The stakes
have been raised to there highest and Sherlock faces his most
personal case so far. We are also granted the most insight into
Sherlock’s past life in London in an episode that proves to be the
most significant of the series up to this point.
Holmes is
presented with a murder possessing a number of traits that he
recognises immediately as belonging to a criminal that he has dealt
with previously and was unable to apprehend in London. The full
nature of the relationship between Holmes and the culprit are later
revealed as he confides in Watson more details of his past and
provides full disclosure of who exactly Irene Adler was and the role
she played in his descent into substance abuse.
Written by
series show runner Robert Doherty, this is the episode that most
closely refers to Arthur Conan Doyle’s original source material and
digs the deepest into the Holmes mythos. It picks up and plays with
elements and characters from Doyle’s stories and a few major
references are made that will leave Holmes aficionados leaping up in
excitement. The episode acts a type of pay-off and reward for having
stuck with the series as it offers a glimpse of the established set
of characters in a different light and sets up a few intriguing plot
threads to be explored during the rest of the season.
Jonny Lee
Miller is able to bring a darker side into play in his portrayal of
Holmes. Arguably, his performances throughout the series have been
the show’s strongest suit and he is at his best here when Holmes
embraces the darker aspects of his personality. Lucy Liu is also
impressive, sharing several tender scenes with Holmes. Firstly, as
they begin to deal with the end of their companionship, then as she
tries to save him from himself and then realising how much he still
needs her and how much she needs him. The show’s leads are
excellent and it is some of their best work in the season so far.
However, it
isn’t flawless. Vinnie Jones guest stars but is awkward in his
scenes with Miller and probably wasn’t the best choice for the role
he is required to fulfill. He isn’t helped by a script that veers
too close to cliché when trying to sound “British” and mixes
American and British words and phrases that don’t sit right coming
out the mouths of the characters.
Ultimately,
this is the episode that proves a lot of the central groundwork for
the show has been done and that all the key pieces of the Holmes
canon are in play. There is a tantalising final scene that means a
fascinating future is in store for Holmes and Watson.
Review by Jonathan Gray
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