What can explain the enduring popularity of Sherlock Holmes? Critic John Powers says it’s that Sherlock “embodies an archetypal aspect of the human psyche” — and appeals to the part of us that loves a good mystery.

David Bianculli, on the new adaptation of Sherlock Holmes airing Sunday October 24 on PBS’s Masterpiece: “This new version isn’t just good. It’s terrific, and the changes bringing the characters into modern-day London are inspired. Sherlock no longer injects himself with a seven percent solution of cocaine to get a buzz when he’s bored or baffled. Now he slaps nicotine patches on his arm. (Lots of them.) And this new Sherlock Holmes carries a cell phone — but, like the antisocial misfit that he is, he much prefers to text than to talk.”