As I work my way through my massive backlog of anime, I started with those highest on my list. ‘Moriarty the Patriot’ is a series that would appeal to any fan of Sherlock Holmes or mysteries in general. I wasn’t sure what to expect given that the show’s “protagonist” is, in fact, the great detective’s most infamous adversary, Professor Moriarty, but let me tell you… just one episode in and I was hooked.
The entire premise of the anime could basically be summarized as a figurative tribute to Jean Jacques Rousseau’s famous quote: “When the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich.”
I never imagined that I would one day be rooting for Professor Moriarty, but ‘Moriarty the Patriot’ made it easy. The Professor paints himself a “necessary evil” in the hope of achieving equality in a depraved, classist London. Though his methods are brutal and extreme, best believe I was hoping for him to succeed.
The show brings a host of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s well-known characters into the spotlight, such as Irene Adler, Inspector Lestrade, Sebastian Moran, and of course, Detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson. Even the perhaps lesser known character, Charles Augustus Milverton, makes an appearance! I was thrilled and impressed by such a stacked cast.
At the eventual introduction of Sherlock Homles in the series, I fussed at my television, “Damn it, Holmes, this isn’t your show!” That should tell you just how strongly the “good Professor” had me in his corner.
All in all, an excellent show and one I truly wish had been granted a second season. If you’re a fan of mysteries, murder, mayhem, and a big dash of social justice, I highly recommend adding ‘Moriarty the Patriot’ to your watch list. 10/10!
