BBC's "Sherlock" is a winner

I am a longtime fan of Sherlock Holmes, be it books, movies or TV series so could easily turn my nose up at BBC's "Sherlock" series, which sets the famed detective smack dab in the 21st century. 

PBS has broadcast three episodes in recent weeks, and a Season 1 DVD set was released in the States on Tuesday. I haven't seen all the episodes -- yet -- but love what I've seen so far. Even though a strong tech theme pervades "Sherlock," the show's wit and attention to detail respect the original. 

Benedict Cumberbatch (not making that up) brings a new flavor to Holmes, building on the earlier Basil Rathbone and Jeremy Brett portrayals just enough to give the character a confident edge without offending hardcore fans. 

The tech references -- among them a great texting scene that opens Episode 1, Watson's stillborn blog, mobile web searches at crime scenes -- are invigorating, not forced. "Sherlock" makes clear from the beginning that this isn't your father's Holmes.

Indeed.