TV Review: ‘Young Sherlock’

Arriving on Prime Video on March 4 is the latest attempt to bring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes character to screens, ‘Young Sherlock.’ With director Guy Ritchie as part of the creative team, the show stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin (‘After’) as the titular detective, but at an earlier point of his life.

​Arriving on Prime Video on March 4 is the latest attempt to bring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes character to screens, ‘Young Sherlock.’ With director Guy Ritchie as part of the creative team, the show stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin (‘After’) as the titular detective, but at an earlier point of his life.   

(L to R) Dónal Finn and Hero Fiennes Tiffin in Prime Video’s ‘Young Sherlock.’ Photo: Dan Smith.

Arriving on Prime Video on March 4 is the latest attempt to bring Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes character to screens, ‘Young Sherlock.’ With director Guy Ritchie as part of the creative team, the show stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin (‘After’) as the titular detective, but at an earlier point of his life.

The cast for the show also includesDónal Finn (‘The Wheel of Time’), Zine Tseng (‘3 Body Problem’), Joseph Fiennes (‘The Handmaid’s Tale’), Natascha McElhone (‘Halo’), Max Irons (‘Condor’) and Colin Firth (‘The King’s Speech’).

Related Article: First Look at Hero Fiennes Tiffin & More in the ‘Young Sherlock’ Series

Initial Thoughts

(L to R) Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Natasha McElhone and Dónal Finn in Prime Video’s ‘Young Sherlock.’ Photo: Dan Smith.

You may be frustrated waiting for a third ‘Sherlock Holmes’ movie from filmmaker Guy Ritchie (at this point, you really shouldn’t hold your breath), but he’s no doubt hoping to tide you over with a new ‘Young Sherlock’ that spins the clock back to the detective’s days at college

Script and Direction

(L to R) Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Colin Firth and Max Irons in Prime Video’s ‘Young Sherlock.’ Photo: Daniel Smith.

Series creator Matthew Parkhill has found a decent basis for the new series, seeing him team up with an equally fresh-faced James Moriarty, and spinning a tale of the Holmes family that forms part of the mystery.

Directorially, Ritchie brings something of his Sherlock-focused movies to the style of the show, though it also settles down from time to time.

Cast and Performances

Joseph Fiennes in Prime Video’s ‘Young Sherlock.’ Photo: Daniel Smith.

Hero Fiennes Tiffin is a solid Sherlock, though sometimes overshadowed by co-stars Dónal Finn and Zine Tseng.

Tiffin at least escapes concerns of nepo baby casting, providing some charm and wit to the role, even if the family history angle isn’t completely helped by the addition of his uncle, Joseph Fiennes, playing his father. As his mother, meanwhile, Natascha McElhone is a little sidelined to begin with, but has a chance to shine later.

If there’s one performer with a reason to complain, it’s Colin Firth, who for the most part is reduced to being a blowhard, officious type you can tell is up to no good.

Final Thoughts

(L to R) Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Zine Tseng and Dónal Finn in Prime Video’s ‘Young Sherlock.’ Photo: Dan Smith.

The new show might not really satiate those looking for the combination of Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and the visual trickery of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock outings, but one out of three isn’t too bad.

And if we truly must have a Sherlock Holmes prequel, at least it has some spirit and offers decent entertainment value.

‘Young Sherlock’ receives 68 out of 100.

(L to R) Max Irons and Natasha McElhone in Prime Video’s ‘Young Sherlock.’ Photo: Dan Smith.

What’s the plot of ‘Young Sherlock’?

‘Young Sherlock’ follows the origin story of the beloved detective in an explosive re-imagining of this iconic character’s early days. Sherlock Holmes is a disgraced young man –– raw and unfiltered –– when he finds himself wrapped up in a murder case that threatens his liberty.

Who stars in ‘Young Sherlock’?

Hero Fiennes Tiffin as Sherlock HolmesZine Tseng as Princess Gulun Shou’anDónal Finn as James MoriartyJoseph Fiennes as Silas HolmesNatascha McElhone as Cordelia HolmesColin Firth as Sir Bucephalus HodgeMax Irons as Mycroft Holmes

Hero Fiennes Tiffin in Prime Video’s ‘Young Sherlock.’ Photo: Dan Smith.

Other ‘Sherlock Holmes’ Movies and TV Shows:

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