8.0/10
? Critics / 100% Audience
Moriarty the Patriot is a stylish and gripping anime series that reimagines Professor James Moriarty—the infamous nemesis of Sherlock Holmes—as a revolutionary anti-hero. Set in the 19th-century British Empire, the show explores corruption, class inequality, and moral rebellion through beautifully animated crime dramas. Produced by Production I.G and adapted from the manga written by Ryosuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi, the series brings a fresh, emotionally complex twist to classic detective literature.
The anime aired from 2020 to 2021 and immediately earned praise for its elegant visuals, intelligent writing, and compelling rivalry between William Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes. By shifting the focus away from the detective and toward the villain, the series offers a unique lens on crime, justice, and revolution. It blends psychological tension with social commentary, resulting in one of the most polished mystery anime of the decade.
Moriarty the Patriot – Official Trailer
What Is “Moriarty the Patriot” About?
Moriarty the Patriot follows William James Moriarty, a genius who seeks to destroy Britain’s oppressive class system. Originally an orphan adopted by the noble Moriarty family, William grows into a mastermind who engineers “perfect crimes” allowing commoners to escape injustice and punish abusive aristocrats.
His carefully crafted operations draw the attention of Sherlock Holmes, whose brilliance makes him both an adversary and an intellectual equal. What begins as curiosity becomes an intricate battle of wits and ideology, as Sherlock tries to uncover William’s identity while William challenges Sherlock to see the moral decay of society.
The anime adapts major arcs from the manga, including:
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The Noahtic case
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The Jack the Ripper incident
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The Irene Adler scandal
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The “Final Problem” showdown
Through each storyline, the series questions whether justice can exist in a corrupt system—and whether the price of change is too high.
Cast and Characters
Main Characters
William James Moriarty
A brilliant strategist determined to reshape Britain. His intelligence, charm, and ruthlessness make him both a hero to the oppressed and a feared criminal mastermind.
Albert James Moriarty
The eldest brother and the only one born into nobility. He supports William’s ideals and uses his political influence to further their cause.
Louis James Moriarty
William’s loyal younger brother who provides emotional balance and unwavering support.
Sherlock Holmes
A gifted consulting detective whose sharp abilities make him one of the few people capable of matching William intellectually.
John H. Watson
Sherlock’s steadfast companion and emotional grounding force.
Fred Porlock
A master of disguise and William’s secretive information broker.
Sebastian Moran
A former soldier with expert marksmanship who serves as William’s right hand in many operations.
Irene Adler / James Bonde
A complex figure who evolves into a crucial ally and explores themes of identity and reinvention.
Additional Notes:
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Many characters reinterpret familiar Sherlock Holmes figures.
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The anime expands Moriarty’s backstory far beyond the original canon.
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Sherlock’s personality is given more emotional nuance than in most adaptations.
Production and Development
The anime adaptation was produced by Production I.G, known for crafting atmospheric and visually striking series. Directed by Kazuya Nomura, Moriarty the Patriot was adapted with careful attention to tone, historical detail, and the psychological depth of the manga.
Writers Gō Zappa and Taku Kishimoto structured the adaptation to emphasize themes of justice, corruption, and the philosophical debate at the heart of the story. The anime blends investigative drama with moral conflict, creating a slow-burn narrative rich in character development.
The music by Asami Tachibana enhances tension with elegant classical notes and modern cinematic flair.
Additional Notes:
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The anime spans 24 episodes across two cours.
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A two-episode OVA adds depth to Irene Adler’s storyline.
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Visual design stays faithful to the manga’s Victorian aesthetic.
Themes
Class Inequality
The series critiques Victorian Britain’s class hierarchy, exposing the cruelty and privilege of the aristocracy.
Justice vs. Morality
William acts for the oppressed, but through brutal methods. The anime questions whether moral outcomes justify immoral actions.
Identity and Duality
William and Sherlock act as mirror images—two geniuses shaped by different philosophies.
Revolution and Reform
Instead of political change, William believes in radical transformation, raising questions about the cost of rebellion.
Friendship and Rivalry
Sherlock and William share a complex bond that transcends traditional hero-villain dynamics.
Additional Notes:
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James Bonde’s transformation expands themes of gender and identity.
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The Moriarty family explores found-family vs. biological lineage.
Why You Should Watch “Moriarty the Patriot”
Moriarty the Patriot is a standout anime for fans of mystery, historical settings, and psychological drama. Beyond beautiful animation and gripping cases, it offers a refreshing take on Sherlock Holmes lore—seeing the world through the eyes of Moriarty adds philosophical depth rarely explored in other adaptations.
The tension between William and Sherlock is the emotional engine of the series. Their intellectual chess game, combined with social commentary, makes the narrative thrilling and thought-provoking. The cases are dramatic, the stakes emotional, and the themes relevant even today.
Additional Notes:
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Strong soundtrack and elegant production values
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A refined Victorian atmosphere
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Appeals to fans of crime, detective fiction, and character-driven stories
Is “Moriarty the Patriot” Worth Watching?
Yes. Moriarty the Patriot is well-written, visually polished, and emotionally compelling. Its re-examination of a classic villain is nuanced, humanizing, and refreshingly original. The anime explores complex questions without sacrificing entertainment, making it an excellent choice for viewers seeking a mature and dramatic mystery series.
Although some arcs are adapted quickly, the overall execution remains strong, and the thematic weight stays intact from start to finish. Fans of the manga will appreciate the faithful tone, while newcomers can enjoy the anime as a complete narrative experience.
Reception and Critical Response
Critics and audiences responded positively to the anime, praising:
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Its sophisticated reimagining of classic characters
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Stylish Victorian atmosphere and high-quality animation
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Strong character performances and emotional weight
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Intelligent mystery writing mixed with political commentary
Some viewers felt a few arcs were rushed, but overall the series stands out as one of the best mystery anime of the 2020s.
Additional Notes:
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The manga goes further and expands major storylines.
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The OVA episodes received particular praise for character depth.
Moriarty the Patriot Watch Order
1. Moriarty the Patriot – Main Anime
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Season 1 Part 1 (Episodes 1–11)
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Season 1 Part 2 (Episodes 12–24)
2. Moriarty the Patriot – OVA (Optional but recommended)
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OVA (2 episodes, 2022)
3. Manga (If you want to continue the story)
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Moriarty the Patriot, Volumes 1–21 (and ongoing Part 2)
Additional Notes:
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The manga contains arcs not adapted in the anime.
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Reading the manga after the anime enhances overall understanding.
Moriarty the Patriot FAQ
Is Moriarty the Patriot based on Sherlock Holmes?
Yes. It draws from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories but retells them through Moriarty’s perspective.
Does the anime follow the manga closely?
Generally yes, though certain arcs are streamlined for pacing.
Does the story end with the anime?
The anime concludes a major arc, but the manga continues significantly further.
Is the series violent?
It contains crime and murder themes but is presented with stylistic restraint.
Is Moriarty portrayed as a villain?
He is written as an anti-hero—someone who seeks justice through morally questionable means.
Conclusion
Moriarty the Patriot offers a mature, stylish, and emotionally rich take on the Sherlock Holmes universe. By reframing the legendary villain as a tragic revolutionary, the series invites viewers to reconsider the boundaries of justice, morality, and rebellion. It combines powerful storytelling with atmospheric visuals, creating a compelling world filled with ethical dilemmas, political intrigue, and masterful deduction.
The anime stands out for its intelligent exploration of class systems, its dynamic character relationships, and its respectful reinterpretation of one of literature’s most iconic rivalries. Whether you enjoy historical dramas, psychological mysteries, or stories driven by ideological conflict, Moriarty the Patriot delivers a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
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