BBC's Sherlock: Series 3

[Soapy]

So, I'm watching the episodes here in the U.S. as they air (didn't stream them online). Gotta say, 'The Empty Hearse' delivered for me. I thought it was an interesting how they weaved internet theories into the the story, and even managed to weave the "never satisfied" aspect of how no explanation will satisfy some.

"The Sign of Three" kinda threw me for a loop, because nearly halfway through it I don't think I liked it. Not until it all came around, that is, and was worked out with everything making sense. And I felt this way with "Empty Hearse", but I think this one was a confirmation for me. I really like Mary. And the way she clearly understands, accepts, and knows how to interact with Sherlock...it makes a ton of sense how he likes her too. I think it would have been really easy to go with friction between them, but this is far more interesting and works out better.

The ending was pretty sad, too. You could see he was thinking about accepting some human interaction there and...then leaving with such a lonely tone was something that felt, I don't know, powerful I think.

Totally agree on all points.

 

[TheNextNolan22]

Sherlock's hair>>>>>Sheldon Cooper.

 

[Soapy]

Literally anything > Sheldon Cooper

 

[Silvermoon]

For Sherlock fans who are also Captain America fans

Vote for your favourite British TV show to appear in Captain America sequel The Winter Soldier

Vote for your favourite British TV show to appear in Captain America sequel The Winter Soldier

Sherlock? Doctor Who? Downton Abbey? The X Factor? Here’s a unique opportunity to help decide which of ten classic UK shows gets a mention in the upcoming Marvel blockbuster

Written By
Paul Jones
11:02 AM, 30 January 2014

In a ground-breaking movie tie-in, RadioTimes.com users will be able to help choose which of ten classic British and Irish TV shows appear in the forthcoming movie sequel Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

Following on from the events of Avengers Assemble, the movie sees Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, emerge from a 65-year ice coma to a changed world.

A scene in the film will focus on pages from Cap’s notebook detailing what he’s missed during his enforced absence – which includes some great TV. And that’s where you come in. Choose up to three of the ten shows listed in the box below to help decide which one will appear actually on screen in the pages of Captain America’s diary.

So, for example, if you think Benedict Cumberbatch’s detective should get a mention in the blockbuster movie, vote Sherlock, or if you think everyone’s favourite Time Lord deserves recognition, make Doctor Who your choice.

Meanwhile, fans of The X Factor, Mrs Brown’s Boys, Coronation Street, Father Ted, Big Brother, The Only Way Is Essex, Downton Abbey and Fawlty Towers can also have their say.

Cast your vote or votes below (you can choose up to three).

Which show should feature in Captain America: The Winter Soldier?
Fawlty Towers
The Only Way Is Essex
Coronation Street
Downton Abbey
Big Brother
Sherlock
Father Ted
Mrs Brown's Boys
Doctor Who
The X Factor

 

[Gold Samurai]

We we already got "downton abbey" in "Iron Man 3" I'm thinking "Doctor Who" is a good option or "Sherlock"

 

[Hyde]

Definitely Sherlock

 

[KevanG]

Mrs. Browns boys would be amazing considering how raunchy they get.

Just finished watching Series 3 and I liked it. Nice ending.

 

[Gort Baringa]

The final episode was shown on Australian television last night.

All I can say is , BRILLIANT!

Hurry up with Season 4.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Yeah, I just watched the final one of Series 3.

That was a pretty crazy episode. And damn good. That ending was...I just can't wait for Series 4, now.

 

[Hush]

Just a brilliant series, bravo. So damn good.

 

[jonathancrane]

I hope they reduce Mary's presence in the upcoming series.

 

[Silvermoon]

This is cute:

Benedict Cumberbatch and the Sign of Four (or is it Three?)

 

[jonathancrane]

Ah, nice find! Thanx for sharing!

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

I do wonder how they'll utilize Mary, too. Her skill set would definitely come in handy, but I guess it would depend on when Series 4 is set, because she could physically be indisposed from all the excitement. But, Mary did have a larger presence in the last two episodes by virtue of how the stories were connected to her and Watson. I could see her being more like she was in 'The Empty Hearse'.

 

[Hush]

I do wonder how they'll utilize Mary, too. Her skill set would definitely come in handy, but I guess it would depend on when Series 4 is set, because she could physically be indisposed from all the excitement. But, Mary did have a larger presence in the last two episodes by virtue of how the stories were connected to her and Watson. I could see her being more like she was in 'The Empty Hearse'.

I think they whole pregnancy will keep her out of the spotlight too much, she will then have to give birth and then she will want to be with her child like most mothers. I have read a few things saying she would become the muscle but I do not think Watson will want to endanger her because to him she is Mary, wife and mother of his child and not a super secret agent that can kick all kinds of ass.

 

[Teelie]

I ran across this yesterday. Nice little long rundown of easter eggs and shout-outs to various previous Sherlock stories and a reference or two to other shows.

The third season of Sherlock came to its close on American television last night with the finale episode “His Last Vow,” where Sherlock finally faced the mysterious blackmailer Charles Augustus Magnussen. Played by Lars Mikkelsen, the character is based on the titular villain of Doyle’s story “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,” who was in turn based on the real-life blackmailer Charles Augustus Howell. And that’s just the first of many hidden references and shout-outs. Read on to learn more!

WHAT WE SEE: This episode is entitled “His Last Vow.”

WHAT IT MEANS: The title references Sherlock’s vow, made at the end of the previous episode, that he would do anything to protect John, Mary and their unborn child. It also calls back to Doyle’s “His Last Bow,” the final Holmes story chronologically.

WHAT WE SEE: Charles Augustus Magnussen answers questions before a parliamentary committee.

WHAT IT MEANS: In the episode “The Empty Hearse,” a news report had mentioned a parliamentary committee was summoning Magnussen for an inquiry.

WHAT WE SEE: Magnussen approaches Lady Elizabeth Smallwood and discusses the incriminating evidence he has against her husband. She then decides to contact Sherlock Holmes.

WHAT IT MEANS: In Doyle’s “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,” Lady Eva Brackwell enlists Sherlock Holmes after Milverton threatens to reveal incriminating evidence about her past to her fiancé.

WHAT WE SEE: John searches for Kate Whitney’s son Isaac in a crack house. He also finds Sherlock, who says he is undercover.

WHAT IT MEANS: In Doyle’s story “The Man With the Twisted Lip,” Watson visited an opium den in search of Kate Whitney’s husband Isa and similarly found Holmes, who was working undercover.

WHAT WE SEE: In the lab at St. Bart’s, Molly slaps Sherlock after his return from the crack house and says, “How dare you throw away the beautiful gifts you were born with?”

WHAT IT MEANS: This mirrors the opening scene from Doyle’s story “The Sign of Four.” Watson confronted Sherlock Holmes about his use of cocaine (which was legal at the time) by asking, “Why should you, for a mere passing pleasure, risk the loss of those great powers with which you have been endowed?”

WHAT WE SEE: In the St. Bart’s lab, Sherlock is impressed by the observational skills of Bill Wiggins, whom he met at the crack house, and recruits him as an agent.

WHAT IT MEANS: A boy named Wiggins was introduced in the very first Holmes story “A Study in Scarlet.” He was leader of the Baker Street Irregulars, a group of homeless children who occasionally acted as Holmes’ eyes and ears.

WHAT WE SEE: In Sherlock’s apartment, he easily gets the better of his brother Mycroft and forces him against the wall.

WHAT IT MEANS: In Doyle’s stories, Mycroft has the superior intellect but Sherlock has superior combat training in fencing, boxing, Japanese martial arts, singlestick fighting and firearms.

WHAT WE SEE: Sherlock compares Magnussen to a shark, asking if John has ever studied a shark in an aquarium. He mentions that while he has dealt with murderers, psychopaths, terrorists and serial killers, none turn his stomach like this blackmailer.

WHAT IT MEANS: In Doyle’s original story, Holmes compared Milverton to a snake and asked if Watson ever studied serpents in a zoo. He added, “I’ve had to do with 50 murderers in my career, but the worst of them never gave me the repulsion which I have for this fellow.”

WHAT WE SEE: Sherlock tells John that Magnussen has a personal fortress called Appledore, which houses vaults of information he uses to blackmail others.

WHAT IT MEANS: In “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,” the villain lives in the Appledore Towers estate in Hampstead.

WHAT WE SEE: Magnussen looks at Sherlock and reviews his pressure points. The list reads: Irene Adler, Jim Moriarty, Redbeard, Hounds of the Baskerville, opium, John Watson.

WHAT IT MEANS: Most of the references are obvious — except Redbeard, who was first mentioned in the previous episode “The Sign of Three” and revealed here as Sherlock’s childhood dog.

WHAT WE SEE: To John’s shock, Sherlock reveals that he has dated and proposed marriage to Janine to learn Magnussen’s schedule and gain entry to his office.

WHAT IT MEANS: In the original Doyle story, Holmes adopted the identity of Escott, a plumber, to court Milverton’s housemaid. After getting engaged to her, Holmes revealed to Watson that he had done this to gain entry to Milverton’s home. Watson was appalled, but Holmes assured his friend that there was a romantic rival ready to pursue the housemaid if “Escott” disappeared.

WHAT WE SEE: After breaking into his offices, Sherlock sees that Magnussen is about to be shot by Mary. Sherlock reveals himself, stopping the assassination attempt.

WHAT IT MEANS: In “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,” Holmes and Watson broke into Milverton’s home and witnessed a woman confronting and shooting the blackmailer. This turned out differently, however: When she continued her attack, Watson tried to stop her but Holmes held him back and they silently agreed that the murder was justice.

WHAT WE SEE: In Sherlock’s memory palace, a mental avatar of Mycroft appears and the detective suddenly feels like he’s a child again.

WHAT IT MEANS: The younger Sherlock is played by Louis Moffat, son of the show’s co-creator Steven Moffat and series producer Sue Vertue. (This episode is very much a family affair; Moffat’s mother-in-law Beryl Vertue also serves as executive producer.) Louis Moffat also voiced one of Moriarty’s hostages in the season 1 episode “The Great Game.”

WHAT WE SEE: In the hospital, Janine tells Sherlock that she’s decided to retire in a cottage in Sussex. There are beehives left behind by a previous owner, but she plans to remove them.

WHAT IT MEANS: In Doyle’s original stories, Sherlock retired from crime fighting at a relatively young age. He then moved to a cottage in the Common Downs in Sussex. While there, he kept beehives and published his studies about the insects.

WHAT WE SEE: Sherlock lures Mary to a place he refers to as the “empty house,” where he confronts her about her identity as an assassin. Mary thinks he’s sitting in a chair, then when Sherlock appears she’s convinced it’s just a wax dummy decoy, only to later realize it’s really John.

WHAT IT MEANS: The show conflates the character of Mary Morstan, John’s wife, with Moriarty’s assassin Col. Sebastian Moran. In Doyle’s story “The Empty House,” Holmes lured out Moran with a wax dummy decoy at the window of his Baker Street apartment, providing a misleading silhouette. Before Moran arrived, Holmes hid in an unoccupied house across the street.

WHAT WE SEE: Mary passes John a flash drive with the letters A.G.R.A. She explains that these are her real initials.

WHAT IT MEANS: In “The Sign of Four,” which introduced Mary Morstan, the plot involved hidden treasure found in Fort Agra in India.

WHAT WE SEE: Sherlock invites the Watsons to Christmas at his parents’ house.

WHAT IT MEANS: Sherlock’s parents are played by Benedict Cumberbatch’s actual parents, actors Wanda Ventham and Timothy Carlton.

WHAT WE SEE: At his parents’ house, Sherlock sees in the newspaper that Lady Smallwood’s husband has committed suicide.

WHAT IT MEANS: In “The Adventure of Charles August Milverton,” the woman who killed the blackmailer said that her husband had died because of him.

WHAT WE SEE: Magnussen reveals that he keep no files for the most part, but rather memorizes and stores vast amounts of information and secrets that he can mentally summon at a moment’s notice.

WHAT IT MEANS: Magnussen’s abilities echo how Doyle described Mycroft Holmes: as a living database for the British government and that he was the central exchange and organizer of all its departments. In “The Bruce-Partington Plans,” Holmes says Mycroft’s brain has “the greatest capacity for storing facts” and “his specialism is omniscience.”

WHAT WE SEE: In a government office, Mycroft mentions that his colleague thinks Britain sometimes needs a “blunt instrument.” In comparison, he says that Sherlock Holmes is “a scalpel wielded with precision.”

WHAT IT MEANS: In a 1954 interview about his character James Bond, Ian Fleming said “I wanted to show a hero without any characteristics, who was simply the blunt instrument in the hands of the government.” Fleming repeated the “blunt instrument” description in many interviews and the character M also uses it to describe Bond in the 2006 film Casino Royale. Mycroft’s “colleague” may be a reference to M.

WHAT WE SEE: After dismissing the possibility that he is experiencing brotherly compassion, Mycroft remarks, “You know what happened to the other one.”

WHAT IT MEANS: In Doyle’s stories, Holmes never said if he had siblings aside from Mycroft. But the detective mentioned coming from a line of country squires and in such families, the eldest brother was often obligated to stay home. It was common for second sons of the gentry to assume a civil service position to achieve influence, however. For this reason, many fans have concluded that Mycroft was only able to pursue work with the government because there was an older brother who stayed in the country. Doyle originally considered naming his detective “Sherrinford Hope” before settling on “Sherlock Holmes,” so some fans have adopted “Sherrinford” as the name of this hypothetical elder brother.

WHAT WE SEE: Mycroft concedes that his brother must be punished in some way, admitting that Sherlock “is a murderer.”

WHAT IT MEANS: In Doyle’s stories, Sherlock didn’t kill anyone except for Professor James Moriarty, which was arguably self-defense. He was, however, indirectly responsible for and allowed the deaths of some criminals. Believing these deaths were justified, he never expressed regret.

WHAT WE SEE: Sherlock accepts an undercover mission for MI-6, knowing that Mycroft predicts he will die in roughly six months.

WHAT IT MEANS: Doyle’s story “His Last Bow” involved Holmes coming out of retirement in order to perform a long-term undercover operation for the British government targeting a German spymaster named Von Bork.

WHAT WE SEE: As he and Watson say goodbye for seemingly the last time, Sherlock says there’s “the east wind takes us all in the end.” He says that Mycroft told him stories of the east wind seeking out the unworthy.

WHAT IT MEANS: In Greek mythology and some religious texts, the east wind is associated with misfortune. Doyle’s story “His Last Bow” took place in 1914, just before World War I. In the final scene, after deciding he is permanently returning to retirement, a 60-year-old Sherlock Holmes looks over London and considers the oncoming war. He tells Watson, “There’s an east wind coming,” and that it will take many lives, but adds that it is still God’s wind, and a cleaner, strong land will emerge after the storm.

 

[BestGirl]

^I didn't know that fact about squires' sons. I guess they didn't just pull the notion of Sherlock and Mycroft having a brother out of thin air after all. It would be funny if he were perfectly normal, like their parents.

This is cute:

Benedict Cumberbatch and the Sign of Four (or is it Three?)

It's cute, though I wonder how many small children would understand all the Sherlock references.

 

[Teelie]

I had no idea about the squires either until that. It gives some legitimacy to the theory there is/was an older brother though.

 

[chamber-music]

Moriarty has a brother/s as well in the books. I wonder if his brother/s will be mentioned.

 

[The Shape]

Anyone else [BLACKOUT]not too excited about the return or Moriarty[/BLACKOUT]? I mean, it is intriguing in terms of how it will be done, but still.

 

[Hush]

I think you might be in the minority there. Alot of folks are very excited from what I can see.

 

[TheNextNolan22]

I'm....conflicted about it.

 

[The Shape]

I think you might be in the minority there. Alot of folks are very excited from what I can see.

I read back a few pages into the thread now that I've finally finished this series and...

Spoiler

I see that I'm not necessarily in the minority, at least not here at SHH. Other folks are apprehensive of Moriarty's return, with most not even believing it will be him and that it will instead be a new "protege" taking over for him or some kind of plan concocted by Morairty before his death.

I'll admit that I'm not fond of either of those two scenarios. It's also a bit counterproductive for the series in general, since Moriarty killing himself to throw off Holmes was a pretty brilliant twist. Then again, if Sherlock was able to figure out a way to convincingly fake his own death, it stands to reason that Moriarty would do the same. Still, a body must have been recovered since everyone believes Moriarty to be dead, so one has to wonder how they'd "bring him back" without it having been a twin or something completely contrived.

Another reason I'm not too excited about Moriarty's imminent return is that it feels a bit soon in terms of the chronology of the series (even though it's already been years). By that I mean that an epic return or final game with Moriarty would have been perfect for a final season/series of 'Sherlock'. I mean, what better way to end it all than to have Sherlock face off against his nemesis one last time? But since Moffat has previously said they have both the fourth and fifth series mapped out, I imagine it will be really hard for them to have to try and top another Moriarty season AGAIN.

 

[The Shape]

Just found this article about the ending.

Spoiler

Creator Steven Moffat admits the ending bit with Moriarty was just to "wind people up". From what he says, it seems like they have no clue as to how they will bring Moriarty back or how/if he "surived". Kinda lame because I'd have hoped they have an overall plan of sorts for the series.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/sherlock-fans-wait-years-until-3112027

 

[Teelie]

Seeing as it's been said they brainstormed and wrote out at least a loose draft for the next two seasons, they surely have some idea of where they are going.