Last week I was SO excited that there was a new Sherlock. Not a new season, sadly, but a one-off Christmas special, which is apparently a British thing. It's really not fair that in America, we have to watch bad re-runs during the holidays, while in England, everyone gets cool holiday specials. But we get Hallmark Christmas movies. Yay.
In any case, I just watched... The Abominable Bride.
Even though this special isn't really part of the Sherlock BBC series plotline, any major spoilers will be avoided or hidden. Here's what I liked (and didn't.)
LOVED:
- The Victorian setting.
- Sherlock's slicked back Victorian hairstyle
- The idea of a murderous ghost bride -- that was by far my favorite part!
- The fact that the episode referred a lot to Watson and his Sherlock stories
- Molly's new look
- The fact that Sherlock's drug addiction -- which is a big part of the original character and seemed a little glossed-over in prior seasons -- was way front and center.
COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT:
- Mycroft's new look. What WAS that exactly? Very realistic-looking, but super weird. Was there a point to that I was missing?? (ETA: Yes, there was. Jaime has helpfully filled me in down in the comment section. Thanks!)
- The rather forced feminist themes.
- The strange and disappointing resolution to the Abominable Bride Case. What WAS that exactly? It made no sense and I thought it was bizarre and completely illogical that (spoiler)the there would be this mob of scorned women marching around in quasi-KKK hoods.(end spoiler). And I guess it wasn't just me who felt that way.
But all in all, I thought the episode was really clever. I liked the back-and-forth time travel elements a lot and I'm really excited about the season to come ... in 2017.
Next up .. anyone want to talk about Downton Abbey?
I've only watched one episode of this show but I really liked it. I've been waiting to be with my sister to watch them again because we're both big fans of Sherlock and detective shows. Anyways, I've heard very similar reactions to the latest episode. The forced feminist themes would bother me I think, but if it's a clever episode then maybe I won't be too frustrated.
ReplyDeleteDo you watch Elementary by the way? It's a modern day Sherlock Holmes and his addiction is a huge part of the show.
I have never watched Elementary. Maybe I should try it!
DeleteTo clarify the Mycroft thing, in the books/other ada'tations he's very indulgent, so he's "fat." But in modern century, he exercises to appear less indulgent, since that's a very 21st century concept.
ReplyDeleteBut I agree. I enjoyed the time period, was a little confused by the ending, and am excited for the new season. Why must we wait another year???
Thanks so much for explaining that, Jaime! I love that this episode felt more tied to the Sir ACD stories, of which I've only read a few..
DeleteSherlock is my absolute favorite show! I'm excited to see the new special, even if it is a little confusing as to why or how it fits into the series (I guess it doesn't)
ReplyDeleteAt least the new season is only a year away, now.
Olivia @ Fluttering Pages
It doesn't NOT fit, if that makes sense. The long-term plot isn't really furthered by this episode. I guess it's like a YA novella lol...
DeleteWe saw it at the movie theater last night. I LOVED it! I was seriously grinning like an idiot the whole time. That show makes me so happy. It was a complete surprise when I saw that this episode was coming out, and it was so fun to see it in the theater. I loved the period aspect and that it did tie into the overall show. I wasn't expecting that!
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, let's chat about Downton Abbey! I love that show too.
So much to say about Downton. I'm really nervous for this final season!
DeleteOh my God! I still haven't watched this show but I love Sherlock so much!! Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteLis @ The reader lines
You must watch it! It's very easy to get caught up because here aren't even that many episodes out (each season only has a handful of episodes) and the new installments don't come out for over a year!
DeleteI'm probably going to see this...but after the rabid fandoms calm down. xD hehe. Because I'm not the hugest fan of this show? because I HATE how Sherlock treats Watson and everyone fangirls because this is "friendship". It's not. And it's not because Sherlock doesn't understand what he's doing either. Grr. ANYWAY. I WON'T RANT HERE. hheehe. But yes I will watch it soon. ;D And from the pictures I've seen, the setting looks aaaamazing. Although Watson's moustache makes me giggle. xD
ReplyDeleteI so need to try this show - it really sounds perfect for me. I'm happy that this special episode ended up a hit with you - sounds fun. Hopefully the wait doesn't seem too long, Jen :)
ReplyDeleteI love the Sherlock stories but I'm not as crazy about this version as I know a lot of other people are. For this one, the feminism stuff was kind of weirdly forced. I did like Downton Abbey though-hopefully Anna and Bates can get a new storyline without one of them facing prison finally!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this special though I think it might make the wait even more painful! Why do we have to wait soooooo long.
ReplyDelete