Episode 3.1, "The Empty Hearse"

[sherlockandjohn]

Well, I've seen this episode 3 times by now, so I think it's time to share my geeky observations and thoughts. I'm trying not to repeat all those things which were already discussed the last few days.

 

 

6. How on earth does Sherlock know the first name of Anderson? And even if he knows, why doesn't he call him Anderson, as in the first two series? Sherlock considers Lestrade as his friend, but he calls him Graham instead of Greg as they meet. And why should be Anderson the first one who learns about how Sherlock survived the fall? So I think it's still not the final explanation. At the end of the episode John asks Sherlock, so maybe we are going to hear it next time.

7. At the end John tells Sherlock that he spoke to him at the grave and Sherlock says he heard him. It's a very nice scene, I love it, but it cannot be true. Sherlock was too far away to hear him, at least 50-60 meters (57-67 yards).

 

I feel it's appropriate to have Sherlock call Anderson by his first name in this episode, because the writers are trying to convey a change in Anderson, as well as how Sherlock sees him.

Sherlock calling Greg 'Graham' was not my favorite moment. Okay, I know Sherlock doesn't pay attention to 'little details' like a name, but he got John's name down very quickly, so at this point it just makes it seem like Sherlock doesn't care. It was funny in 'Baskerville' when he didn't know Lestrade's first name, but not now. I do love Lestrade's hug, though

 

Indeed, Sherlock could not have heard John's words at the grave, realistically, but I guess the writers decided that they wanted Sherlock to have heard it... and it was a good way to wrap up the whole emotional drama between John and Sherlock.

[Janie]

I think that the scene with Anderson never really happened and it was all in his head. He just imagined it all and that's why Sherlock called him "Phillip". At least we finally know Anderson's first name

And yes, Sherlock calling Lestrade "Graham" bothered me, too. But the hug made it up for me

[T.o.b.y]

...it is John who says he doesn't handle these types of emotions well, to which Sherlock clearly states "I know".  And it is true.  Where Sherlock simply doesn't feel the need to express his emotions most of the time, John really has trouble expressing his emotions.... 

 

That's pretty much my impression, too. But I think both would have been a bit embarrassed at their own selves if the conversation had gone on seriously. Maybe John was secretly relieved that he got out of it without tears or hugs. I think he's more comfortable yelling "I will kill you" at his friend than telling him he's been missed. And I still think Sherlock really felt the need for a few kind words (maybe even felt the need to apologize), but didn't quite know how to get there within the confines of everyday human interaction (and besides, he probably just can't resist a little drama now and then - boy, do I ever sympathize with that )

 

As for Lestrade's first name, I think Sherlock knows that by now. My guess is that calling him "Graham" here was just another one of Sherlock's questionable "glad to see you again" jokes.

 

 

 

[sherlockandjohn]

 

 

 

... I think both would have been a bit embarrassed at their own selves if the conversation had gone on seriously. Maybe John was secretly relieved that he got out of it without tears or hugs. I think he's more comfortable yelling "I will kill you" at his friend than telling him he's been missed. And I still think Sherlock really felt the need for a few kind words (maybe even felt the need to apologize), but didn't quite know how to get there within the confines of everyday human interaction (and besides, he probably just can't resist a little drama now and then - boy, do I ever sympathize with that )

 

As for Lestrade's first name, I think Sherlock knows that by now. My guess is that calling him "Graham" here was just another one of Sherlock's questionable "glad to see you again" jokes.

 

 

I think you're exactly right about John and Sherlock having been too uncomfortable if the conversation had continued seriously. I don't think Sherlock laughing was a cover-up of emotions (he was genuinely and highly amused, that git ), but I don't doubt that Sherlock appreciates John's affections. They're just not going to have an open, honest, reciprocated confession of them. And I love Sherlock's laugh in this scene so much. He is so animated and human

 

As for Lestrade, maybe you're right there too. It seemed like a real slip-up, but either way it's not a big deal for me.

[Let's_have_dinner]

I really liked Sherlock calling him Graham. It was funny, and it didn't really feel like an insult... We know Sherlock doesn't bother with things that aren't important to him - information that others know that he doesn't - and to me it's like Lestrade's first name isn't important to Sherlock, because he calls him Lestrade. Not knowing his first name doesn't take away the affection Sherlock feels for him, and it obviously doesn't bother Lestrade that Sherlock got his name wrong, he hugged him anyway. It's like he recognises that that's just a Sherlock thing to do, get his name wrong, and it's not really important in their friendship. I do think the scene with Anderson wasn't real, though, because I can't imagine Sherlock calling him Philip. I think that was written as a clue for us that the scene was in Anderson's imagination.

[sherlockandjohn]

Hehe Well, it seems there's not much agreement as to the solution to the fall. However, in the DVDs there is some bonus material on the fall, so maybe we'll get our answer there?

[Let's_have_dinner]

I hope there is a LOT of bonus material on the DVDs. Am desperately hoping and praying there are audio commentaries with Benedict. *please, please, please God*

[sherlockandjohn]

 

I am truly surprised by how many people simply dismiss Sherlock as an "idiot".  Why are so many happy to write him off as simply not knowing what he is doing - despite facts to the contrary (for instance, his wink and nod to Mary, indicating he knew exactly what he was doing all night with John, etc).

 

 

The wink and nod: My eyes may be bad but I just don't see it. Sherlock smiles a bit with his eyes (we can't see his mouth because of the tissue), but I see that as him smiling about his own lack of understanding of human nature. He often gives away his lack of understanding; like in the same scene when he says: "I don't understand, I said I was sorry, isn't that what you're supposed to do?" In that sentence he reveals that he 1) understands something about human nature (that you're supposed to say 'sorry' when you've behaved badly ), and that he 2) does not understand enough to know that simply saying 'sorry' is not going to cut it in such a critical situation. He doesn't know how badly he's hurt John, not because he's stupid, but because he doesn't reflect much on emotions.

 

Sherlock really doesn't reflect much on emotions, and during the time he was away - although he will have thought of John - I don't think he will have dwelled on what he was putting John through. Now that he's back, he is forced to deal with it to some degree, because John is very upset (naturally). I'm sure that Sherlock is sad that he's hurt John, but it doesn't fall naturally for him to reflect on it, and if he was to do so, I'd feel sorry for him, too, because it's pretty horrible putting your best friend through believing that you're dead.

 

John could probably have forced Sherlock to deal with it more by continuing to tell him how horrible he'd felt, but for some reason John doesn't. Maybe it's because he feels that it won't do any good for either himself or Sherlock. Maybe he doesn't think Sherlock will ever understand. Or maybe he doesn't see the need to put Sherlock through the agony, should he actually understand the consequences of what he did. In any case, the episode is wrapped up without Sherlock being forced to completely understand. Probably it would have shifted the tone of the show to something too heavily serious, if Sherlock was to fully recognise the consequences of his actions.

 

Anyway, that's my idea.

[sherlockandjohn]

I hope there is a LOT of bonus material on the DVDs. Am desperately hoping and praying there are audio commentaries with Benedict. *please, please, please God*

 

[Let's_have_dinner]

And if he could laugh during the AC for me, that would be even better. Love his laugh 

[Loekie]

 

Does anyone have a good theory as to WHY - after demonstrating he DOES know human nature and John's nature specifically - Sherlock makes this one big joke at John's expense and for no apparent reason?

 

More importantly, does anyone have a good theory as to WHY John now simply accepts this additional betrayal? 

 

 

 

 

Testing his loyalty and strength? Sherlock said to John: walk away. He did not.

At some point Sherlock acted with a voice like Moriarty. Moriarty has shown where the weakness is in the personality of Sherlock. I think Sherlock want to improve himself and want to expand his behavioral repertoire.

[Loekie]

Well, I've seen this episode 3 times by now, so I think it's time to share my geeky observations and thoughts. I'm trying not to repeat all those things which were already discussed the last few days.

 

1. I liked all the fake explanations, especially the first one in the beginning of the episode. The music, the acting was superb as always. My new most favourite scene is when Sherlock jumps through the window, adjusts his coat, ruffles his hair and kisses Molly. *swoon* Now I have no doubt Benedict would be a perfect James Bond!

 

My favourite too, with that guitarsound, splendid!

[Let's_have_dinner]

 

Well, I've seen this episode 3 times by now, so I think it's time to share my geeky observations and thoughts. I'm trying not to repeat all those things which were already discussed the last few days.

 

1. I liked all the fake explanations, especially the first one in the beginning of the episode. The music, the acting was superb as always. My new most favourite scene is when Sherlock jumps through the window, adjusts his coat, ruffles his hair and kisses Molly. *swoon* Now I have no doubt Benedict would be a perfect James Bond!

 

My favourite too, with that guitarsound, splendid!

 

 

That is the moment I've watched more than any other of the whole episode. *swoon*

[Loekie]

4. One thing really bothered me: before a patient enters the doctor's office, Mary, as the nurse tells the symptoms of the patient to him and door is open. (?!) It's very embarassing if other patients are waiting outside... I know, they get different appointments, but still.

7. At the end John tells Sherlock that he spoke to him at the grave and Sherlock says he heard him. It's a very nice scene, I love it, but it cannot be true. Sherlock was too far away to hear him, at least 50-60 meters (57-67 yards).

 

Usually there is a space or room between the room with patients and the doctor's office.

Maybe there was a microphone somewhere at the grave?

[Earendil]

 

Maybe there was a microphone somewhere at the grave?

 

 

Yes, that's a good explanation, thanks!

[shoot999]

 

 

Well, I've seen this episode 3 times by now, so I think it's time to share my geeky observations and thoughts. I'm trying not to repeat all those things which were already discussed the last few days.

 

1. I liked all the fake explanations, especially the first one in the beginning of the episode. The music, the acting was superb as always. My new most favourite scene is when Sherlock jumps through the window, adjusts his coat, ruffles his hair and kisses Molly. *swoon* Now I have no doubt Benedict would be a perfect James Bond!

 

My favourite too, with that guitarsound, splendid!

 

 

That is the moment I've watched more than any other of the whole episode. *swoon*

 

'four takes, since your asking'    'yes he kissed nice, it was all very thrilling'   'you all appear to be watching that kiss on a loop'

'P.S.  I told him that hair-ruffle was hot'

 

Tweets from Loo Brealey.

[Let's_have_dinner]

That hair ruffle was hot. Very. *sigh* Loo is a lucky girl indeed! If it was me though, I think I'd have needed about twenty or thirty takes... 

[sherlockandjohn]

In an interview with Freeman, Cumberbatch, and Abbington, BC says that he feels Sherlock has regressed in his hiatus period, and that when we see him in TEH he is 'worse than ever'. Link to the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piZdrK-858Q.

 

That's interesting, because this was actually close to my initial reaction to the episode, or at least parts of it. And yet, in some ways Sherlock seems more human now. He is a bit more 'uncovered', he has a couple of serious talks with John, and he is quite open with Molly. And there is a lack of insults I don't see the regression, myself. My only reason for initially thinking 'what a jerk' was Sherlock's general lack of understanding of what he put John through, but he is not entirely without empathy or repentance.

[Let's_have_dinner]

In an interview with Freeman, Cumberbatch, and Abbington, BC says that he feels Sherlock has regressed in his hiatus period, and that when we see him in TEH he is 'worse than ever'. Link to the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piZdrK-858Q.

 

That's interesting, because this was actually close to my initial reaction to the episode, or at least parts of it. And yet, in some ways Sherlock seems more human now. He is a bit more 'uncovered', he has a couple of serious talks with John, and he is quite open with Molly. And there is a lack of insults I don't see the regression, myself. My only reason for initially thinking 'what a jerk' was Sherlock's general lack of understanding of what he put John through, but he is not entirely without empathy or repentance.

 

I knew Benedict had said that so I was perhaps expecting him to be worse than he was... I certainly thought he was more sensitive with Molly - when he thanked her, smiled and kissed her on the cheek, said he hopes she'll be happy because she deserves it, telling her how much she mattered to him... When you compare that to the Christmas scene in Scandal - he does apologise to Molly after insulting her, but the insult comes first, then he realises he's been out of line. But in TEH he seemed a lot more sensitive towards her. And utterly lovely 

[BLS_Pro]

 

...it is John who says he doesn't handle these types of emotions well, to which Sherlock clearly states "I know".  And it is true.  Where Sherlock simply doesn't feel the need to express his emotions most of the time, John really has trouble expressing his emotions.... 

 

That's pretty much my impression, too. But I think both would have been a bit embarrassed at their own selves if the conversation had gone on seriously.

 

 

Except that Sherlock has no problem expressing his feelings to John.  And John is indeed capable of accepting apologies and giving forgiveness - without it having to be forced from him.

 

Consider HOUNDS.  Sherlock insults John greviously by yelling at John, claiming he (Sherlock) doesn't have friends.  This hurts John immensely because it makes John think he is not Sherlock's friend - that he isn't loved.  Sherlock recognizes this fact afterwards and tells John that he is unique in the world - because he is Sherlock's only friend in the world.  John is grateful and forgives Sherlock.  And he does so without mawkishness or Sherlock having to undercut that revelation by then laughing at John.

 

Neither is embarrased by their emotions or actions.

 

Thus, in HOUNDS, Sherlock earns his forgiveness.  In HEARSE, he not only fails to earn forgiveness by identifying his fault and correcting it - he actually repeats that fault (betrayal) again on purpose.  Sherlock demonstrates he will lie to John and damn John's feelings.

 

Put simply, in HOUNDS there is an actual resolution to the problem.  In HEARSE, not only is there no resolution to the problem - there is actually a reinforcement of the problem. 

 

I know a lot of people enjoy the humor of the scene.  But the humor comes at the expense of the story (of the resolution) rather than in service of it.  It is simply bad writing. 

[BLS_Pro]

 

 

I am truly surprised by how many people simply dismiss Sherlock as an "idiot".  Why are so many happy to write him off as simply not knowing what he is doing - despite facts to the contrary (for instance, his wink and nod to Mary, indicating he knew exactly what he was doing all night with John, etc).

 

 

The wink and nod: My eyes may be bad but I just don't see it. Sherlock smiles a bit with his eyes (we can't see his mouth because of the tissue), but I see that as him smiling about his own lack of understanding of human nature.

"Wink and nod" is simply an expression here.  It identifies that the words stated are meant to be other than the truth by the way they are stated.  For example, in the last sequence, Mary tells Sherlock that he will be at the wedding.  And Sherlock tells her that weddings really aren't his thing - but then ever so slightly, he literally winks at her, letting her know the truth: of course he will be there.

 

It is the same with aftermath of the headbutt.  Mary accuses him of not knowing human nature.  And he uses his voice - its intonations - to tell her he definitely knows it.  He goes from playful and alloof with his first "no" to wise and knowing with his second "no".  It's not him "smiling" at himself, but revealing himself.

 

Of course he knows what he's been doing.

 

It is *why* Mary takes a liking to Sherlock and why he agrees to help him.  He isn't an idiot.  He hasn't been witlessly callous with the man she loves.  She sees what he has been trying to do - and agrees to help him do it.

 

 

He doesn't know how badly he's hurt John, not because he's stupid, but because he doesn't reflect much on emotions.

As I point out to toby, this is the opposite of the truth.  Take the HOUNDS example I provided.  Or take the Molly example from SCANDAL.  Or even the entire plot and resolution from SCANDAL.  There are a dozen other big and small instances which demonstrate that he is indeed aware of, and can deal with, emotions quite well.

 

 

 

Sherlock really doesn't reflect much on emotions, and during the time he was away - although he will have thought of John - I don't think he will have dwelled on what he was putting John through.

I have to disagree here completely.  I would suggest the scene with Mycroft demonstrates that Sherlock has thought a lot about "friends" and "friendship" while he has been gone.

 

 

John could probably have forced Sherlock to deal with it more by continuing to tell him how horrible he'd felt, but for some reason John doesn't.

Like HOUNDS, he doesn't have to.  Sherlock knows.  He is not blind (if he were, the first punch would have opened his eyes).  He is not stupid.  He is not unreflective.  He is not...fill in the blank.  Whatever you want to call it, ignorance is not his problem.

 

 

 

Probably it would have shifted the tone of the show to something too heavily serious, if Sherlock was to fully recognise the consequences of his actions.

Indeed.  It wouldn't have been a farcical comedy.  It would have been a more truly heartfelt return (which is not to say there couldn't have been humor in it - simply that the humor wouldn't have been at the expense of story and character development).

 

Humor was used here to cover up the fact that the plot they set to be resolved, isn't.

 

This story could have been great.  Instead, its not even good.

[sherlockandjohn]

I didn't feel there was much openness in Hounds either. Sherlock could have said: 'Sorry I told you that I don't have friends' - that would have been open - but instead he delivers a line that seems premeditated, and the story quickly moves on from the emotional depth of Sherlock's statement.

 

I don't think Sherlock and John have more difficulty expressing their feelings for each other than most, but as with most men they don't do it openly (verbally). They demonstrate their affections for each other through action; like when Sherlock rushes to John's rescue. But, sure, he can be very insensitive in his actions, too  I don't see it as bad writing - I think the train/bomb scene was well written - I see it as Sherlock being Sherlock. I think it's great writing.

[BLS_Pro]

I didn't feel there was much openness in Hounds either. Sherlock could have said: 'Sorry I told you that I don't have friends' - that would have been open - but instead he delivers a line that seems premeditated, and the story quickly moves on from the emotional depth of Sherlock's statement.

Just as John didn't have to punch Sherlock in the face and say "I hate that you think I'm not your friend" neither does Sherlock have to get down on his knees and say "Please John, I'm sorry.  You are my bestest and only friend."

 

What he does do is be intimate with John.  Opens up to John and reveals something he would not reveal to anyone else.  That he was afraid - because he doubted himself. 

 

When simply not being 'icy' fails to work - isn't enough of an apology for John - Sherlock recognizes that John is still upset at "what happened last night".  He hasn't actually admitted that John is truly his friend.  Sherlock recognizes that he must do so to repair the damage he has caused.  So Sherlock tells him - tells John that he is Sherlock's only friend.

 

This is not some lie he has rehearsed.  It is not some trick just to get John back to work.  It is not something that has no meaning to him.  It is the truth.  And it is a truth that Sherlock admits, not in some perfunctory, emotionless way.  Sherlock admits it directly and in a heartfelt way.

 

Put simply an apology doesn't have to be "on the nose".  That would be bad writing as well.  But it does have to be meant.  It has to be true. 

 

In HOUNDS it is true and it is meant.  In HEARSE Sherlock demonstrates it isn't true.  He demonstrates he isn't sorry because he does the EXACT same thing again.  Sherlock proves he doesn't mean it.  He proves his apology is completely empty.

 

If Sherlock had done this in HOUNDS, it would not have been something to laugh at - for Sherlock or the audience.  It would have been the end of their friendship.  And it would have been Sherlock who ended it.

[Caya]

But John deflected that apology in Hounds, didn't he? He turned around and walked away, couldn't openly acknowledge it.

 

So I'm willing to cut Sherlock some slack here in that he tried to defuse (bad pun, I know) the situation in his own clumsy way, since he knows John isn't good at this either. Besides, not all of it was acting. He couldn't have known about that off switch before he'd removed the floor panneling, for starters. And they did realize that they'd found themselves in a fairly explosive situation (yeah, I'll let myself out now) way before that.

[BLS_Pro]

But John deflected that apology in Hounds, didn't he? He turned around and walked away, couldn't openly acknowledge it.

 

No.  He indeed accepted it.  After the apology, he pauses, thinks, then says: "Right".  Then he walked away.  And, as Sherlock started after him, calling John brilliant etc, he told Sherlock to stop overdoing the apology.  And later, when Sherlock makes him coffee, John thinks it is even more apology, and tells Sherlock he doesn't have to keep apologizing.

 

So not only did John openly acknowledge and accept the apology - he openly reiterates that he has accepted Sherlock's apology. 

 

 

 

Besides, not all of it was acting. He couldn't have known about that off switch before he'd removed the floor panneling, for starters.

As Sherlock stated, there is "always an off switch".  So Sherlock entered a situation he believed he would be able to control, ramped up the tension by pretending not to know how to stop the bomb, does a cursory search and finds what he knows has to be there, then goes all emotional and completes the setup of John.

 

Pretty much all of it was acting.  Certainly everything immediately after the discovery of the bomb is an act on Sherlock's part, since he declares he has "no idea" what to do - ie lies completely.  Thus everything from that point on is a complete act.  Everything related to the non-apology is a complete lie on Sherlock's part.

 

He does to John exactly what he did to him at the end of FALL.  He completely lies to him.