I liked this episode, as much as I like the rest of the series. Many of the doubters this season are crying about it being underwhelming or not living up to their expectations, but I think they forget key ingredients with this show.
1) The creators of Sherlock set themselves up with one HUGE obstacle by tackling The Reichenbach fall so early in the series. Most of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories are made of of the smaller cases that are shown as throw-away pieces within the show. Take out the grand finale showdown between Holmes and Moriarty, and you've got a giant task ahead of you in future series.
2) Many of the Sherlock "fandom" have their own desired outcomes for Sherlock and Watson. In order to truly enjoy the show, you must remember that Moffat and Gattiss are Sherlock loyalists. They're not going to go completely crazy with the characters and veer far from their original base.
This episode of Sherlock wasn't Reichenbach Fall, by a long stretch. actually, that why I liked it so much. Sherlock Holmes is a legendary character, with depth and richness. This episode helped to flesh him out more, including another appearance from Benedict Cumberbatch's parents. It also had meatier moments for Molly, Mycroft, and Mary Watson, which was a nice surprise. Molly and Mycroft teetered on being two dimensional characters in the previous two seasons, and this season showed them from different angles. Mary is the biggest surprise, turning out to be much more than the sweet-natured newlywed she appeared to be at the end of episode two. Amanda Abbington, I need to add, has also been, an effervescent addition to the cast. I love the energy she brings to the show.
What also draws me back to this show is it's rich details. Magnusson appears to wear a less obvious version of Google Glass, reading the "pressure points" of his marks in real time, as if fed by a computer. Sherlock's list of weaknesses scrolls for a while, giving the viewer more info upon review. (Also look for his assessment of Mrs. Hudson, which is kind of hilarious.)
I have to say that, if there was disappointment to be had, it was with John Watson's part this time around. Martin Freeman is sublime as John Watson, and he more than proved last season that he's capable of amazing moments. So, it was a little sad to see him have to be more second and third banana in this episode. Sherlock, Mary, and Magnusson make John seem a little more helpless in this episode, even after a pretty entertaining moment he has in the beginning involving a crackhead.
Lastly....Benedict Cumberbatch. Part of what makes Sherlock and all of his outrageous "deductions" possible is because of Cumberbatch's ability to make it all seem plausible. He's a quiet, unexpected bada$$ when he needs to be and gentle soul when the occasion calls for it. The scene evolving from Magnusson's office is absolutely great. (Of course, Molly, Mycroft, Anderson, and others are partly to credit for that, too.)
Overall, I really liked this episode and this season. Hopefully, the fandoms don't spend too much time picking it apart or they'll miss out on the good stuff.
1) The creators of Sherlock set themselves up with one HUGE obstacle by tackling The Reichenbach fall so early in the series. Most of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories are made of of the smaller cases that are shown as throw-away pieces within the show. Take out the grand finale showdown between Holmes and Moriarty, and you've got a giant task ahead of you in future series.
2) Many of the Sherlock "fandom" have their own desired outcomes for Sherlock and Watson. In order to truly enjoy the show, you must remember that Moffat and Gattiss are Sherlock loyalists. They're not going to go completely crazy with the characters and veer far from their original base.
This episode of Sherlock wasn't Reichenbach Fall, by a long stretch. actually, that why I liked it so much. Sherlock Holmes is a legendary character, with depth and richness. This episode helped to flesh him out more, including another appearance from Benedict Cumberbatch's parents. It also had meatier moments for Molly, Mycroft, and Mary Watson, which was a nice surprise. Molly and Mycroft teetered on being two dimensional characters in the previous two seasons, and this season showed them from different angles. Mary is the biggest surprise, turning out to be much more than the sweet-natured newlywed she appeared to be at the end of episode two. Amanda Abbington, I need to add, has also been, an effervescent addition to the cast. I love the energy she brings to the show.
What also draws me back to this show is it's rich details. Magnusson appears to wear a less obvious version of Google Glass, reading the "pressure points" of his marks in real time, as if fed by a computer. Sherlock's list of weaknesses scrolls for a while, giving the viewer more info upon review. (Also look for his assessment of Mrs. Hudson, which is kind of hilarious.)
I have to say that, if there was disappointment to be had, it was with John Watson's part this time around. Martin Freeman is sublime as John Watson, and he more than proved last season that he's capable of amazing moments. So, it was a little sad to see him have to be more second and third banana in this episode. Sherlock, Mary, and Magnusson make John seem a little more helpless in this episode, even after a pretty entertaining moment he has in the beginning involving a crackhead.
Lastly....Benedict Cumberbatch. Part of what makes Sherlock and all of his outrageous "deductions" possible is because of Cumberbatch's ability to make it all seem plausible. He's a quiet, unexpected bada$$ when he needs to be and gentle soul when the occasion calls for it. The scene evolving from Magnusson's office is absolutely great. (Of course, Molly, Mycroft, Anderson, and others are partly to credit for that, too.)
Overall, I really liked this episode and this season. Hopefully, the fandoms don't spend too much time picking it apart or they'll miss out on the good stuff.