Sherlock Holmes is inarguably the defining detective of the murder mystery genre, with Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of the character in the BBC series Sherlock being well-received. However, for all its positives, the series’ characterization of Sherlock has been questioned by several fans.
Meanwhile, Netflix’s Dept Q takes much of the Sherlock formula but places it within the constraints of working in a rigid police system. As a result, the show’s take on the formula depicts what Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock would’ve been if the titular character faced real consequences, and here is why.
Netflix’s Dept Q shows what Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock could’ve been
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock is easily one of the most popular takes on the iconic character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The series received critical acclaim and ran for four seasons. However, it was criticized for its characterization of Sherlock as an arrogant and insufferable detective.
Similarly, Netflix’s Dept Q, which stars Matthew Goode as Carl Morck, has similar shades when it comes to its characterization of the brilliant detective archetype. Both shows feature a lead character who is essentially a clever but flawed detective.
However, Sherlock’s eccentricities become a valuable asset to the point that the police tolerate his arrogance in exchange for his help in solving cases. In contrast, Carl Morck is deemed difficult to work with by his superiors and finds himself marooned in a department of misfits solving cold cases.
Therefore, Dept Q gives fans a look at what Sherlock could’ve been if Cumberbatch’s take on the globally renowned detective, which is easily more arrogant and insufferable compared to the source material, faced real consequences because of his personality.
Netflix’s Dept Q is perfect for detractors of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock
Dept Q heavily borrows from the tropes of detective fiction, especially those established by the stories featuring Sherlock Holmes. Like Cumberbatch’s iteration, Carl Morck is also skilled at deduction and uses the skill as the primary method to progress his investigation.
The series also gives Morck a Doctor Watson-like sidekick in Akram Salim, a Syrian policeman who has fled to Scotland to start a new life. As a result, Dept Q builds and expands upon the Sherlock formula in many ways, while adding a whole new team dynamic to the story.
One of the most prominent deviations from the formula in the Netflix series is Morck’s apparent self-doubt in his skills, which is contrasted by his arrogant nature. Meanwhile, BBC’s Sherlock is more of a vehicle for the titular eccentric genius, with fans often being left in the dark about the actual investigation (via Reddit).
Instead, Dept Q puts viewers in Morck’s shoes, who, despite his best attempts, struggles to crack the case at hand and only succeeds because of his relentlessness and not because he’s some kind of a genius who takes pride in his intelligence. Hence, Dept Q is perfect for detractors of Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock.
Dept Q is currently streaming on Netflix, and Sherlock is available on Hulu (USA).
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
