Sherlock Season 2 Premier : A Scandal In Belgravia
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Warning: Spoilers!
When you think of shows hitting their second season, what thoughts cross your mind? Do you think of OZ’s second season that featured a severe decline of action and killing, The Wire’s strange new relocation to a Baltimore shipping yard, or Dexter’s run-in with a femme fatale? The bottom line is that the season 2 of most shows feature a severe decline in action and originality, and while not always boring are usually uninspired. However, Sherlock’s season 2 definitely breaksthis discouraging norm. Sherlock’s A Scandal in Belgravia will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end, and I guarantee that you will not come away from watching this television masterpiece disappointed.
For those of you unfamiliar with the series, Sherlock is a modern-day take on the iconic detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman respectively playing the roles of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. This critically-acclaimed series debuted in 2010 with only three ninety minute episodes, and this year’s season follows the same format. Sherlock is a bold new show that features an extremely unique take on Doyle’s famous detective stories. Written and co-created by the revolutionary Steven Moffat (Dr. Who), this show breaks new ground with a new dark comedy element to these famous detective stories. Sherlock features a delightful mix between action, comedy, and drama, and this show (even with 90 minute long episodes) has never failed to retain my attention. While I thought season 1 was above-average, I found Sherlock’s season 2 premier to be one of the greatest episodes of television I have ever seen in my life. This episodes action filled plot was surprising riddled with remarkable dark comedy, and I constantly found myself amazed at the bold new direction the show has taken.
The beginning of the episode picked up where season 1’s finale left off, with the gunpoint confrontation between Sherlock and Moriarty (who does not seem very professor-like). This season 1 cliffhanger was a vicious way to wrap up a short season, as it left fans begging for a conclusion that would come 17 months later. This highly-anticipated scene ended in a bizarre and yet genius way, with Moriarty’s phone suddenly belting out the late 70’s disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. This scene had me on the edge of my seat then suddenly laughing out loud, which is a very tough and courageous thing to do in any form of media. After taking this important phone call, Moriarty grudgingly left Sherlock and Watson to continue his “consulting” criminal work.
After wrapping up season 1’s cliff hanger, the show goes on to set a courageous new pace for the second season. In season 1, one of my major complaints for the show was a lack of chemistry between Sherlock and Watson. The two seemed aloof and unfamiliar with one another. Season 2 directly set off to fix this problem, and did so in a creative and dauntless new way. Watson is writing his newly famous blog about the many adventures of the two men, and suddenly words are appearing overhead, exactly what Watson is typing. This wonderful new technique show us exactly what is going on in each of the characters lives, without having to pathetically zoom in on a characters phone or computer. This technique also allows us to see what Sherlock is thinking when he makes his amazing deductions based on his astute observations.The two seem to be bonding over their many unorthodox adventures, and this will definitely make season 2 wittier and more enjoyable.
This episode starts out with some great comic relief, which continues almost all the way up to the 30 minute mark. Watson arrives at a police crime scene, where the policeman in charge is expecting Sherlock. During this entire scene, Watson is video-chatting with Sherlock (who is wearing only a bed sheet), showing him the crime screen through his side of the webcam. This scene is a hilarious take on this modern version of Sherlock, as Sherlock explains, “This is a 6. There is no point in me leaving the flat for anything less than a 7.”
After this great scene, Sherlock and John are both unexpectedly taken to Buckingham Palace, and Sherlock is comically shown STILL wearing only a bed sheet. Sherlock’s nonchalant manner throughout this whole scene makes it one of the funniest scenes in this entire series. Another interesting technique that is displayed in this episode is the idea of false leads to show that Sherlock is not as perfect as he seems. There a few scenes where it is clearly visible that Sherlock has an epiphany, which happens many times in the series. However unlike most instances where Sherlock is completely right about his epiphany, in this episode there are many sceneswhere it is a false lead that leaves him dissatisfied (Sherlock thinking that Watson’s hit count and his address were the phone’s passcode). This remarkable technique keeps viewers baffled and mystified until the very end.
Season 1 of this show, while one of the best shows on television, had one weakness: it was a complete sausagefest. Season 1 featuredalmost all guys, and practically every woman in the season was completely ignored. Season 2 directly set out to change this with the introduction of the sexy villain Irene Adler. Adler, the most famous of all Sherlock Holmes female villains, is the main adversary in this episode. Adler is a femme fatale that uses her striking good looks and veteran cunning to manipulate powerful political figures. Her wit is matched only by Sherlock, who eventually outsmarts her in the end (contrary to Doyle’s short story). The chemistry between Sherlock and Adler is phenomenal, as the two provide one of the best love/hate relationships ever depicted in television. Both work in dark and mysterious corners of the world, and both are not afraid to tread on others to get what they want. One great scene that shows perfect chemistry between the two is when the two are transported back to the boomerang crime scene, with Sherlock walking around Adler who is creatively seated on a white coach.
The episode wraps up with a surprising revelation that a combination of Adler and Moriarty have deceived the Holmes brothers, and completely destroyed Mycroft’s anti-terrorism plans. Adler then presses Moriarty to give into her seemingly outrageous demands, while Sherlock quietly ponders the outcome of the recent events. Right as Adler is about to leave, Sherlock jumps up and figures out the four digit passcode to Adler’s phone, “SHER”. Sherlock reveals that Adler had secretly loved him all along, and that her love for him was her greatest weakness. This was a surprising way to end an episode that was already riddled with suspense and intrigue.
A Scandal in Belgravia has been the best episode of Sherlock that I have seen so far, and I am extremely excited to see the remainder of the season. It will be interesting to see where this show will go from here, and whether or not Irene Adler will be reappear in the show, like she continues to do in the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movies. In my opinion, Sherlock could use a love interest, even though he seems incompatible with every woman he meets. The chemistry between Watson and Sherlock could also still use some work, even though the two have come a long way from season one. Episode 2, The Hounds of Baskerville, debuts on January 8th. And so I beg you: next time you’re thinking about wasting an hour and thirty minutes on a movie like Saw 7 or Final Destination 5, fire up Netflix and instantly stream one of these remarkable 90 minute episodes.
Corey B
Warning: Spoilers!
When you think of shows hitting their second season, what thoughts cross your mind? Do you think of OZ’s second season that featured a severe decline of action and killing, The Wire’s strange new relocation to a Baltimore shipping yard, or Dexter’s run-in with a femme fatale? The bottom line is that the season 2 of most shows feature a severe decline in action and originality, and while not always boring are usually uninspired. However, Sherlock’s season 2 definitely breaksthis discouraging norm. Sherlock’s A Scandal in Belgravia will have you on the edge of your seat until the very end, and I guarantee that you will not come away from watching this television masterpiece disappointed.
For those of you unfamiliar with the series, Sherlock is a modern-day take on the iconic detective stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman respectively playing the roles of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. This critically-acclaimed series debuted in 2010 with only three ninety minute episodes, and this year’s season follows the same format. Sherlock is a bold new show that features an extremely unique take on Doyle’s famous detective stories. Written and co-created by the revolutionary Steven Moffat (Dr. Who), this show breaks new ground with a new dark comedy element to these famous detective stories. Sherlock features a delightful mix between action, comedy, and drama, and this show (even with 90 minute long episodes) has never failed to retain my attention. While I thought season 1 was above-average, I found Sherlock’s season 2 premier to be one of the greatest episodes of television I have ever seen in my life. This episodes action filled plot was surprising riddled with remarkable dark comedy, and I constantly found myself amazed at the bold new direction the show has taken.
The beginning of the episode picked up where season 1’s finale left off, with the gunpoint confrontation between Sherlock and Moriarty (who does not seem very professor-like). This season 1 cliffhanger was a vicious way to wrap up a short season, as it left fans begging for a conclusion that would come 17 months later. This highly-anticipated scene ended in a bizarre and yet genius way, with Moriarty’s phone suddenly belting out the late 70’s disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. This scene had me on the edge of my seat then suddenly laughing out loud, which is a very tough and courageous thing to do in any form of media. After taking this important phone call, Moriarty grudgingly left Sherlock and Watson to continue his “consulting” criminal work.
After wrapping up season 1’s cliff hanger, the show goes on to set a courageous new pace for the second season. In season 1, one of my major complaints for the show was a lack of chemistry between Sherlock and Watson. The two seemed aloof and unfamiliar with one another. Season 2 directly set off to fix this problem, and did so in a creative and dauntless new way. Watson is writing his newly famous blog about the many adventures of the two men, and suddenly words are appearing overhead, exactly what Watson is typing. This wonderful new technique show us exactly what is going on in each of the characters lives, without having to pathetically zoom in on a characters phone or computer. This technique also allows us to see what Sherlock is thinking when he makes his amazing deductions based on his astute observations.The two seem to be bonding over their many unorthodox adventures, and this will definitely make season 2 wittier and more enjoyable.
This episode starts out with some great comic relief, which continues almost all the way up to the 30 minute mark. Watson arrives at a police crime scene, where the policeman in charge is expecting Sherlock. During this entire scene, Watson is video-chatting with Sherlock (who is wearing only a bed sheet), showing him the crime screen through his side of the webcam. This scene is a hilarious take on this modern version of Sherlock, as Sherlock explains, “This is a 6. There is no point in me leaving the flat for anything less than a 7.”
After this great scene, Sherlock and John are both unexpectedly taken to Buckingham Palace, and Sherlock is comically shown STILL wearing only a bed sheet. Sherlock’s nonchalant manner throughout this whole scene makes it one of the funniest scenes in this entire series. Another interesting technique that is displayed in this episode is the idea of false leads to show that Sherlock is not as perfect as he seems. There a few scenes where it is clearly visible that Sherlock has an epiphany, which happens many times in the series. However unlike most instances where Sherlock is completely right about his epiphany, in this episode there are many sceneswhere it is a false lead that leaves him dissatisfied (Sherlock thinking that Watson’s hit count and his address were the phone’s passcode). This remarkable technique keeps viewers baffled and mystified until the very end.
Season 1 of this show, while one of the best shows on television, had one weakness: it was a complete sausagefest. Season 1 featuredalmost all guys, and practically every woman in the season was completely ignored. Season 2 directly set out to change this with the introduction of the sexy villain Irene Adler. Adler, the most famous of all Sherlock Holmes female villains, is the main adversary in this episode. Adler is a femme fatale that uses her striking good looks and veteran cunning to manipulate powerful political figures. Her wit is matched only by Sherlock, who eventually outsmarts her in the end (contrary to Doyle’s short story). The chemistry between Sherlock and Adler is phenomenal, as the two provide one of the best love/hate relationships ever depicted in television. Both work in dark and mysterious corners of the world, and both are not afraid to tread on others to get what they want. One great scene that shows perfect chemistry between the two is when the two are transported back to the boomerang crime scene, with Sherlock walking around Adler who is creatively seated on a white coach.
The episode wraps up with a surprising revelation that a combination of Adler and Moriarty have deceived the Holmes brothers, and completely destroyed Mycroft’s anti-terrorism plans. Adler then presses Moriarty to give into her seemingly outrageous demands, while Sherlock quietly ponders the outcome of the recent events. Right as Adler is about to leave, Sherlock jumps up and figures out the four digit passcode to Adler’s phone, “SHER”. Sherlock reveals that Adler had secretly loved him all along, and that her love for him was her greatest weakness. This was a surprising way to end an episode that was already riddled with suspense and intrigue.
A Scandal in Belgravia has been the best episode of Sherlock that I have seen so far, and I am extremely excited to see the remainder of the season. It will be interesting to see where this show will go from here, and whether or not Irene Adler will be reappear in the show, like she continues to do in the Guy Ritchie Sherlock Holmes movies. In my opinion, Sherlock could use a love interest, even though he seems incompatible with every woman he meets. The chemistry between Watson and Sherlock could also still use some work, even though the two have come a long way from season one. Episode 2, The Hounds of Baskerville, debuts on January 8th. And so I beg you: next time you’re thinking about wasting an hour and thirty minutes on a movie like Saw 7 or Final Destination 5, fire up Netflix and instantly stream one of these remarkable 90 minute episodes.
Corey B
