Sherlock Episode 2
Was FINALLY able to watch it, and I don't know, was it too much anticipation on my part, or was this episode not that good?
Sooooo.... what Canon stories did get mixed up in here? I saw Sign of Four, Valley of Fear and Dancing Men. Illustrious Client I thought before I saw it (because of the chinese pottery), but no, no evil Baron in sight :).
Overall impression: in contrast to the first episode, this one was not as brilliant in terms of storytelling, it all didn't fit together properly IMO. Far less witty dialogue, and from Sherlock in particular there were too few "character moments".
I know that the first episode was introducing the character(s), so of course the case/plot was more in the background, and even case-related scenes were character-building (like the scene with the cabbie, for example). In the second episode, the plot, all the action and especially the secondary characters were a bit too much - even Sherlock seemed confused most of the time and it looked as if he was working out clues a bit randomly. Also, I missed the nods to Canon. Dancing Men (on which this episode is officially based, after all) was just not there at all. You can't just bring in some random code (which Sherlock solved much too slowly!!!!) and the victim shooting out of the window and that's Dancing Men updated :(.
Thing I liked (and there were many, I really don't want to be all negative! It's just that Ep. 1 was just too brilliant!):
- Sherlock's array of different smiles: genuine (reserved for Watson and the secretary at the end), manipulative, insincere, condescending, creepy.... Man, I love BC :).
- Sherlock talking to himself, being totally immersed in his thoughts (not noticing anything around him) and just not caring how strange he looks jumping up and down behind desks and stuff. Also loved the "stupid, stupid, obvious" bit in Soo Lin's flat.
- His shoes! They looked right Victorian :). And the dressing gown!
- His quick movements and reflexes (the pen, the china, the vase, quick eye movements when entering buildings, etc).
- The concern and tenderness for Sarah at the end, I was really touched. I think this is something that is found in Canon, and it often gets overlooked by the "distrusts women" and "client is only a factor" thingy, but Sherlock definitely has his moments of empathy and gentleness towards people besides Watson.
- Aaaand... the date, Sherlock being slightly creepy/stalkery, and just not getting that anything could be more fun than spending time with him, solving crimes - loved that!
- Museum shooting - I was like "don't shoot the exhibits!!" - and then Sherlock did the same, which was great (I'm sure many people watching this felt the same).
- I liked Sarah, but I didn't like that she kinda solved the code. Not because I don't want her to be cleverer than Sherlock for once (that's great), but because it was too easy, and Sherlock would never have overlooked something a casual observer like her saw in an instant.
I notice that almost all the positive things have to do with Sherlock, and that is because I don't think the Watson/Holmes dynamic was quite there this time. Maybe I need a re-watch, 'cause the all-over-the-place plot confused me?
Ok, loved Benedict talking German ("minut!" haha), but next time they cast people as Germans please cast me, because although I'm technically Austrian, I can speak the language :).
Also, why do I find a strangled, coughing Benedict sexy?
Negative things:
- The plot. Sorry, all of it. I got slightly disengaged from the whole thing halfway through.
- Theatrics - and the James Bond style shooting machine. They really brought this thing into the tunnel?
- Lack of Mycroft, Lestrade, Mrs. Hudson, or any person who has any relation to the Canon :(.
- Molly, and her treatment not only by Sherlock (he can be a manipulative bastard, I guess), but overall by the writers. There better be something in Ep. 3 to make up for that!
Long post, again, and I did like it - hey, it's got Freeman and Cumberbatch! I am also sure that the 3rd episode will be better, and I'm very much looking forward to it. There better be some melancholic violin playing while lying in bed bored, while Watson and Lestrade discuss Sherlock's drug habit with Mrs. Hudson :).
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