Sherlock Holmes Fans Must Watch the Hulu’s The Artful Dodger

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While Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes isn’t necessarily considered the definitive adaptation of the classic detective, it’s undeniably entertaining. The movie successfully mixes action, humor, and a touch of the supernatural, reimagining Sherlock as a smart and physically capable hero. It’s a tricky balance, particularly when adapting well-known stories, but a recent Hulu series has come close to achieving the same effect, and a new season is on its way.

I absolutely loved The Artful Dodger! It’s a really fun take on what happened to Jack Dawkins after Oliver Twist. Okay, it takes some liberties with history and the original story, but it’s so well done that people clearly loved it – it got a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and they’ve already renewed it for another season! It’s a great mix of clever heists, interesting medical stuff, and a sweet romance. If you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan like me and patiently waiting for the next movie, this will definitely keep you entertained!

The Artful Dodger Gives Jack Dawson the Sherlock Holmes Treatment

Okay, so some people weren’t thrilled with how this version of the character was different, but as a fan, I really loved that it felt fresh while still capturing what made the original so great. And that’s exactly how I feel about The Artful Dodger too – turning the pickpocket into a surgeon in Australia is a brilliant move! This Jack isn’t Sherlock Holmes, that’s for sure, but he’s often the most clever one around, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster just owns the role. He’s got so much charisma, it’s impossible not to like him.

Jack is in a difficult position when his former criminal mentor, Norbert Fagin, reappears and tries to draw him back into a life of crime. Despite his efforts to resist and rationalize it, Jack secretly longs for the excitement of thievery and a renewed relationship with Fagin, viewing him as a father figure. This internal struggle is similar to Dr. Watson’s experience in the Sherlock Holmes stories. While Watson desires a peaceful life with his wife, Mary Morstan, he’s also drawn to the challenge and excitement of solving mysteries alongside Sherlock.

Similar to Watson’s influence on Holmes, Jack’s internal conflict is shown through the people around him. Fagin repeatedly tries to involve him in criminal activities, while his love interest, Lady Belle Fox, encourages him to return to his medical studies. Just like the dynamic in Sherlock Holmes, the scenes featuring Brodie-Sangster alongside David Thewlis and Maia Mitchell add both emotional depth and comedic moments to The Artful Dodger.

Jack and Belle’s Romance Gives Irene and Sherlock’s Love Story a Run for Its Money

Like many versions of the story, this adaptation of Sherlock Holmes features Irene Adler as a romantic interest for the detective. However, this version portrays her as a skilled criminal who challenges Sherlock. Their opposing roles – she’s a rule-breaker, and he enforces the law – create an exciting and playful dynamic, and some fans were upset when their story concluded in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

Jack and Belle start off with a strained relationship – Belle uses a secret from Jack’s past to convince him to teach her surgery. Although they initially clash due to their different backgrounds and are quite cold towards each other, they gradually gain respect for each other’s intelligence and connect through their shared love of medicine. However, their differences are more significant than those between Irene and Sherlock, leading to believable and sometimes intense conflicts.

One of the things that really pulled me into The Artful Dodger was Belle’s health crisis. It wasn’t just a plot device; it created genuine tension as she desperately tried to figure out what was wrong. But more than that, it was beautiful to watch her and Jack connect over it. He was the only one who truly believed something was wrong and fought to help her, and honestly, their relationship became the heart of the show. As someone who enjoys a good romance, I’d say it actually gives The Artful Dodger an edge over other mysteries, like the Sherlock Holmes adaptation.

The Artful Dodger Season 2 Teases More Crime to Come

Okay, so Season 2 is really leaning into Jack’s criminal side, which I’m totally here for! It’s still got that medical drama we loved, but it seems like we’re finally getting a deeper dive into his life of crime. The trailer hints he’s getting into serious trouble with the law, even possibly being a suspect in a murder! Honestly, it’s a really interesting setup – it feels like a flipped Sherlock Holmes, where instead of being the one solving crimes, we’re seeing things from the perspective of someone the system is after. It’s a cool way to explore the idea of justice, and I’m really excited to see where it goes.

The new trailer for Season 2 hints at ongoing conflict between Jack and Belle. Belle will attempt to defend Jack’s reputation in court, while he continues his questionable dealings with Fagin. Adding to their troubles, Belle’s mother actively tries to keep them apart, forbidding Belle from seeing Jack for two years and pushing her towards a more suitable marriage. Fans of the show can be relieved, however, that Belle won’t suffer the same fate as Irene Adler.

Even though Australia is far from London, the series The Artful Dodger feels surprisingly familiar thanks to its engaging story, compelling romance, and fresh take on a historical setting. With a second season coming soon, now’s a great time to start watching and help ensure the show continues!

The Artful Dodger Season 2 will premiere on Hulu and Disney+ on February 10, 2026.

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2025-12-21 03:10