Sherlock – Series 3

Written by: Michelle Gajewski

Wow. Just… what? Wow. Excuse me while I attempt to contain myself and write a coherent string of words because wow. Nothing has made me feel so many feels all at once. I never thought a show could be so perfect, but now with the third series of Sherlock complete, I am completely blown-away, more so than I was with Series 2. Normally I hate the third season of any show because I find that the plots and characters change directions too much in an attempt to keep things interesting—but it’s never for the better. However, this is not at all applicable to Sherlock because, like fine wine, Sherlock is proving to only get better with age.

It’s clear that the Sherlock team wasn’t slacking-off during their two year break. It appears that the writers have spent quite some time on Tumblr, incorporating many fanfic features into the plots of the three newest episodes and making this the most hilarious season yet. Casual fans will also enjoy these nods, as they are brilliantly interwoven as to not break from the show’s already established tone.

The first episode titled “The Empty Hearse” is a strong start. Sherlock returns after being “dead” for two years, and the reactions aren’t quite like what I’d expect. The back-and-forth between emotion and humour made me shed tears. Some of television’s most brilliant editing went into this episode, as can be witnessed by a clever “fff-cough” that’s thrown in. But the episode doesn’t completely centre on reunions because “the game is on!” Sherlock must stop a terrorist plot, and once again we get to enjoy our favourite consulting detective do what he does best.

The comedy in the show, which I thought reached its peak in the season opener, dumbfounded me in “The Sign of Three.” Sherlock delivers the most touching, entertaining, and possibly the longest best man’s speech in the history of weddings. This episode demonstrates more obvious character development from our favourite high-functioning sociopathic detective by blatantly showing his sensitive side. I’m tempted to say this is now my favourite episode of the entire season, though I love them all so much.

Now, the grand season finalé “His Last Vow” was grand indeed. Definitely should change that title to “His Last Wow.” The entire episode was such a “WHAT” inducing experience that I’m still having trouble articulating my thoughts in a more comprehensive manner than my Skype conversation while watching:

This is only a small sample from an otherwise very long, profanity-filled response.

But this is good since not even “The Reichenbach Fall” got this big of a reaction from me. The episode is filled with secret tidbits on characters and surprises throughout (a couple of which appear to be obvious) but the show kept lulling me into a false sense of security despite my better judgement.

Of course, there is the mandatory cliff-hanger ending. This is nothing new to the Sherlock formula used in Series 1 and 2, but this time, it’s actually a satisfying cliff-hanger. It leaves you really excited for what’s to come and craving for clarification, except that it’s much less pressing than say… Sherlock’s faked-death.

The epicness of this season is increased by the presence of Mary Morstan, John’s new lady-love. She’s a cute and quirky character that I am happy to see included in the show to mix up the dynamics between Sherlock and John. On top of that, we get a deeper look into the relationship of Sherlock and his brother Mycroft, something that has barely been touched upon beforehand. This obvious exposition is very much welcomed.

It has been an exciting twelve days with Sherlock—and if I could I would actually rate this season higher than the maximum 5 Stars, because it’s that good. I’m relieved that BBC has renewed Sherlock for a fourth season because after this season I’m very eager to see what happens next.