I think the pleasure for an original Holmes fan would lie in knowing the stories and seeing how they've updated them. It's the sort of thing where I'm sure being a fan adds a whole other level.

Alternatively can't you just watch it by yourself...?

I'm pretty well up on the Holmes canon, and I thought it was great fun.

I have an impression that, knowing the Holmes canon well, I enjoyed it more than people who didn't get all the little references to the originals.

We just saw it. And yes, apparently knowing the Holmes canon well (and reference-spotting) helps. I was somewhat lost. But it's fun!

I didn't get all the references, despite having the Compleat SH collection. It's been a long time, I suppose.

Still, I enjoyed it. I like Martin Freeman so much, I'd watch anything he's in. All the characters did a great job.

I am notorious for whitefonting when I needn't and not, when I should. What's the policy for aired bits here?

In the meanwhile:

The one thing I kept waiting for, was someone to mention 'the knowledge.' Just recently, I heard the fellow on NPR who is a London cabbie and described as one of the best read men alive. He kept popping into my mind even before Sherlock twigged to the cab thing.

All that brain power, gone wrong. heh.

I love that actor, though I don't remember his name. He pops up all over the place in British TV.

And Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!

I am notorious for whitefonting when I needn't and not, when I should. What's the policy for aired bits here?

In theory there's no need to whitefont shows here that have aired in the UK.

I'll whitefont it because it's about the ending. bonny, when Sherlock said "You're wasted as a cabbie" I snapped at the TV, "He's done the knowledge. He's brainier than you." (My Girl is a Knowledge Girl.)

Game of Thrones and other HBO shows are going to air in the UK on Sky One.