BBC's Sherlock: Series 3

[Asteroid-Man]

Also, in the books, Jim/James Moriarty isn't Sherlock's nemesis; Professor Moriarty, his older brother, IS. Where James liked to tackled challenge head first, the Professor kept himself and his integrity in tact, acting through patsies. He was much more strategic and calculated.

Perhaps this is who we will be seeing next?

 

[TheVileOne]

Professor Moriarty's name is...James.

 

[Hush]

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.

I was mainly speaking about my group of friends and other places on the internet I frequent, IGN for one seems very excited but I do understand the hesitation amongst some of the fans.

 

[Llama_Shepherd]

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.

In the first episode Anderson thinks Sherlock used Moriarty's body to subsitute his own. He'd have no reason to think that if his body was recovered.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

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.

Yeah, but also something that I quite liked about Mary from the beginning of Series 3 is that she chooses not to hinder John and Sherlock's relationship. Hell, she not only approves of it but she seems to advocate it, and them working on cases. She was the one that got them to work on the case that led to the "Invisible Killer". There seems to be kind of boundary to Sherlock and John's relationship that she respects.

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.

Wow. Did not know that. That's pretty damn cool. And kinda heartwarming.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

About the ending to Series 3,

Spoiler

I think there's room to breathe for them there. They gave no details whatsoever about how that crime scene played out (if Lestrade and his people had . All that really mattered to people, really, was how the hell Sherlock survived, so with that being front and center they could figure stuff out about how Moriarty would have survived. If he did. There's still the chance that there was a plan he'd had prepared to be set into motion if Sherlock had survived (and since Sherlock had been believed dead for two years, the plan wouldn't have been sent into gear until after he'd come back from the dead). I mean, I could see this being a mystery where ultimately Moriarty is still dead, and has been for the past two years. Also plays nicely into Moriarty's ringtone, the Beegees "Stayin' Alive".

 

[Llama_Shepherd]

If it's not the real Moriarty, who can it be? Sherlock spent the past two years dismantling his criminal web.

 

[BestGirl]

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.

Spoiler

I hated Moriarty when he was alive (I believe I've stated that opinion enough times ) so I was thrilled when he died. I can't say I'm happy he's possibly returning. I really can't see how he'd plausibly survive the rooftop confrontation so I'm wary about this development.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

If it's not the real Moriarty, who can it be? Sherlock spent the past two years dismantling his criminal web.

In theory, [BLACKOUT]it could have been something Moriarty had prepared in case Sherlock had survived...and if he had already considered suicide (which he probably did, I don't know if it makes sense that his suicide was an entirely spur of the moment thing), then having a plan in place for one final battle beyond the grave could be something that works for me. I also don't think it's that crazy a thing if Moriarty did survive as well, though. [/BLACKOUT]

 

[Poetic Chaos]

Just go into this show last week and watched all 3 series. Absolutely love it. Gotta say one of my favorite things about it is the Sherlock/Mycroft dynamic. They make Sherlock out to be this amazing genius yet he has an older brother who is even smarter. Their interactions are always great to watch.

 

[TheVileOne]

I just hope its not something stupid like Moriarty's brother.

 

[KevanG]

It's his evil(er?) twins half brothers clone from an alternate dimension.

WHICH IS HOW THEY INTRODUCE DOCTOR WHO INTO THE SERIES!

Best day evar!

 

[Asteroid-Man]

I just hope its not something stupid like Moriarty's brother.

Except that it's not stupid because it's in the source material.

 

[Asteroid-Man]

Professor Moriarty's name is...James.

Oh **** you're right. And funny enough, so is the Colonel/Station Master brother. hahaha

 

[chamber-music]

Doyle wasn't great at keeping continuity in his own books.

 

[Asteroid-Man]

Doyle wasn't great at keeping continuity in his own books.

Because he had a team of commissioned writers under him.

 

[TheVileOne]

Except that it's not stupid because it's in the source material.

As far as we know, his brother was not a villain and was not involved with anything. He was also only mentioned and never actually appeared in the stories.

 

[KevanG]

Wasn't there some theory in the books about Holmes being Moriarty? I haven't read them all, just the Hounds of the Baskervilles, but from what I've read elsewhere wasn't the only time anyone ever saw him either only Holmes there to see it or Watson as well but it was never verified if it was him?

 

[chamber-music]

Wasn't there some theory in the books about Holmes being Moriarty? I haven't read them all, just the Hounds of the Baskervilles, but from what I've read elsewhere wasn't the only time anyone ever saw him either only Holmes there to see it or Watson as well but it was never verified if it was him?

In The Final Problem Watson doesn't see Holmes and Moriaty fight at Reichenbach Falls as he was called away on a hoax doctors call (I think to separate Holmes and Watson so Moriarty and Moran can kill Holmes as Reichenbach Falls). When Watson realizes it was a hoax he rushes to Reichenbach Falls to see two sets of footprints going out onto the muddy dead end path with none returning. There is also a note from Holmes, explaining that he knew the report Watson was given to be a hoax and that he is about to fight Moriarty, who has graciously given him enough time to pen this last letter. Watson sees that towards the end of the path there are signs that a violent struggle has taken place and there are no returning footprints. Watson is only told about what really happened when Holmes returned.

Watson never actually meets or sees Moriarty but other people in the stories have. Moriarty is interviewed by a police man in The Valley of Fear.

Watson has never heard of Moriarty at the beginning of The Final Problem even though The Valley of Fear is set before The Final Problem and he should of heard of him as he was involved in the plot.

Its another one of those continuity issues that pop up in the Sherlock cannon.

 

[Teelie]

It's more of a fan/sleuth theory that the two are one and the same. I've heard it before but consider it more a fan fiction conspiracy than a real, viable possibility.

As chamber-music said, continuity was not a big thing for Sir Doyle. Ironic given the attention to detail and plot he wrote into the stories.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Hmm, interesting. I guess in a way they touched on that at the end of Series Two, with Moriarty's plan to discredit Sherlock.

I'm constantly impressed with how much homework they do on the show by not entirely being chained to the source material, but still finding ways to take inspiration and fit in aspects into the series.

 

[Infinity9999x]

It's more of a fan/sleuth theory that the two are one and the same. I've heard it before but consider it more a fan fiction conspiracy than a real, viable possibility.

As chamber-music said, continuity was not a big thing for Sir Doyle. Ironic given the attention to detail and plot he wrote into the stories.

It's a theory that's featured prominently in a Sherlock Holmes play that Jeremy Brecht starred in back in the 80's. It's an interesting idea, and really revolves around the fact that Holmes so much wanted a worthy opponent that he had to create one himself.

 

[jonathancrane]

I think Kim Newman wrote a short story where Moriarty was a professor who gave Holmes a bad grade, if I recall correctly. Chances are I am not, but, the point remains: there have been myriad theories/interpretations/renderings of Holmes and Moriarty's relationship.

 

[chamber-music]

Moriarty was Sherlock's teacher in Young Sherlock Holmes. Anyone else notice how that film was a lot like Harry Potter?

 

[Boy Scout]

I decided to watch this show on a whim and I'm glad I did. It's perfect. I thought this season was the weakest so far, but it was still very entertaining.

Regarding the ending of His Last Vow...I've had my fill of Moriarty and pray he isn't coming back. The actor is very hit or miss.