Overall, I preferred this season of Sherlock to Season 2 by far. (the Hound of the Baskervilles episode, can't remember its title, seemed very contrived to me, and far less compelling than Doyle's story; and I hate what they did to the character of Irene Adler) I really enjoyed the Holmes family interaction and the Holmes/Watson interaction and liked Mary even after she was revealed as jaded former government assassin Mary.
While the concept of Sherlock's mind palace is intriguing; I thought it was overdone. However, I totally forgave the writers because of the 25 seconds encounter of Sherlock And Redbeard that took place there. (and may I say that the actors who played Redbeard and Little Sherlock, both I believe who were first-time thespians, were marvelous. Especially Redbeard, but then I just loved him anyway) Still, I hope that they don't use the mind palace to as great an extent next season (unless Redbeard returns for an encore flashback).
I was definitely turned off by Magnusson's 'marking' of 21B Baker St. I thought it was unnecessary; it had already been established that Magnusson was a slimy, scummy, horrible and yet powerful person. I just had the feeling that it was done to make the episode more edgy or provocative. Ick. I kept wondering why neither Holmes nor Watson felt the need to clean up the floor or wherever after the blackmailer & his thugs had left, or at least ask Mrs. Hudson for some extra rags.
I continue to be annoyed by the insistence of the writers that Sherlock Holmes is a sociopath. Perhaps this Sherlock is supposed to be one; but Conan Doyle's Holmes was not. And current-Sherlock doesn't seem to me to fit the definitions I've read - though please note that I am not an expert or even extremely knowledgeable about sociopathy/psychopathy.
I love the idea of John & Mary expecting a baby; but fear that the writers will plan a miscarriage, or write the child and Mary out of the show. I would like to see Sherlock as the kid's godfather...
I still don't understand how Sherlock mentally tagged Mary as a liar before the third episode.
The big revelation at the end of His Last Vow - seems very contrived. First Sherlock, and now you-know-who, back from the dead? (no, not Voldemort)
And I'm not happy about Sherlock Holmes becoming a murderer. It was hard to tell whether Sherlock shot an unarmed man because (A) Mycroft wanted Magnusson dead (it was implied, during their family Christmas), (B) Sherlock despised Magnusson above all other criminals, (C) Magnusson was humiliating Watson and Sherlock couldn't stand it anymore, (D) Magnusson was threatening Watson's wife and therefore Watson's happiness (and his unborn daughter's existence as well) Sherlock could not allow that, or all of the above. I am hoping it was only for (D), but it wasn't clear.
But there was much to enjoy in Season 3. The Holmes family dynamics deserve their own show, particularly when you add Mom & Dad. I loved the further exploration of the Holmes/Mycroft relationship.
So I will definitely watch Season 4; and enjoy Sherlock and Watson's adventures if I can (can I mention that Martin Freeman continues to be brilliant as Watson), and hope that the writers/directors employ a bit more of comprehensible, linear storytelling next time.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2014-02-03 09:20 am (UTC)While the concept of Sherlock's mind palace is intriguing; I thought it was overdone. However, I totally forgave the writers because of the 25 seconds encounter of Sherlock And Redbeard that took place there. (and may I say that the actors who played Redbeard and Little Sherlock, both I believe who were first-time thespians, were marvelous. Especially Redbeard, but then I just loved him anyway) Still, I hope that they don't use the mind palace to as great an extent next season (unless Redbeard returns for an encore flashback).
I was definitely turned off by Magnusson's 'marking' of 21B Baker St. I thought it was unnecessary; it had already been established that Magnusson was a slimy, scummy, horrible and yet powerful person. I just had the feeling that it was done to make the episode more edgy or provocative. Ick. I kept wondering why neither Holmes nor Watson felt the need to clean up the floor or wherever after the blackmailer & his thugs had left, or at least ask Mrs. Hudson for some extra rags.
I continue to be annoyed by the insistence of the writers that Sherlock Holmes is a sociopath. Perhaps this Sherlock is supposed to be one; but Conan Doyle's Holmes was not. And current-Sherlock doesn't seem to me to fit the definitions I've read - though please note that I am not an expert or even extremely knowledgeable about sociopathy/psychopathy.
I love the idea of John & Mary expecting a baby; but fear that the writers will plan a miscarriage, or write the child and Mary out of the show. I would like to see Sherlock as the kid's godfather...
I still don't understand how Sherlock mentally tagged Mary as a liar before the third episode.
The big revelation at the end of His Last Vow - seems very contrived. First Sherlock, and now you-know-who, back from the dead? (no, not Voldemort)
And I'm not happy about Sherlock Holmes becoming a murderer. It was hard to tell whether Sherlock shot an unarmed man because (A) Mycroft wanted Magnusson dead (it was implied, during their family Christmas), (B) Sherlock despised Magnusson above all other criminals, (C) Magnusson was humiliating Watson and Sherlock couldn't stand it anymore, (D) Magnusson was threatening Watson's wife and therefore Watson's happiness (and his unborn daughter's existence as well) Sherlock could not allow that, or all of the above. I am hoping it was only for (D), but it wasn't clear.
But there was much to enjoy in Season 3. The Holmes family dynamics deserve their own show, particularly when you add Mom & Dad. I loved the further exploration of the Holmes/Mycroft relationship.
So I will definitely watch Season 4; and enjoy Sherlock and Watson's adventures if I can (can I mention that Martin Freeman continues to be brilliant as Watson), and hope that the writers/directors employ a bit more of comprehensible, linear storytelling next time.