tried to watch the streaming broadcast on my computer but it kept getting "stuck." I'm going to have to wait until January 10 to see the episode. It sounds very weird, Frybabe.

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #14 on: January 03, 2016, 01:36:25 AM »
BBC Entertainment & Arts
BBC One show Sherlock attracted more than eight million viewers for its New Year's Day special - the highest TV drama audience of the festive season.

The Abominable Bride - which starred Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson - attracted 34.7% of the TV audience.

The final episode of ITV drama Downton Abbey won the Christmas Day ratings battle with an average of 6.6m viewers.

BBC One's New Year's Eve fireworks was watched by more than 12m, the BBC said.

Sherlock attracted 8.4m viewers, the highest overnight audience across all channels for a drama of the festive season, the BBC said.

The two-hour Downton Abbey finale attracted a peak audience of 7.1m, beating the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special as the most watched Christmas Day show.

The Strictly special was the BBC's most-watched show of Christmas Day, with a peak of seven million viewers and an average of 6.5m.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #15 on: January 03, 2016, 08:50:37 AM »
Jean, he does talk fast, doesn't he? I think that's part of the computer like mind thing they have him doing.

Knocked Downton off in the ratings! That's something else! (Did you all see the Rose Parade Downton Abbey float? Gorgeous!)

Mycroft!!! I can't believe Mycroft!!! I won't give anything away till the 10th, but it fits the Arthur Conan Doyle character, what a HOOT!  I'm going on a diet. Still watching in spurts when the sun is up. hahaha

PS: Just finished it. THAT is something else!


ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #16 on: January 03, 2016, 01:56:01 PM »
Now that I have calmed down from the experience I can appreciate it even more.  Scary as all get out, tho.

The new Sherlock series will return in 2017!

Steph

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #17 on: January 04, 2016, 09:14:49 AM »
Downton Abbey, Oh I did love the first one, since I have no idea who watched and who didnt, I will just say that they are doing a spectacular job with the aging lovers and Mrs. Patmore had a great part last night.. And Edith seems to be getting a backbone.. Hooray.
Have not seen the Sherlock, was not carried by my local PBS
yet, and darn it all, they are showing reruns of Call the Midwife. at 5 in the afternoon..
Stephanie and assorted corgi

FlaJean

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #18 on: January 04, 2016, 10:26:04 AM »
Loved the first episode of Downton Abbey.  It didn't disappoint, that's for sure.

marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #19 on: January 04, 2016, 11:08:12 AM »
I watched the last episode of last season and then a special preview countdown to the new episode and then the first episode of Season 6. It was fun to see everyone again. I appreciate the acting even more this season. The series has such a great cast.

In the hour preview (with pledge breaks) it was interesting to see the cast members without their Downton Abbey makeup, wigs and dress. Anna, in particular, is stunning and look at these photos of the actress who plays Edith:
https://www.google.com/search?q=laura+carmichael&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi7i8LlxZDKAhVE82MKHYpwA_EQ_AUIBygB&biw=1177&bih=889

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #20 on: January 04, 2016, 05:40:17 PM »
So nice to see the actors as "real people".   The actresses who play Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Patmore and Daisy look the most different in real life.

As is usual, the first episode seems to set up the plot lines for the rest of the series.  Things could go in all sorts of directions.   I enjoyed the pre-show with Kelli O'Hara but could have done without the one afterwards.


BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #21 on: January 04, 2016, 05:42:37 PM »
Callie like you it felt like over kill with the before and after on the show - lot happened in that one show and was not aware until I saw the repeat late Sunday night.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

Steph

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #22 on: January 05, 2016, 08:44:51 AM »
I did the before show, but skipped the after.. Dont want clues as to what is going to happen. Yes, both Anna and Edith are truly lovely in real life.
Stephanie and assorted corgi

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #23 on: January 11, 2016, 08:07:56 AM »
Wolf Hall won the Golden Globe!

I was disappointed that Mark Rylance didn't get one at all , despite being up for two films nor Damien Lewis but at least Wolf Hall did.

Does anybody know who the grey haired woman was standing on stage with everybody for the award?

Steph

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #24 on: January 11, 2016, 09:26:47 AM »
mark.. dont do award shows.
Stephanie and assorted corgi

Winchesterlady

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #25 on: January 11, 2016, 12:12:44 PM »
Does anybody know who the grey haired woman was standing on stage with everybody for the award?
Ginny -- That was Rebecca Eaton. She is the Executive Producer of Masterpiece. The only reason I know this is that several years ago I bought a book by her titled, "Making Masterpiece," which ls very good.
~ Carol ~

JeanneP

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #26 on: January 11, 2016, 01:57:58 PM »
Last night it seemed like Downton Abbey was mostly repeating what Had been seen before.  Just a little of the last half hour was new. 
Was the same with Sherlock Holmes.  They showed last weeks.  Wonder if it was because of the Award shows being on.

Not able to get into Seniorsandfriends.org. this morning. Wonder why.

Need to give the computer a rest today and get other things done.  Sun is out even thought frost on everything. May even try taking a walk later

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #27 on: January 11, 2016, 03:51:33 PM »
JeanneP,  the first hour of Downton Abbey last night (6:58 - 8:00 p.m. CST) was a rerun of last week's episode. The 2nd hour was the new episode and I only noticed references to the previous one.  The "cliff-hanger" was connected with Marigold. 

I was able to get into S&F earlier this morning but haven't been able to do so for the past hour or more.

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #28 on: January 11, 2016, 05:47:33 PM »
Thank you, Winchester Lady!! Believe it or not I HAVE that book! But for some reason I didn't recognize her. I didn't realize the BBC was in danger, I'm a big fan. I get it on their IPad APP and I really like their sections, Health for one, they are always up on the very latest news.

Damien Lewis (Henry VIII) is going to be in a SHO channel series called Billions and it's supposedly very good.

JeanneP

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #29 on: January 11, 2016, 08:17:25 PM »
Callie.  Couple of things I can't understand on the new D Abbey.  Now is it saying that Mary still does not know that that baby girl belongs to her Sister.?
Looks like the man running the farm is going to be moving. I would say that he will go to work for the people just bought the other big house. Then Daisy's. FIL who is loosing that farm job there will be coming over to help Mary run the one at Dowton Abbey.

 Also I heard them say. Rose is coming home from NY to visit and someone made the remark as . She could be pregnant.  Now when and who did she marry?

Yes, S and F is still having problems.

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #30 on: January 11, 2016, 10:27:45 PM »
JeanneP,  I don't think Mary knows that Marigold is Edith's baby. 
Lord Grantham "had a talk" with the tenant farmer about moving and, after the farmer's wife kidnapped Marigold from the Fair, the farmer agreed.
Good thought that the move may be to the new people in the big house - and that Daisy's FIL will become a tenant farmer at Downton.

Yes, Rose is supposedly coming home from NY "with child".    I don't remember hearing anything about a marriage, though.

Steph

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #31 on: January 12, 2016, 09:09:30 AM »
Oh yes, she married last year in a semi scandal since she married a jewish man and his family was not happy, but Rose and her young man were and went off to start a new life in NY..
Yes, Edith refuses to tell Mary, seems to feel that Mary would hold it against her and Mary seems incredible uncurious about Marigold. which is not normal for nosy Mary.,
Stephanie and assorted corgi

CallieOK

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #32 on: January 12, 2016, 05:06:09 PM »
Steph,  I had forgotten about Rose marrying the Jewish man.  Thank you for the reminder.  I wonder if he will be coming back with her?

Steph

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #33 on: January 13, 2016, 09:05:54 AM »
I liked Rose, she was sort of a ditz, but when she fell in love stayed steadfast..
Stephanie and assorted corgi

marcie

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #34 on: January 13, 2016, 11:10:33 AM »
Yes, Steph, Rose was kind of a ditz --young and impetuous--but she is steadfast and quick-witted. She got her father-in-law out of a very embarrassing situation at home when his mistress and their son arrived unexpectedly. Now he sees her in a new light.

I finally saw the Sherlock episode of The Abominable Bride. That drug-augmented memory palace with Moriarity as Sherlock's foil (and manifestation of his weaknesses?) was quite weird, Ginny. It kept going and going. Again and again, it would seem Sherlock was regaining consciousness of "the present" but it was all part of the trance-state. His way of deducing the facts of the case of the abominable bride.

FlaJean

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #35 on: January 13, 2016, 02:42:36 PM »
In the future maybe Netflix will get Downton Abbey.  I would like to see the whole series again.  There are so many interesting tidbits I have forgotten.

ginny

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #36 on: January 13, 2016, 05:14:08 PM »
FlaJean, Netflix has  6 seasons of Downton Abbey if I am reading their site correctly and I may not be. Joy!

Marcie, when Frybabe asked if Moriarty was only in Sherlock's  mind all along or in his dreams, I didn't think so. I think his peculiarness  this last episode was the result of his drug use (which is in keeping with the original  Holmes) and part hallucination and part not. I think Moriarty was real. I love the way the writers keep us in confusion and suspense and wondering. But it's still scary as all heck. I love the way they did that.  I've had to let some time go by  before I could really appreciate what they did. I've been wondering what you thought of it.

The mind palace thing was something the Greeks and Romans used. Cicero particularly used  it. Here's an article on  Sherlock and the Mind Palace in the Smithsonian, very interesting: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/secrets-sherlocks-mind-palace-180949567/

BarbStAubrey

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #37 on: January 13, 2016, 05:42:29 PM »
Could Moriarty be Sherlock's talking cow or vat of milk by which the entire story comes to mind - the brother being a fat man could be but then his brother was seldom involved in solving any of his crimes - I do think the palace of his mind was the place in his memory and thought process that is further activated with his use of drugs which was in keeping with the original. I do think Moriarty was also from him mind - not sure how a live person could function with half the back of his head gone.
“A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul.” ~ Goethe

Steph

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #38 on: January 14, 2016, 08:49:07 AM »
hmm, glad I am not watching Sherlock. I tend to like the original stories , but not all of the current stuff.
Stephanie and assorted corgi

FlaJean

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Re: PBS Masterpiece 2016 - Downton Abbey and Sherlock and Other PBS Programs
« Reply #39 on: January 14, 2016, 10:17:18 AM »
I don't like the current stuff either on Sherlock.

Ginny, I only stream on Netflix and Downton Abbey is not currently available for streaming.  Perhaps it will be when this season is over.