As a character that's been re-invented numerous times since his first appearance in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Final Problem", Moriarty is one of the most recognized characters in all of fiction, making him a daunting prospect for any actor to take on. But Andrew Scott was clearly up to the challenge, as he provided one of the most exciting and genuinely fun to watch performances of the past decade, when he played the role on the massively successful BBC Sherlock. When his Moriarty was on screen, you were instantly glued to your screen, wondering what gleeful insanity was about to come your way.Scott is equal parts fanciful insanity and intimidating mastermind, teetering wonderfully on both sides of the character. He's just a joy to watch, as he plays perfectly off of Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock. It's that simple yet effective maniacal smile with a hint of what savage thoughts may be brimming just beneath the surface. Though the third series saw a decline into a woeful desire for silly humor and cheap fan winking, the BBC Sherlock series has gone to great lengths in order to create one of the most effective visions of Moriarty ever.
