Sherlock and Beautiful Bones

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

It’s been a while since I’ve viewed any good anime; so I decided to remedy that by starting the series “Beautiful Bones”. While I’ve only viewed three out of twelve episodes, there’s something rather peculiar that I’ve noticed about this anime. It’s something that sparked when I first started to watch it and only now, can I confidently confirm my belief about this show.

“Beautiful Bones” is basically a Japanese take on “Sherlock”.

For starters, “Beautiful Bones” is a series of murder mysteries that the main protagonists solve to understand death and how beautiful it is. The series takes place in the present much like Sherlock, allowing for a modern ambiance. However, it seems that the only technology used is cell phones and behind the scenes autopsy work performed on corpses. This is similar to “Sherlock” where cell phones, an autopsy lab, and computer related technology are features of the modern era it’s filmed in.

In “Beautiful Bones” there’s Sakurako Kujo, the main female protagonist. She acts as the show’s Sherlock Holmes – entering a mind palace constructed of walking bones no sooner she slips on forensic gloves at crime scenes, disliking human interaction (especially interpersonal relationships) and contact, incredibly sharp witted and intelligent, utilizing her extensive knowledge of biology with the surroundings and situation to craft near perfect predictions, and bearing an affinity for bones, especially those of humans.

Then there’s her sidekick, Shotaro Tatewaki who is the program’s John Watson – an average male with excellent fighting skills who grows accustomed to the sight of death and bones, cares greatly for Sakurako despite their relationship, is modest and selfless, and is sometimes skeptical of Sakurako’s mannerisms.

Then there’s also Ume Sawa, the overall caretaker of Sakurako’s residence. She acts as the Mrs. Hudson of the show with her caring nature and treats Sakurako as though she were her child; the same treatment is also applied to Shotaro. While she isn’t the landlady, she still fusses over keeping the

mansion tidy and isn’t bothered in the least bit by Sakurako’s collection of skeletons.

So far, “Beautiful Bones” is a fantastic anime that has me (and hopefully you) interested for what’s in store. It’s not gory or even horrific; at best, it provides the same suspenseful antics and moments as “Sherlock” that will keep you wanting more.

Thank you for reading tonight’s entry. If you enjoyed it, feel free to share, subscribe, comment, and critique.

So tell me, what are your thoughts on “Beautiful Bones”?

The Game Will Be Afoot

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

“Sherlock” season 4 finally has an air date.

PBS has hinted that “Sherlock”’s new season will be premiering in January 2017. While the BBC hasn’t announced anything official regarding the air date yet, PBS also showcases the series. However, the air date depends on Benedict Cumberbatch’s schedule. After all the man has been starring in films left and right, but he very much wants to continue with “Sherlock”.

Even Gatiss commented on PBS’ announcement, claiming that Moriarty’s reappearance will be life altering, if not huge for the series and its fans.

Thank you for reading tonight’s entry. If you enjoyed it, feel free to subscribe, share, comment, and critique.

So tell me, are you ready for “Sherlock”’s next season?

Are You Sherlocked?

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

It was just announced this week that the Sherlock Christmas special will take place in London during the 1800s aka the Victorian era. It will have everyone from Sherlock clad in the time period’s garments and completing their modern day tasks in a time when advanced technology was not available.

My initial reaction to this was pure elation for the fact that we don’t have to wait three plus years for something pertaining to Sherlock.  What followed next was a question of how exactly the cast of Sherlock managed to be transported to the 1800s. Naturally, my inner fangirl led me to believe that Moffat and Gatniss were finally doing a Wholock episode, but was immediately shot down by the fact that Moffat said it would never work. Of course then I figured that everyone in this new Victorian!Sherlock era is an ancestor to their modern day personas which could very well work.

But like any other writer and fan, research is needed to obtain any answer.

Moffat and Gatniss claim that this ninety minute special will have nothing to do with the original Sherlock series. Rather, they are doing a tribute to when Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work was initially written in this specific time period.

The writers also claim that this special will include something everyone doesn’t suspect about John and Sherlock. Many fans hope that this surprise will be John and Sherlock engaging in a homosexual relationship. So far there have been no hints as to what this shocker will be, but the writers have confirmed that they have brought their cast to tears with what they have in store.

There was also talk about season 4 of Sherlock.

While not much has been said, it has been rumored for a long time that Tom Hiddleston may join Sherlock in the series as one of the elder Holmes brothers.  In the new season, we’ll be seeing more of Sherlock’s family so naturally they would want someone as equally handsome as Sherlock to be his brother.

It’s also rumored that Irene Adler may return, but Janine and her friends are definitely returning. Apparently Sherlock likes Janine and knows he can rely on her for a social function should he ever need a date for one.  There’s also the inevitable truth that Mary will die sooner or later, just like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, but she won’t be dying in season 4.  Moriarty is also set to make a comeback, but to do what no one knows.

While there are no certain story lines or release dates as of yet, Sherlock season 4 will follow the 2015 Christmas special. There will also be many more seasons to come for Sherlock, with Benedict Cumberbatch wanting to pursue this series into old age.

Thanks for reading today’s entry. If you liked it, feel free to comment, share, and critique.

So tell me, what are you excited to see for Sherlock? 

The Uprising of The Doctor

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

The Radio Times released an article today with a headline that sent Wholock fans screaming with delight. Apparently, Stephen Moffat, the current writer of Doctor Who claims that he would love to do a Doctor Who and Sherlock crossover. However, there are a few obstacles in his path; namely, Sherlock and the Doctor.

He claims that Gatiss, the current writer of Sherlock, said that both lead characters would go sulk off, and that the crossover would best blossom in our imaginative heads. Sherlock and the Doctor would refuse to complete the task and claim that the other one can do it, because he’s so clever. From how it sounds, nothing would get done and Clara and John would probably have to fix the issue at hand and chat over some tea. They could also drag their companions along and persist that they solve the problem until they give in and do so.

In other Whovian news, this week the Doctor Who world tour was launched in Cardiff..  Moffat, Capaldi, Anderson, and Coleman lined the red carpet as they conversed with fans, engaged with Cybermen and Daleks, and showed sneak peeks of the new series.  Capaldi and Coleman will be in the United States for the first time ever as they bring the tour to New York on August 14^th. The tour was initially launched in Cardiff on August 7^th and will conclude in Brazil on August 19^th.

To cap off this BBC filled blog entry, Fathom Events will be theatrically hosting the first episode of Capaldi’s Doctor on August 24^th and 25^th. Tickets are available now for just $12.50 and the screening will last for at least an hour. Chances are I’ll be joining my fellow Whovians in theaters when this momentous occasion occurs.

So, who’s ready to jump into that blue box once more and travel with the Doctor? What are you most excited to see in this upcoming season of Doctor Who and do you hope that a Wholock crossover will happen? Why or why not?

What Does the Future Hold for Sherlock?

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

Sherlock has come and gone and in its wake, it has left some of the best episodes ever to emerge from the series. With Mary pregnant, Moriarty’s abrupt return, and Sherlock reunited with John, the game will be afoot in the future. However, we might not have to wait long until another episode surfaces. A few days ago Martin Freeman (the famous John Watson and Bilbo Baggins) claimed that there might be a one-off special episode of the popular series.

Freeman has claimed that the idea is mouth watering, but they’re unsure of when they would film it due to Freeman and Cumberbatch’s other commitments. This special may or may not see the light of the television screen, but let’s hope it does. In other news regarding this fantastic series, Sherlock has started filming and will possibly debut in Fall 2016. Along with this season, another season has been confirmed for future production.

Prepare to keep your eyes peeled for any clue regarding this one-off special of Sherlock. Until then, let’s make deductions of what this possible tantalizing idea could be, and how it will fit in with the Sherlockian universe. As for myself I’m hoping one of two things: one, a Wholock crossover and two, an episode with a few answers regarding Moriarty’s return – for now, I guess that he is an android or the Moriarty at Reichenbach was a clone/stunt double.

What are your thoughts, fellow readers?

The Game is Afoot at the Sherlock Theme Park

Good evening everyone and welcome to The Magical Mystery Blog.

This past week the Internet exploded with word of a Sherlock Holmes theme park being built in Portsmouth, London. Portsmouth is where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle resided and created the beloved fictional characters and stories. Within this theme park, there will be rides and holograms of everything related to Sherlock Holmes.

As a ride junkie, I always loved to see what rides people come up with, how they work, and the experiences they offer. I imagine that they will use the original Sherlock as opposed to the modern Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch, Robert Downey Jr.) because the park is also paying tribute to Conan Doyle and the original works. Below are some ride ideas for the upcoming Sherlock theme park.

3) A Case of Identity

In the article I have linked above, it claims that the theme park will feature interactive and high quality activities. In A Case of Identity, Sherlock solves a rather simple, but elementary case of an engaged couple. I specifically chose this case because it’s not too easy or hard and it would fit the attraction I have in mind. I imagine that they would build this attraction as three places that tie together: Sherlock’s residence, Miss Sutherland and her fiance’s place, and the church. Within each place, guests can touch specific items that give them clues and information to solve the mystery. Once they’ve gathered all the clues, they could go to a secret room behind the church’s altar to see if their deductions were correct or not, and to hear how the case ended.

2) The Reichenbach Falls

Ah yes, the fall at Reichenbach – the one episode of Sherlock that broke many fans’ hearts, but the original story shattered many readers’ hearts as well. In the story of The Adventure of the Final Problem, Sherlock has decided to confront Moriarty once and for all. The guests would walk through an entry way consisting of scenes that look like Sherlock’s residence. As they roam about, Sherlock is heard explaining how dangerous Moriarty is and what he has done. The final room prior to the loading area would feature Moriarty and Sherlock animatronics conversing in a study, with their dialogue heard through hidden speakers. The loading area itself would look like a London study.

This would be a log flume ride with a very basic track mostly considering of turns, small drops, and uphill climbs. It would also highlight the important features of the story such as Sherlock explaining his plan to John and the guests, the three events that nearly kill Sherlock, the telegram that informs Sherlock Moriarty has escaped, and John being tricked by the letter. This ultimately builds up to the final drop, at the bottom of the lift hill John is panicking and worried about his friend. He calls for Sherlock and talks to himself through hidden speakers, hoping Sherlock is safe. As the car climbs higher, guests hear John’s concerns fade away, and they see Sherlock and Moriarty fighting.

The big drop itself represents Reichenbach Falls, which leads guests to an enclosed area where they see John reading a letter Sherlock left him. As they go through the area and to the loading station, they hear John’s voice reading the letter aloud over the speakers.

1) The Hound

Everyone is familiar with the famous Sherlock Holmes story, The Hound of the Baskervilles. In this tale, an attempted murder is inspired by a legendary, loathsome Hellhound. The Hound would be a wooden roller coaster and would have an enclosed entrance, featuring rooms with clues from the case, important and iconic conversations between the characters playing from hidden speakers, and at times, Sherlock’s violin playing a mysterious yet eerie tune. The rooms will be designed to be Sherlock’s residence and the Baskerville residence.

After walking through the rooms, guests will enter the main chamber: the foyer of the Baskerville residence where Watson, (a live actor) will explain to everyone that the Hound is loose and that they must follow Sherlock’s lead in order to be safe. After this, the gates will open, and guests will go to a loading area themed as a forest before the moor where the hound is. Sherlock’s dialogue will be playing over the speakers urging guests to stay close, be careful, and that the game is afoot side while owls hoot, crickets chirp, and a chilling howl is heard at times along with snarling.

The cars will have safety bars and its track will bear a similar resemblance to Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain, being an indoor/outdoor ride. Guests will go up the first hill as the forest is splayed around them, with animatronics of Sherlock and Watson talking about the hound. As guests reach the top of the hill, the hound appears before them howling at a luminous moon, and they drop down the first hill. They are taken through a series of curves, hills, and miniature drops while surrounded by a forest exterior.  At times, the hound appears with glowing eyes and gnashing teeth as well as Mr.Baskervilles who is seen running through the forest or hiding.

Once again the guests return to a dark enclosure where Sherlock and the hound are facing off. This entire section is another climb as the hound is heard snarling and growling at Holmes. Sherlock yells at Watson to find Mr.Baskerville and run. No sooner he gives this command, the cars drop from the hill and plummet into more curves, sudden drops, and swift turns. At last the ride ends with the hound defeated, Mr. Baskerville found, and everyone returning to the forest themed station.

What would you like to see at the Sherlock theme park? Feel free to comment and as always, feedback and followers are welcomed.