While it’s sometimes difficult to get excited or even interested in adaptations of classic novels or literature, there’s one coming up that has me in an “I can’t wait” mentality. As we reported last month, the greatest detective of all-time, Sherlock Holmes, is entering the 21st Century, as written by Steven Moffat, the ingenious mind behind Coupling and Executive Producer and head writer of the new Doctor Who, and Mark Gattis, the equally brilliant mind, novelist and actor behind The League of Gentleman. With filming already begun, this new BBC adaptation comes to PBS and KERA in the Fall of 2010.

The new adaptation, Sherlock, stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. Watson. On the heels of two highly successful BBC series, Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, where modern-day police inspectors travel back in time, Sherlock transports Holmes and Watson from the 1800’s to present-day 21st Century. He’s not alone, however. While, obviously, much has changed, some things still remain the same. Arch-nemesis, Moriarity, also makes the trip along with Inspector Lestrade, played by Rupert Graves.

In an earlier interview here, both Cumberbatch and Freeman seemed more excited than daunted over their attempt to modernize the most famous of all detectives.That, in itself, seemed to be the reason for the excitement. There wasn’t the pressure of being Holmes and Watson in the 1800’s so, while there will be the inevitable comparisons, there won’t be the point-by-point worries to remain true to the original.

Steven Moffat seconds that sentiment. “Everything that matters about Holmes and Watson is the same. Conan Doyle’s stories were never about frock coats and gas light; they’re about brilliant detection, dreadful villains and blood-curdling crimes – and frankly, to hell with the crinoline. Other detectives have cases, Sherlock Holmes has adventures, and that’s what matters.”

I can’t wait.