Review | Sherlock & Daughter: Season 1 (2025) – A New Twist on the Sherlock Holmes Legacy

A New Variation on the Sherlock Holmes Story

I'll say this frankly: I genuinely enjoyed this new television take on the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. At first glance, the project looked like yet another attempt to capitalise on a familiar brand — especially considering that the American broadcaster behind it is The CW, a network more often associated with fairly average genre shows.

However, Sherlock & Daughter turns out to be a far more cohesive and confident series than one might expect. It pleasantly surprises with its solid storytelling, atmospheric staging, and strong performances, allowing the narrative to work even when certain plot turns become somewhat predictable.

Plot

The Atmosphere of Victorian London

The late-19th-century London depicted in the series feels surprisingly convincing. The creators avoid turning it into an overly polished historical postcard. Instead, the city appears somewhat grim, with a muted grey colour palette that effectively captures the mood of the Victorian era. Although the show's budget clearly doesn't match that of major streaming productions, the staging occasionally creates a genuine sense of scale. Particular praise should go to the costume designers, set decorators and production designers. The costumes, interiors and small period details feel authentic without unnecessary gloss, blending naturally into the overall setting and quickly immersing the viewer in the world of the story.

David Thewlis as Sherlock Holmes

A separate mention must go to David Thewlis, who slips effortlessly into the role of a brooding, irritable yet charismatic Holmes. His interpretation of the detective is sharp, self-assured and occasionally almost rude — precisely the kind of personality audiences expect from the legendary sleuth. At the same time, Thewlis enriches the character with subtle humour, quiet fatigue and restrained melancholy. Watching the series, one can't help but wonder: why hasn't he played Sherlock before? The role seems to suit him remarkably well.

Amelia Rojas and a New Dynamic

The central innovation of the series is the character of Amelia Rojas, who effectively takes on the role of Holmes's conversational partner and intellectual counterpart — a position traditionally occupied by Dr Watson. Energetic, independent and eager to learn, Amelia gradually earns her place alongside the great detective. At times the character comes close to the familiar trope of the "strong female lead", yet her journey through Victorian London — a society shaped by rigid racial and gender hierarchies — gives the story an additional layer of meaning. To the creators' credit, they manage to maintain a convincing balance that keeps Amelia's character grounded.

Particularly engaging are the scenes in which Sherlock effectively becomes her mentor. In these moments, the series introduces an interesting idea: Holmes's methods are not merely flashes of genius, but a system that can be learned and replicated. When Sherlock realises that Amelia is beginning to apply deductive reasoning and draw correct conclusions, his reaction hints at something resembling restrained pride. Their relationship gradually develops shades of mentorship and possible father-daughter dynamics. Even if the truth about their connection remains uncertain, the sense of kinship between the two characters becomes increasingly apparent.

When Sherlock Becomes… a Father

One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is the gradual emergence of Holmes's paternal instincts. In this story, Sherlock is forced to think not only about riddles and conspiracies but also about whether Amelia might be used by his enemies against him. At times, this leads to surprisingly emotional moments for the character. In one memorable scene, Amelia locks herself in her room while packing her belongings, and Holmes — normally the epitome of control — suddenly turns into a helpless and worried father figure, even threatening to break down the door if she does not open it. The relief on his face when she finally does is strikingly sincere. Moments like this reveal a more human side of Sherlock Holmes, something rarely explored in traditional adaptations.

Holmes and Moriarty: A Familiar Rivalry

The dynamic between Holmes and Moriarty is also handled with an interesting tone. Their encounters often carry a slightly gleeful, almost teasing quality. This chemistry makes each shared scene between the two characters particularly engaging. In some ways, they feel less like sworn enemies and more like old acquaintances who know each other's strengths and weaknesses all too well. At times, their relationship even recalls the dynamic between Charles Xavier and Magneto in the X-Men franchise, where the conflict extends beyond a simple hero-versus-villain framework.

Moriarty, His Son and Unexpected Parallels

Another intriguing narrative thread involves the Moriarty family. The series introduces Daniel "Dan" Moriarty, the son of the infamous criminal mastermind, played by Joe Klocek. The character quickly becomes an important part of the story. Unlike his father, Dan comes across more as an idealist searching for his own path. In doing so, the series draws an interesting parallel between two generations: the brilliant villain and a son who may not wish to follow the same destiny. At the same time, a romantic storyline develops between Dan and Amelia, adding a touch of the familiar CW-style drama to the narrative. Gradually, a potential love triangle emerges between Amelia, Dan and Detective Swann.

Overall Impressions

The series also makes effective use of its supporting characters, who add colour to the story. For instance, Detective Swann, played by Antonio Aakeel, is a Scotland Yard officer fascinated by new technologies. He frequently explains the latest inventions of the era to Holmes — from telephones to lifts — which leads to several amusing moments. Equally entertaining is Lady Violet Somerset, portrayed by Fiona Glascott. Officially, she specialises in educating young ladies destined for high society, but unofficially she has no hesitation in delivering rather sharp and authoritative opinions. Her past is also linked to Sherlock and to Amelia's mother — a woman known as Little Dove, whose role gradually becomes increasingly significant to the overarching story.

Of course, the project is not without its flaws. Many of the mysteries are relatively straightforward, certain plot twists can be anticipated in advance, and some thematic threads are introduced but not fully developed. Nevertheless, the light storytelling, convincing atmosphere and well-chosen cast make the show an engaging and comfortable viewing experience.

The series successfully balances several narrative elements at once: the potential father-daughter relationship, the classic Holmes–Moriarty rivalry, a touch of romantic drama, and a colourful gallery of supporting characters. It is precisely this combination that makes the series enjoyable to watch, even if it does not attempt to reinvent the detective genre.

Is Sherlock & Daughter Worth Watching?

If you enjoy stories about Sherlock Holmes but are open to seeing a fresh interpretation of familiar characters, the series is certainly worth a look. It is not a revolutionary production, nor the most intricate detective drama on television, but Sherlock & Daughter offers an interesting angle: exploring the legendary detective through the lens of potential family ties and emotional vulnerability.

In the end, it emerges as a light, atmospheric and surprisingly charismatic series — one that may turn out to be a pleasant surprise for viewers who initially expected much less from it.