So. Have you worked it out yet? Come on, you've had plenty of time!
That's alright - I haven't either. I've had plenty of ideas, but nothing plausible enough... Don't worry, I'm not going to bore you with all the obvious theories now!
Actually one of my favourite TV moments ever kicked off the new series: a point of high tension interrupted by Moriarty's phone going off. Whoever had the idea to put 'Stayin' Alive' as his ringtone is a comedy genius! A brilliant way to resolve the cliffhanger from series 1. What I also loved was the fast forward of the boys' cases since The Great Game, showing some more updated titles and the development of a little private (sorry, consulting) detective business - as well as the arrival of the iconic deerstalker!
I don't know if it was just me, but I thought this series as a whole had a lot more comedy injected; plenty of high drama and intriguing mystery as before, but I found myself laughing more and more. I think it definitely helps to show the development of John & Sherlock's relationship, as well as the latter's development as a person. True, he still can be extraordinarily cruel (poor Molly!) but definitely more human.
I had been looking forward to Sherlock's encounter with Irene Adler - two razor-sharp brains jousting and jostling for position - and I wasn't disappointed! Let's not go into the whole Daily Fail nudity "scandal", completely the whole missing the whole point of the storyline... Are we surprised?
A very strong start to the new series from my point of view; billed as 'the woman who beats Sherlock' I think she did just that. It may not have been in the expected way of getting the better of him, but it definitely was both in the physical sense (think of that whip) and in the fact that he comes running when she finds herself in mortal danger to me definitely means a part of Sherlock's character has been beaten. Or just a typical Moffat ending!
Quotes of the week:
"I take the precaution of a good coat and a short friend."
"I always hear 'punch me in the face' when you're speaking, but it's usually subtext."
So if we get to see Sherlock getting in touch with his more sentimental side in the first episode, in the second we see him experiencing the crippling sensation of doubt. And not taking it too well!!
You can always rely on Mark Gatiss to bring a horror flavour, and the moody backdrop of Dartmoor (the real thing!) sets this off perfectly. It must be tempting to caricature the West Country when a programme is set there - I'm pleased to report that this didn't in the slightest! Yes, there was the appearance of a token accent (nicely Devonian in my book), but instead of making the locals look like the odd ones the focus is firmly on Baskerville and its creations. Including the mysterious glow-in-the-dark rabbit, Bluebell - I do like an interesting use of gfp! All I've used it for is to make fluorescent bacterial cells...
The whole idea of using the shadowy scientific research facility was a clever one, and also frightening - in different ways. It shows that a lot of people probably still are apprehensive at what goes on inside a laboratory, but then hearing the characters describing how anything could be feasible (within a Kubrick-esque environment) even sent a bit of a shudder down my spine. But remember kids: Science is not the enemy!
I've heard complaints about the resolution of this episode; firstly, a modern-day version can hardly have a ghost dog, and secondly, I guessed the link with the hollow and the fog before Sherlock! Without using a "mind palace"!! But, as was the case with recent Doctor Who, I'd imagine I wasn't the only one.
Russell Tovey was utterly brilliant as Henry - poor drugged, grief-stricken Henry... The patio scene would've made me jumpy enough, but the sheer terror in his eyes and the instinctual reactions just took it to a new level. Pats on the back all round then!
Quotes of the week:
"Did we just break into a military base to investigate a rabbit?"
"Once you've ruled out the impossible whatever remains, however improbable, must be true."
As soon as I saw the opening scene to The Reichenbach Fall I knew I was going to be in for a rough ride, emotions-wise. We all knew something like that was bound to happen, but just didn't want to believe it! And now all we want to do is work out how Sherlock ended up watching over his own grave right at the end... Supposedly there's a clue that "everyone's missed" - Sherlock doing something out of character. No matter how much I re-watch it I just can't see anything!
Other than the obvious talking point, it was yet another enthralling episode. Moriarty committing the "Crime of the Century" (now that's what I call a smartphone), a lovely spot of tea, and John's first visit to the Diogenes Club, where he commits the cardinal sin of talking! Clearly he's not watched 'Top Hat' before...
They managed to cram so much into one episode - it's a wonder they've got any material left for a third series, especially with Moriarty gone too! It was criticised by some for being "too wordy"; given the fact that Sherlock works off quickness of thought, it wouldn't work any other way. Otherwise how will we know what's going on?
Finally, Martin Freeman. What a performance from him! I defy anyone not to feel even the teensiest bit emotional during his soliloquy at Sherlock's grave. If you didn't feel anything you truly have a heart of stone! It was such a blokey, awkward show of emotion, but that made it seem all the more genuine and heartfelt. I hate crying in front of people, but watching this for the first time (with parents and brother in the room) I couldn't hold back the tears - maybe I was tired, but maybe I'm just a very "human human being".
Quotes of the week:
"You. Repel. Me."
"Falling's just like flying, except there's a more permanent destination."
So. We're still in for a long wait to find out the exact details of Sherlock's daring escape. Quite frankly, my brain can't take it anymore!
