Yes, this season's been different. There were no little clues seeded throughout the first two episodes that all invariably led to some grand reveal of an incomprehensible villain. The Moriarty build up in S1 was brilliant but that was MORIARTY. I would have been far more frustrated if the writers deliberately tried to repeat themselves and follow some formula.
And yes, a good portion of the episode was dedicated to Sherlock's mind palace. But it's not only a crucial point in character development that shows when he's on the cusp of life he relies on the people closest to him to bring him some sort of reality, but it gives the answer to an impossible question: how could one of the most brilliant men in existence be helpless in the face of death? This isn't the first time he's thought his way out of death, but it's infinitely more impressive and lives up to the sheer brilliance of Sherlock Holmes.
Finally: Magnussen. Killing is never simple. People need to understand that. Magnussen cannot "simply" be killed by just anyone for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being that he holds infinite leverage. Th knowledge he possesses can completely destroy people; not just causing scandals but utterly decimating high-ranking an powerful individuals. And that's the second reason. People with any kind of power should not be confused with strong or even capable people. In fact, power make them vulnerable. Those with power are afraid to lose it. And with the whole world watching, it doesn't matter that Magnussen has no concrete proof (which no one actually knows anyway). He's right; he works in media. And since when has the media ever needed evidence? Magnussen has all the detail he could need an people will believe what they're told by trusted sources and hardly be dissuaded from it.
But that's not even what makes Magnussen deplorable as a human being and so subtly perfect as a new villain. That's due to the fact that he really does believe he owns people. He correctly assumes that their self-preservation gives him license to do as he pleases without consequence. And he does melt into a puddle at Mary's feet. He's never actually had to defend himself. He never expected anyone to be so desperate to fight back and risk everything. He couldn't foresee Mary being so dedicated to protecting John and their child to the extent that she'd revert to her past one last time to protect her future.
Magnussen is always sure he has the upper hand. So his surprise is understandable. But more so is it sensible that he's not concerned about Sherlock's scheme at the end. He knows Sherlock still always wants everything to be clever and that the detective would never think for a moment that the vaults might not exist. After all, he thought the files were in a pair of spectacles.
So Magnussen believes Sherlock underestimates him but doesn't understand he's underestimating Sherlock as well. Magnussen believes Sherlock thinks himself the noble hero, valiant and honorable. It never occurs to him that the sociopath wouldn't ever think twice about killing a blackmailer to protect the one he cares about.
In all honesty, it's the best case scenario. Sherlock can no longer think or scheme his way out of this anymore. He understands this is his best option because it's the only one with the least collateral damage: himself.
No, this episode was not perfect. But it was pretty close. I'd give it 9.75 if it'd let me.
As for the people who thought the episode was absolutely rubbish I have only this to say: learn how to actually write/even spell first. Then understand what it is you're talking about.
Or better yet: stop inflicting your opinions on the world!
And yes, a good portion of the episode was dedicated to Sherlock's mind palace. But it's not only a crucial point in character development that shows when he's on the cusp of life he relies on the people closest to him to bring him some sort of reality, but it gives the answer to an impossible question: how could one of the most brilliant men in existence be helpless in the face of death? This isn't the first time he's thought his way out of death, but it's infinitely more impressive and lives up to the sheer brilliance of Sherlock Holmes.
Finally: Magnussen. Killing is never simple. People need to understand that. Magnussen cannot "simply" be killed by just anyone for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being that he holds infinite leverage. Th knowledge he possesses can completely destroy people; not just causing scandals but utterly decimating high-ranking an powerful individuals. And that's the second reason. People with any kind of power should not be confused with strong or even capable people. In fact, power make them vulnerable. Those with power are afraid to lose it. And with the whole world watching, it doesn't matter that Magnussen has no concrete proof (which no one actually knows anyway). He's right; he works in media. And since when has the media ever needed evidence? Magnussen has all the detail he could need an people will believe what they're told by trusted sources and hardly be dissuaded from it.
But that's not even what makes Magnussen deplorable as a human being and so subtly perfect as a new villain. That's due to the fact that he really does believe he owns people. He correctly assumes that their self-preservation gives him license to do as he pleases without consequence. And he does melt into a puddle at Mary's feet. He's never actually had to defend himself. He never expected anyone to be so desperate to fight back and risk everything. He couldn't foresee Mary being so dedicated to protecting John and their child to the extent that she'd revert to her past one last time to protect her future.
Magnussen is always sure he has the upper hand. So his surprise is understandable. But more so is it sensible that he's not concerned about Sherlock's scheme at the end. He knows Sherlock still always wants everything to be clever and that the detective would never think for a moment that the vaults might not exist. After all, he thought the files were in a pair of spectacles.
So Magnussen believes Sherlock underestimates him but doesn't understand he's underestimating Sherlock as well. Magnussen believes Sherlock thinks himself the noble hero, valiant and honorable. It never occurs to him that the sociopath wouldn't ever think twice about killing a blackmailer to protect the one he cares about.
In all honesty, it's the best case scenario. Sherlock can no longer think or scheme his way out of this anymore. He understands this is his best option because it's the only one with the least collateral damage: himself.
No, this episode was not perfect. But it was pretty close. I'd give it 9.75 if it'd let me.
As for the people who thought the episode was absolutely rubbish I have only this to say: learn how to actually write/even spell first. Then understand what it is you're talking about.
Or better yet: stop inflicting your opinions on the world!