It was a brilliantly done episode. I was surprised when they brought up what happened right at the beginning (although I missed the rain on the window behind John). The mood (and lighting) change for the montage was quite jarring compared to the opeining scene. John's concern about Sherlock's famous reputation was a nice foreshadowing of what would follow but I had to follow the entire episode to the end to see the full picture.
Jim Moriarty's scene in the Tower of London was fantastic! From the icons on the phone he used to unleash his plan (and their animation changes) to the very unexpected ending (sitting on the throne wearing the crown jewels), it was well executed. And to discover he mounted no defense at his trial, I wondered what the heck? And then when he was acquited--what is going on?
The confrontation scene at the flat was well done. I wondered about Jim's fingers pounding a beat at his knee as well. Looking back on this scene after knowing how the episode turned out, Jim really pushed Sherlock to draw the inference he wanted the consulting detective to do.
I did not like that reporter disguised as a fan and the second scene with her cemented it. Of course, I knew she would show up again but in the company of the man we knew to be Moriarty but acted so well, I could start wondering about the truth of the situation myself.
The linseed oil that tracked the kidnappers was an interesting idea. I agree about Molly--she was fantastic. In earlier episodes, she comes off as weak and allowing herself to be trod on by Sherlock but here, she shines as someone who sees the worry Sherlock is under and makes a point to tell him she sees it and offer her help in any way he needs it.
I thought the same thing about the powder in the envelope (anthrax) so was therefore, relieved to learn it was breadcrumbs. And solving the case did not end well. The juxaposition of Jim's narration in the cab with Donovan and Anderson confronting Lestrade was well done. (And I liked that Lestrade was the king as well.)
I was not sure what to make of Mycroft informing John about all the assassins on Baker Street and even more confused by them helping Sherlock and then being shot. We did however, learn why they were interested in Sherlock and the picture begins to coalesce. And while John may not have seen the Mrs. Hudson ploy for what it was, he did figure out Mycroft. And thus, we have an explanation for the scene at the end of Hounds.
I love that Sherlock goes to Molly to take her up on her offer and ends up in a confrontation with Jim Moriarty on the roof of St. Bart's (teaching hospital and morgue). Jim Moriarty creeps me out (so well acted I do not want to see the man in any other roles or a well lit street) and calling Sherlock ordinary when he reveals the game. I wondered if there was any way out for Sherlock but when Jim unexpectedly killed himself (he was validated by Sherlock so what else did he have to live for besides screwing over Sherlock?), I could not see any way but down. And the scene between John and Sherlock--tears and denial--heartbreaking. And John just trying to get to his friend (I was pretty suspicious of the bicyclist as well even thought it might be Molly) and barely able to touch him, more emotional distress. And finally, that stark headstone: black with white writing just reflecting the scene was a fascinating choice. John's begging and military turn were just incredible. And then we see Sherlock alive. While I am glad he is, I wondered how the heck he survived the fall (or how the illusion of the fall was executed).
Fantastic episode and I really want a series three!
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-01-16 12:44 pm (UTC)Jim Moriarty's scene in the Tower of London was fantastic! From the icons on the phone he used to unleash his plan (and their animation changes) to the very unexpected ending (sitting on the throne wearing the crown jewels), it was well executed. And to discover he mounted no defense at his trial, I wondered what the heck? And then when he was acquited--what is going on?
The confrontation scene at the flat was well done. I wondered about Jim's fingers pounding a beat at his knee as well. Looking back on this scene after knowing how the episode turned out, Jim really pushed Sherlock to draw the inference he wanted the consulting detective to do.
I did not like that reporter disguised as a fan and the second scene with her cemented it. Of course, I knew she would show up again but in the company of the man we knew to be Moriarty but acted so well, I could start wondering about the truth of the situation myself.
The linseed oil that tracked the kidnappers was an interesting idea. I agree about Molly--she was fantastic. In earlier episodes, she comes off as weak and allowing herself to be trod on by Sherlock but here, she shines as someone who sees the worry Sherlock is under and makes a point to tell him she sees it and offer her help in any way he needs it.
I thought the same thing about the powder in the envelope (anthrax) so was therefore, relieved to learn it was breadcrumbs. And solving the case did not end well. The juxaposition of Jim's narration in the cab with Donovan and Anderson confronting Lestrade was well done. (And I liked that Lestrade was the king as well.)
I was not sure what to make of Mycroft informing John about all the assassins on Baker Street and even more confused by them helping Sherlock and then being shot. We did however, learn why they were interested in Sherlock and the picture begins to coalesce. And while John may not have seen the Mrs. Hudson ploy for what it was, he did figure out Mycroft. And thus, we have an explanation for the scene at the end of Hounds.
I love that Sherlock goes to Molly to take her up on her offer and ends up in a confrontation with Jim Moriarty on the roof of St. Bart's (teaching hospital and morgue). Jim Moriarty creeps me out (so well acted I do not want to see the man in any other roles or a well lit street) and calling Sherlock ordinary when he reveals the game. I wondered if there was any way out for Sherlock but when Jim unexpectedly killed himself (he was validated by Sherlock so what else did he have to live for besides screwing over Sherlock?), I could not see any way but down. And the scene between John and Sherlock--tears and denial--heartbreaking. And John just trying to get to his friend (I was pretty suspicious of the bicyclist as well even thought it might be Molly) and barely able to touch him, more emotional distress. And finally, that stark headstone: black with white writing just reflecting the scene was a fascinating choice. John's begging and military turn were just incredible. And then we see Sherlock alive. While I am glad he is, I wondered how the heck he survived the fall (or how the illusion of the fall was executed).
Fantastic episode and I really want a series three!