Mystical Magick

Sherlock (s1ep2): The Blind Banker
★★★
Sherlock and Watson work on deciphering the deadly symbols that are covering the walls all around London and killing everyone who sees them within hours before any further victim succumbs to the mysterious Black Lotus.

Sherlock (s1ep3): The Great Game
★★★★
Sherlock investigates the murder of a young civil servant and soon finds himself in a battle of wits with a deranged bomber who sets a series of escalating challenges for the consultant detective.

It’s kind of scary the way this fandom has blown up overnight with just three episodes.

First thing, the directing and cinematography are lovely. Second thing, the characters, actors, and modern setting took me a little bit to get accustomed. But once I got past all that, I loved it.

Reporter: One more question, is there any chance that these are murders? And if they are, is this the work of a serial killer?
Inspector Lestrade: I know that you like writing about these, but these do appear to be suicides, we know the difference. The poison was clearly self-administered.
Reporter: Yes, but if they are murders, how do people keep themselves safe?
Inspector Lestrade: Well, don’t commit suicide.

I loved the use of modern technology like txt messages on screen, use of cell phones, the internet, blogging, etc. These things could have become gimmicky, but actually melded in really well with the new modern setting.

Sherlock: The name is Sherlock Holmes and the address is 221B Baker Street. Afternoon!

There’s also an exciting number of callbacks to the books that most people wouldn’t even catch. (That cry you just heard were fans *squee*ing around the world.)

John: That…was amazing.
Sherlock: Do you think so?
John: Of course it was, it was extraordinary. It was quite extraordinary.
Sherlock: That’s not what people normally say.
John: What do people normally say?
Sherlock: Piss off.

One of the things I felt lacking from the movie version was being able to see Holmes leaps of logic as he worked his way through the crimes. I loved the flashes and zooms in this version as you went along for the ride. The first time we see Holmes at work, it is pretty amazing.

Sherlock: I’m not implying anything – I’m sure Sally came round for a nice little chat – and just happened to stay over … and I assume she scrubbed your floors, going by the state of her knees!

And one of the best parts about being smart is being able to call people out on things.

Female Officer: You know why he’s here? He’s not paid or anything. He likes it. He gets off on it. The weirder the crime, the more he gets off. And you know what…? One day just showing up won’t be enough. One day we’ll be standing round a body and Sherlock Holmes’ll be the one that put it there.
John: Why would he do that?
Female Officer: Because he’s a psychopath. Psychopaths get bored.

Sherlock: I’m not a psychopath Anderson, I’m a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research.

Sherlock: Dear God, what is it like in your funny little brains? It must be so boring!

Then, there’s Cumberbatch who does an awesome job as Holmes and subtly showing off all the character’s little quirks. Holmes is smart, knows it, and he has the ego to match. He’s also possibly a little crazy.

Mycroft: I am the closest thing to a friend that Sherlock Holmes is capable of having.
John: And what’s that?
Mycroft: An enemy.
John: An enemy?
Mycroft: In his mind, certainly. If you were to ask him, he would probably say his arch enemy. He does love to be dramatic.
John: Well, thank God you’re above all that.

But at the same time, there’s these glimpses past his tough know-it-all exterior. It’s clear early on that he lives for the chase, to figure out the crime, otherwise he finds life boring. I love that the writers have given him layers, so we know there is more at stake here with his character.

Mycroft: You have an intermittent tremor in your left hand, your therapist thinks it’s post-traumatic stress disorder. She thinks you’re haunted by memories of your military service.
John: Who the hell are you? How do you know that?
Mycroft: Fire her. She’s got it the wrong way around. You’re under stress right now and your hand is perfectly steady. You’re not haunted by the war, Dr. Watson, you miss it. Welcome back.

And Holmes isn’t the only one who needs a sense of purpose. Watson is just looking for a place to fit in and continue on with his life. And that’s why they’re perfect together, one is just a bit more stable.

Sherlock: Did he offer you money to spy on me?
John: Yes.
Sherlock: Did you take it?
John: No.
Sherlock: Pity, we could have split the fee. Think it through next time.

Thank god Holmes’ isn’t all serious and stuff, too. At least he has a sense of humor. The banter between the two makes a lot of their relationship and the show.

John: Sorry, what are we doing? Did I just text a murderer?

And then there’s the otherside of Holmes and Watson’s newly established relationship. Holmes totally takes advantage of him and gets him to do things, unknowingly, for his amusement. And it is pretty funny. But I also realize he does it as a form of endearment as he really cares.

Cabbie: One thing about being a cabbie you always know a nice quiet spot for a murder. I’m surprised more of us don’t branch out. 

The bad guy of the week, the cabbie, was so creepy. The idea that he can will people into taking a pill and killing themselves, and then the authorities not being able to see it as murder is a creepy thing.

John: You weren’t going to take that damn pill, were you?
Sherlock: Of course I wasn’t. Biding my time. I knew you’d turn up.
John: No you didn’t. It’s how you get your kicks, isn’ it? You risk your life to prove you’re clever.
Sherlock: Why would I do that?
John: Because you’re an idiot.

I find the idea scary that if it wasn’t for Watson shooting him, then maybe even Holmes would have taken the pill. (Did I mention how much I love that through the window shot as Watson realizes he’s in the wrong building?)

Holmes has a weakness, his thirst for knowledge and being right, and the cabbie was able to prey on it. It’s going to get him into trouble sooner or later. But I guess I’m like him, I still want to know if it was the right pill to take or not. But on the other hand I’m just glad he didn’t get to take it.

So, yeah. First episode, loved it. The game is most definitely on.

Apparently this episode had an abundance of stereotypes that people found frustrating. Part of me agrees, then another part of me realizes I’ve heard this complaint before. Characters in stories are always created from a mixture of characteristics and stereotypes. Besides, I find that more often than not, people are a result of their upbringing and conform to these same stereotypes. We just don’t like to point it out.

Holmes evading a sword is a lot of win. I love that with each new episode/scene, we learn more about his character quirks and many talents. Now that I think about it, that whole scene wasn’t actually explained, but ah well.

Sherlock: You took your time.
John: Yeah, I didn’t get the shopping.
Sherlock: What? Why not?
John: Because I had a row. In the shop. With a Chip and PIN machine.
Sherlock: You—you had a row with a machine?
John: Sort of. It sat there and I shouted abuse. Have you got cash?
Sherlock: Take my card.
John: You could always go yourself. You know, you’ve been sitting there all morning. You haven’t even moved since I left.

Oh, Holmes and Watson. They’re like an old married couple, arguing over who’s going to get the groceries and why haven’t you done anything all day. I love that the writers continue the homoerotic subtext in this episode. I don’t ship them mind you, but I can still find it amusing.

Sherlock: This is my friend, John Watson.
John: Friend.
Sherlock: Colleague!

Sherlock Holmes has no friends. Or so he thinks. As if.

Seb: There’s a hole in our security. Find it and we’ll pay you. Five figures. This is an advance. Tell me how he got in. There’s a bigger one on it’s way.
Sherlock: I don’t need an incentive, Sebastian.
John: He’s uh… clears throat He’s kidding you, obviously. Shall I look after that for him?
Seb hands over the check.

More insight into Holmes and his quest for knowledge. I still find it fascinating that the game is the only thing really moving him to solve crimes. Poor Watson now has to make sure they get paid for it, lol.

Sherlock: Actually, I’ve just locked my keys in my flat. …And can we use your balcony?
*grin*

Holmes’ acting skills FTW. Another one of his hidden talents. So, amusing to know he’ll do anything to solve a crime.

John: Where are we headed?
Sherlock: I need to ask some advice.
John: What? Sorry?
Sherlock: You heard me perfectly; I’m not saying it again.
John: You need advice?

Sherlock: Coffee table on the left hand side; coffee mug handle pointing to the left. Power sockets: habitually use the ones on the left. Pen and paper on the left hand side of the phone because he picked it up with his right and took down messages with his left. Do you want me to go on?
John: No, I think you’ve covered it.
Sherlock: I might as well, I’m almost at the bottom of the list. There’s a knife on the breadboard with butter on the right side of the blade because he used it with his left….

Deduction skills FTW. One of the things missing from the Holmes movie that I love seeing in the series.

Sherlock: I said can you pass me a pen?
John: …When?
Sherlock: About an hour ago.

Watson informs him that he has a date.
Sherlock:A what?
John: It’s where two people who like each other go out and have fun.
Sherlock: That’s what I was suggesting.
John: No it wasn’t. At least I hope not.

I love that they added another character into the Holmes/Watson relationship. Watson really needs an outside life, well, at least until he realizes he can’t have one with Holmes by his side. And just what are you going to do about it, Holmes? Oh, yeah, that’s right, trick him into going out on a case by offering him tickets to the circus.

M: GRATITUDE IS MEANINGLESS. IT IS ONLY THE EXPECTATION OF FURTHER FAVOURS.
(Shan observes that M’s safety is compromised)
M: THEY CANNOT TRACE THIS BACK TO ME.
(Shan says, I will not reveal your identity)
M: I AM CERTAIN. (shoots her)

Yay for M making his first semi-appearance (through the computer).

Barry: She was gettin’ at me, saying I weren’t a real man–
Sherlock: Wasn’t.
Barry: What?
Sherlock: It’s not weren’t, it’s wasn’t.
…
Sherlock: Taught you how to cut up a piece.
Barry: Yeah, well, then I done it.
Sherlock: Did it.
Barry: I stabbed her over and over and over and I looked at her and she weren’t– … wasn’t movin’ no more…anymore.

Barry: Without you, I’ll get hung for this.
Sherlock: No, no, no, not at all. Hanged? Yes.

Holmes’s whole talk with the inmate was priceless. That’s the Holmes we know and love, completely frustrated by iwhen there’s no 

Sherlock: Flattered? Sherlock sees through everything and everyone in seconds. What’s incredible, though, is how spectacularly ignorant he is about some things.
John: Now hang on a minute, I didn’t mean that in a-
Sherlock: Oh, so you meant spectacularly ignorant in a nice way.

John: Or that the Earth goes around the Sun?
Sherlock: Oh, God, that again, it’s not important!
John: Not imp—it’s primary school stuff. How can you not know that?
Sherlock: If I ever did, I’ve deleted it.
John: Deleted it?
Sherlock: Listen… This is my hard drive, and it only makes sense to put things in there that are useful, really useful. Ordinary people fill their heads with all kinds of rubbish, and that makes it hard to get at the stuff that matters. Do you see?
John: … BUT IT’S THE SOLAR SYSTEM!

Holmes has a point. When you’re solving crimes left and right, what’s the use of that extra knowledge. Unless, you know, he comes across a case that needs planetary knowledge. Then, he might have to go ask for some advice again. ;)

Sherlock: I’d be lost without my blogger.

JOHN: That…That’s the pink phone.
LESTRADE: What from ‘A Study In Pink’ ?
Sherlock: Well, obviously it’s not the same phone but it’s supposed to look like…’A Study In Pink’ ? You read his blog?
LESTRADE: Course I read his blog – we all do! Do you really not know that the earth goes around the sun?

+1 to using a reference from the books. (Apparently there’s tons of them throughout the series.) And lol, Watson having a blog and writing about Holmes’ cases is awesome. Holmes doesn’t seem to like that Watson is getting a lot of recognition, does he?

Molly: That’s how we met. Office romance.
Sherlock: Gay.
Molly: What?

However ridiculous it might have been, it was priceless seeing Holmes explaining why Molly’s new boyfriend is gay. And the kicker, he left me his number under this dish. Everyone is smitten with Holmes, huh? Oh, Molly, you’re not going to make him jealous and you’re never going to get him. Give up. 

Sherlock: I am on FIRE!

Even though Holmes’ ego can get the best of him, I do enjoy seeing seeing him get fired up when he solves a crime.

John: There are lives at stake, Holmes! Actual human lives! Just so I know, do you care about that at all?
Sherlock: Would caring about them help to save them?
John: No.
Sherlock: Then I’ll continue not to make that mistake.
John: And you find that easy, do you?
Sherlock: Yes, very. Is that news to you?
John: No… no.
Sherlock: … I’ve disappointed you.
John: It’s good. It’s a good deduction, yes.
Sherlock: Don’t make people into heroes, John: heroes don’t exist, and if they did I wouldn’t be one of them.

Things just got serious. More interesting background into Holmes’ character where letting people in is a mistake. And showing compassion or empathy is a flaw. Using David Duchovny’s words about Mulder from The X-Files, Watson is Holmes’ human creditential. Watson makes Holmes a human being because people think, If, well, if [he] can stand him, he must have some humanity within him. Well, we haven’t quite reached that part of their relationship yet, but yeah. And oh god, this is sounding shippy.

Sherlock: Why are you doing this?
Moriarty: I like to watch you dance.

Moriarty finally really appears. I’ll admit it, I was really wondering what was goign on when Watson came out during the pool scene. And I was also taken aback at Moriarty’s personality, but it’s really grown on me.

Moriarty: Why does anyone do anything? Because I’m bored. We were made for each other, Holmes.

Moriarty: I will burn the heart out of you.
Sherlock: I have been reliably informed that I don’t have one.
Moriarty: Oh, but we both know that’s not quite true.

Sherlock: People have died.
Moriarty: That’s what people do!

Holmes and Moriarty. They’re like two sides of the same coin, and that’s what make their rivalry fascinating. He’s a crime solver for hire, and he’s a crime creator for hire. They have similar thoughts on the world and people, but there’s a fine line that stops Holmes from becoming Moriarty.

Moriarty: Is that a British Army Browning L9A1 in your pocket, or are you just pleased to see me?
Sherlock: Both.

Sherlock: Consulting criminal…brilliant.
Moriarty: Isn’t it? No one ever gets to me. And no one ever will.
Sherlock: I did.
Moriarty: You’ve come the closest. Now you’re in my way!
Sherlock: Thank you.
Moriarty: Didn’t mean it as a compliment.
Sherlock: Yes, you did.
Moriarty: Yeh, OK, I did. But the flirting’s over, Holmes, Daddy’s had enough now!

Moriarty: Do you know what happens if you don’t leave me alone, Holmes? To you?
Sherlock: Oh let me guess, I get killed.
Moriarty: Kill you? No. Don’t be obvious, I mean I’m going to kill you anyway…some day. I don’t want to rush it though. I’m saving it up for something special. No, no, no, no, if you don’t stop prying…I’ll burn you. I’ll burn the heart out of you.

Now here’s the real archenemy. Yes, please.

John: You, ripping off my clothes in a darkened swimming pool. People might talk.
Sherlock: People do little else.

See, Holmes does care about people. Well, at least Watson.

Dun, dun, dun. Evil cliffy. This episode and the first one are going to leave me with good thoughts for the next….year? Why aren’t we getting anymore episodes for a year?