Best episodes (ranking)

[Surelock]

I think it's interesting to compare our picks with the picks from IMDB. IMDB probably has the largest voting base as there are thousands of people (even tens of thousands) rating a single episode. Sherlock's episode scores on ti are probably most reflective of the viewer base.

 

Here are the episodes of Sherlock ranked based on their IMDB score:

 

IMDB Ranking

 

1. The Reichenbach Fall (Season 2) - 9.7/10

2. The Lying Detective (Season 4) - 9.5/10 

2. A Scandal in Belgravia (Season 2) - 9.5/10

4. His Last Vow (Season 3) - 9.4/10

5. The Empty Hearse (Season 3) - 9.1/10

5. The Great Game (Season 1) - 9.1/10

5. A Study in Pink (Season 1) - 9.1/10

8. The Sign of Three (Season 3) - 9.0/10

9. The Final Problem (Season 4) - 8.6/10 

10. The Hound of Baskerville (Season 2) - 8.5/10

11. The Abominable Bride (Special) - 8.2/10

12. The Blind Banker (Season 2) - 8.1/10

13. The Six Thatchers (Season 4) - 7.8/10

 

Note:

 

- Some episodes got the same score and that's why we have equal 2nds and no 3rd.

- Season 4 episodes only came out a few days ago. While their score is pretty stable atm, they may still decrease.

 

So here's my ranking again:

 

My Ranking

 

1. The Lying Detective (Season 4)

2. The Reichenbach Fall (Season 2)

3. The Abominable Bride (Special)

4. The Hound of Baskerville (Season 2)

5. The Empty Hearse (Season 3)

6. The Great Game (Season 1)

7. A Study in Pink (Season 1)

8. The Sign of Three (Season 3)

9. A Scandal in Belgravia (Season 2)

10. The Final Problem (Season 4)

11. His Last Vow (Season 3)

12. The Blind Banker (Season 2)

13. The Six Thatchers (Season 4)

 

Well it looks like most of the viewers like A Scandal in Belgravia and The Final Problem a lot more than I did. I liked The Abominable Bride and The Hound of Baskerville more than most people. It also looks like my preferences on the weakest episodes aligns with the majority which makes sense I guess. I'll be really surprised if someone doesn't have The Six Thatchers and The Blind Banker in their bottom two.

[T.o.b.y]

Hmmm... I always have trouble with rankings! I think it's too early to say, really. I didn't much like S3 at first, then I watched it a few times and grew really fond of it. So this may change. But I'll try:

 

1. The Great Game
2. A Study in Pink
3. The Reichenbach Fall
4. The Sign of Three
5. A Scandal in Belgravia
6. His Last Vow
7. The Hounds of Baskerville
8. The Blind Banker
9. The Lying Detective
10. The Abominable Bride
11. The Final Problem
12. The Empty Hearse
13. The Six Thatchers

I used to prefer The Hounds of Baskerville to A Scandal in Belgravia, but since I saw the latter one on a big TV screen, it's been more of a favorite.

This ranking is based on how likely I am to rewatch an episode just for pleasure compared to the others. Can't think of a better method.

[Arcadia]

 

Anyway mind explaining to me why most people don't like The Hound of Baskerville as much as me? The only big flaws I see in it is that the minor characters aren't interesting and Mycroft is barely featured in it. I do think the horror/thrilelr element of it was done pretty well. I think Gatiss is really good at horror/thriller.

 

Well, you may have hit on it right there; I'm not a big horror fan. Quite the opposite, in fact. Not that I really regard THOB as a horror movie, but I think those elements make it less interesting to me. I find the concept a little cheesy. But I don't hate it ... the only episode that I can say I actively dislike is T6T. Hounds and TBB, I merely don't enjoy them as much as the others.

 

With T6T, my biggest problem isn't even with the plot; it's with the way it's filmed. As I've said elsewhere, it looks cheap, like a B-grade movie. The script has a couple really horrible spots in it too, but I think I could overlook those if the show just looked halfway decent. I still find that the weirdest decision of all the ones Moftiss and Co. have made.

 

[Van Buren Supernova]

Chicken. :P

Well played. Well played.

So beside cats and dogs, we are into poultry feud now?

 

 

I still think it's a great episode, though! Okay, maybe I can make you feel better by naming some of the stuff I love?

 

Molly/Sherlock at Christmas and his sincere apology to her - the first time he apologises for being an ass!

 

Sherlock saving Mrs. H - I LOVE how he headbutts the agent and says "moron"!   Just fell in love!

 

One of the funniest scenes ever is this one: "Punch me in the face". "Punch you?" "Yes! Punch me. In the face. Didn't you hear me?" "I always hear 'punch me in the face when you're speaking, but it's usually subtext". :P

 

I could list many more, but I have to work

Oh no worries. I don't feel bad that you have SIB lower (slowly hiding the taser gun).

Ranking is subjective and people relate to different things. I'm just curious. Anyway, yes, those are good scenes.

 

 

@Surelock

You have some good points there, and I love that John sucks at lying to.

Who is Rachel? I don't remember John's girlfriend named Rachel. There was a Sarah.., Janet? Which one is Rachel?

 

Anyway mind explaining to me why most people don't like The Hound of Baskerville as much as me? The only big flaws I see in it is that the minor characters aren't interesting and Mycroft is barely featured in it. I do think the horror/thrilelr element of it was done pretty well. I think Gatiss is really good at horror/thriller.

My top five will be a combination of TRF, SIB, HLV, TGG, one more slot for either TAB, SIP or TLD, I'm not sure yet. TFP may be a contender as well.

But HOB is in my lowest five, together with TBB, T6T, TSOT, TEH and one more, wait, I have mentioned all. Aiz!

 

But I like Hounds more than TBB, T6T or TSOT. Why it's still low, I think it's because the case and supporting casts are less appealing to me, I think the plot of the case is a bit weak especially the way the villain deals with Henry, and I don't really buy that the innkeepers are driving Henry crazy just for monetary reason. I buy that people do that, but not the characters that we saw. I do like John and Sherlock's dynamic, and we see more in Sherlock personality, well if you realize actually at this point or even two points before this I have run out of things that I don't like about Hounds, :P it's just other episodes are better for me so I should stop talking.

[Surelock]

 

@Surelock

You have some good points there, and I love that John sucks at lying to.

Who is Rachel? I don't remember John's girlfriend named Rachel. There was a Sarah.., Janet? Which one is Rachel?

 

Anyway mind explaining to me why most people don't like The Hound of Baskerville as much as me? The only big flaws I see in it is that the minor characters aren't interesting and Mycroft is barely featured in it. I do think the horror/thrilelr element of it was done pretty well. I think Gatiss is really good at horror/thriller.

My top five will be a combination of TRF, SIB, HLV, TGG, one more slot for either TAB, SIP or TLD, I'm not sure yet. TFP may be a contender as well.

But HOB is in my lowest five, together with TBB, T6T, TSOT, TEH and one more, wait, I have mentioned all. Aiz!

 

But I like Hounds more than TBB, T6T or TSOT. Why it's still low, I think it's because the case and supporting casts are less appealing to me, I think the plot of the case is a bit weak especially the way the villain deals with Henry, and I don't really buy that the innkeepers are driving Henry crazy just for monetary reason. I buy that people do that, but not the characters that we saw. I do like John and Sherlock's dynamic, and we see more in Sherlock personality, well if you realize actually at this point or even two points before this I have run out of things that I don't like about Hounds, :P it's just other episodes are better for me so I should stop talking.

 

 

Yeah I meant Sarah; I just got the name mixed up with some character in another show.

 

BTW I don't think the inn keepers were specifically trying to scare Henry. They brought the dog to scare anyone who went into the forest because they wanted to create the illusion of the hound to boost sales.

 

Also I agree the supporting cast was weak in the episode but I thought the horror/thriller element of the episode made up for it. I'm a big horror/thriller fan. However if that doesn't work for you I can see why you won't like the episode as much.

[Carol the Dabbler]

I wasn't a fan of Irene. To me she's just a typical femme fatale character. I never really got what was so great about her. Also the books make her out to be cleverer than Sherlock in some respects but I don't think this adaption captured that well enough.

Agreed.  Plus the original Irene seemed to be a perfectly honorable person, whereas this Irene conspires with Moriarty.  I know a lot of adaptations have done that, but I still don't care for it.

 

How did Irene trick Sherlock into thinking that another lady's corpse was her? I mean Sherlock saw her naked. Irene can't observe information as well as Sherlock can (she admits this when Sherlock asks her to deduce information about the murder at the river).

One of life's little mysteries?  Now that you mention it, your objection kinda reminds me of my problem with Moriarty making little Claudette afraid of Sherlock by sending in a doppelganger to kidnap her -- with my objection being that where one person sees an amazing resemblance, another may see no particular resemblance at all (so how did Moriarty know that Claudette would see what he did?).  For all Irene knew, Sherlock had memorized the convolutions inside her belly button.  (And don't get me started -- again -- on how he could have "observed" her bust measurement that precisely.)

 

Anyway mind explaining to me why most people don't like The Hound of Baskerville as much as me? The only big flaws I see in it is that the minor characters aren't interesting and Mycroft is barely featured in it. I do think the horror/thrilelr element of it was done pretty well. I think Gatiss is really good at horror/thriller.

 

I can't speak for most people, but one reason it bothered me at first is that they never explained how Sherlock knew that the room with the leaky pipes was the key.  Later on, though, someone pointed out that there was a way he *could* have known.  So perhaps he saw but did not observe, then realized afterward that the first time he saw Bob Frankland, he was coming out of that room -- wearing a gas mask.  I wish they'd shortened up the John-as-lab-rat scene (another reason I'm not fond of the episode) in favor of Sherlock mentioning he'd remembered that.  But the mere fact that he may have remembered subconsciously makes that part of the plot plausible for me.  So I no longer actively dislike "Hounds" (though it's still not one of my favorites).

 

This ranking is based on how likely I am to rewatch an episode just for pleasure compared to the others. Can't think of a better method.

 

Neither can I!

[Van Buren Supernova]

BTW I don't think the inn keepers were specifically trying to scare Henry. They brought the dog to scare anyone who went into the forest because they wanted to create the illusion of the hound to boost sales.

Actually it was not the scene I referred to (although why the dog is so murderous anyway, does it have rabies or something? I found it a bit odd because even lone wolf wouldn't go approach a group of human and try to attack them, even pack of wolves wouldn't try that if they are not desperate).

 

I referred to the one on Henry's house when they turn the lights on and off. That is very invasive and cruel, to go into someone house and frighten them, the sort that I wouldn't wince if Henry goes into panic mode and shoot them. I hope I remember correctly that is done by them.

 

Also I agree the supporting cast was weak in the episode but I thought the horror/thriller element of the episode made up for it. I'm a big horror/thriller fan. However if that doesn't work for you I can see why you won't like the episode as much.

I am fine with the horror, not a horror fan but I agree it's good quality, so my problem is not with that. (I remember thinking...wait....this is Sherlock right?? I watched it almost midnight, staying alone in a neighbourhood that consists of empty houses and flickering street light, so yah, I stay away from horror if I could).

 

 

This ranking is based on how likely I am to rewatch an episode just for pleasure compared to the others. Can't think of a better method.

 

Neither can I!

Whuat???? Nooooooo!

In that case I have to put TRF last, but it's my favorite episode. I already bump SIB because it's always fun to watch SIB while I'm dreading TRF.

TRF is very very special and original number one to me.

 

So, nahhhhh. :p

Not listening to you two..nyah nyah nyah.

[Arcadia]

 

BTW I don't think the inn keepers were specifically trying to scare Henry. They brought the dog to scare anyone who went into the forest because they wanted to create the illusion of the hound to boost sales.

Actually it was not the scene I referred to (although why the dog is so murderous anyway, does it have rabies or something? I found it a bit odd because even lone wolf wouldn't go approach a group of human and try to attack them, even pack of wolves wouldn't try that if they are not desperate).

 

I referred to the one on Henry's house when they turn the lights on and off. That is very invasive and cruel, to go into someone house and frighten them, the sort that I wouldn't wince if Henry goes into panic mode and shoot them. I hope I remember correctly that is done by them.

 

Actually, I don't think they ever said for sure who did that. But I always thought it was Frankland, because he was the one who was trying to drive Henry crazy. Surelock's right, the innkeepers weren't after Henry, they were just trying to drum up business.

[Carol the Dabbler]

So, VBS, what is your method, then? How *do* you personally decide how to rank the episodes?

[sherlockandjohn]

:D I don't necessarily rank by enjoyment either, but I actually do enjoy TRF for the sheer brilliance of it. TLD, however... One of my faves, but it's still pretty painful to watch parts of it. But that's also what I love; it has emotional depth. I guess you could say I rank by "enjoyment", or by affection for an episode.

 

On closer consideration I am modifying my ranking:

 

1. The Reichenbach Fall

2. The Lying Detective

3. A Study in Pink

4. The Final Problem

5. The Empty Hearse

6. The Sign of Three

7. The Great Game

8. The Hounds of Baskerville

9. A Scandal in Belgravia

10. The Abominable Bride

11. His Last Vow

12. The Six Thatchers

13. The Blind Banker

[Arcadia]

Oh, poor old Blind Banker!

[Van Buren Supernova]

1. The Reichenbach Fall

2. The Lying Detective

3. A Study in Pink

4. The Final Problem

5. The Empty Hearse

6. The Sign of Three

7. The Great Game

8. The Hounds of Baskerville

9. A Scandal in Belgravia

10. The Abominable Bride

11. His Last Vow

12. The Six Thatchers

13. The Blind Banker

 

 

Eh...! Another one who puts Scandal pretty low. What is your reas... eh.

Oh wait, It's you again. :p

Okay.. you may pass

.. grmbl.. (hide taser gun)

 

 

So, VBS, what is your method, then? How *do* you personally decide how to rank the episodes?

 

Not sure I have a method, normally I rank it by the after effect. Which one impacts me more after I watch it.

TRF, obviously, I was almost physically impaired after watching it, and dumbfounded with too much feels which was very unfamiliar. It was way past midnight I believe and the whole day in office I couldn't stop thinking about it. SIB and HLV also gave me, what just happened? There are a lot of things to think about, SIB was the first time I thought this feels like a movie, it actually has a very complete story for a TV episodes. TGG gives me good run, mainly because I'm into the cases, whether I pick on them or not, but as long as it gets me curious to find out and read about them, it stays.

 

I watched SIP after delaying that 'just another Holmes adaptation' for a long time, just to knock me off to sleep, 5 minutes before I supposed to go to bed, on the contrary it made me wide awake "This is pretty good. I like the story telling style, deductions, the chemistry of these guys (that weird looking bloke who play Sherlock has quite a voice that makes up to his look --> fast forward few more episodes: hooba hooba :p). I didn't remember anything whatsoever about Sherlock Holmes so it says a lot that I like them (oh I watch first RDJ's and nah.. forgot about it the minute I walked out from theatre)

 

So I'm not sure what is my method, the first 3 seasons were definitely my most unbiased honest opinion about them. I knew nothing and no one. S4, I'm already here, I'm already spending almost 2 years in hiatus talking about him, that's why I'm still unsure. While I probably have it high, I'm not sure TLD is as rewatchable as my other top 4. TFP climbs and although General Shan still ruins it all, I find I appreciate TBB more than T6T, mainly because there are potentials to do T6T so much better, while TBB is done under various circumstances that makes it the way it is, like too many expositions by Sherlock, mainly because the creators didn't have concrete idea how 'smart' is the audience yet.

 

I... don't think I answer your question.. ? :O

 

 

 

[Arcadia]

So I came up with a way to help me sort them out; I used my old faithful "if I were stuck on a desert island and could have only one thing" trick. In this case, it works more like this: if I could only watch one episode the rest of my life, which one would it be? And if there was one episode I would have to go without ever seeing again, which one would that be?
 
Looked at it that way, I actually think my top one would have to be ... ta da! ...

 

TRF, because to me that episode contains the most essence of the whole series; the modern redressing of the old story; the twists; the humor; John's heart; Sherlock's brain; Sherlock's heart ... and of course, Moriarty. So even though I really can't say it's my "favorite" episode, I think it's still the one I would want to remember the series by ... if I couldn't have anything else.
 
Then if I were allowed to have a few more, and not just one ... I can't put them in any particular order, but I think they would be SiP, TGG, SiB, TSo3, HLV, and TLD. HLV may have the edge here, because it was such an intense experience for me. And that mind palace sequence is just one of the best things ever.

 

I'd like to include TAB in this group, because I think it's brilliant; another one that I appreciate more every time I see it. But since it doesn't really advance the overall story, if I had to leave one of these out, TAB would be it.
 
The bottom is the same as before; I could definitely do without T6T, and it wouldn't kill me to lose TBB or Hounds.
 
So floating somewhere in limbo, we're left with TEH, maybe TAB, and TFP. And TFP is working its way up.
 
So, we're not left with a nice neat list. This is exactly the kind of thing I mean when I say my friends think I have a weird way of thinking about things. Yeah yeah, so sue me. :P

[Carol the Dabbler]

I think you did answer my question, Van Buren. It's just that my method is closer to Arcadia's, or rather it's more or less a cross between hers and Tobe's. So of course you disagree with me too!

 

It's all fine. ;) I was just curious.

[Carol the Dabbler]

I think my method is basically this: if they were running an old Sherlock episode every Saturday night, which ones would I most likely stay up and watch, and which might I skip in favor of a nice soak in the bathtub? (Bearing in mind of course that we have them all on DVD, so a weekly broadcast would be just a bonus.)

[Arcadia]

I just realized that when I did my rewatch before S4 started, I forgot to watch TAB. Didn't even notice until now. Huh.

[Van Buren Supernova]

Actually, I don't think they ever said for sure who did that. But I always thought it was Frankland, because he was the one who was trying to drive Henry crazy. Surelock's right, the innkeepers weren't after Henry, they were just trying to drum up business.

 

I missed this one.

 

I thought it was done by them because Sherlock was criticizing them for driving Henry crazy after that, so I thought it was something that specifically targeted at him. But I think you are right, there is no indication that Henry told Sherlock about that on screen, and something like that should have at least get them a warning or something?

Also, they seem to be very nice people, so I'll buy yours, although I have a lot of problem with Frankland character too, but it makes more sense.

 

 

So I came up with a way to help me sort them out; I used my old faithful "if I were stuck on a desert island and could have only one thing" trick.

One thing? Well, that is not gonna work. You can't even play whatever episode you bring! :p

 

Anyway, even if you have the equipment, I would try to dismantle them first to make it into some signalling device for SOS, before I settle down at my coconut husk sofa to enjoy an episode and found out there is no electricity to plug.

 

Alright. Alright. That's not what you mean. XD

 

In this case, it works more like this: if I could only watch one episode the rest of my life, which one would it be? And if there was one episode I would have to go without ever seeing again, which one would that be?

Are we still in deserted island? Because if we do, there is no way I'm bringing Hound. Murderous dog is probably not very fictional out there. TAB would be scary as well, but at that point, that very far point , I would probably welcome any 'human look alike' interaction.

 

Okay..okay. It seems like I really suck at your game. :p

So no deserted island, just choices then.

 

Still SIB. Enjoyable at all time, Sherlock John Mycroft Mrs.Hudson chemistry at their best. Even Lestrade and Molly.

TRF is my real favorite, but I don't want to be depressed forever.

The one to throw away (you are mean, this is difficult choice. How could you)..gahhh.. TBB or T6T? I choose the enigmatic, resourceful and late detective to stay. T6T goes.

[Arcadia]

 

So I came up with a way to help me sort them out; I used my old faithful "if I were stuck on a desert island and could have only one thing" trick.

One thing? Well, that is not gonna work. You can't even play whatever episode you bring! :P

 

Anyway, even if you have the equipment, I would try to dismantle them first to make it into some signalling device for SOS, before I settle down at my coconut husk sofa to enjoy an episode and found out there is no electricity to plug.

 

Alright. Alright. That's not what you mean. XD

 

[Van Buren Supernova]

Good God.

And you are the biggest opposer of Magnussen shooting.

Great, now I have to go around gather my bits.

 

 

P.S: Just notice SherlockandJohn's signature. Nice, but I can't place where it comes from?

P.P.S: Why opposer is not a proper word? I use it anyway as I can't think of other words now.

[Carol the Dabbler]

I think S&J's signature is from one of the S4 episodes, but can't offhand place it any more specifically than that.

 

I guess "opposer" isn't a word because "opponent" is? Of course anyone who knows English would understand "opposer" regardless.

[Arcadia]

Yes, it is and I'm not being more specific than that just in case, so there. Do I have to go and nuke all of s&j's posts now?

[Van Buren Supernova]

Geez. Stay out of that, I like it!

[Arcadia]

Bwahahahahaa......

[Artemis]

I like most of the episodes almost equally for different reasons, so this ranking is tenuous.  But if I had to...

1. The Reichenbach Fall
2. The Great Game
3. The Empty Hearse
4. A Study in Pink
5. The Lying Detective
6. A Scandal in Belgravia
7. His Last Vow
8. The Sign of Three
9. The Hounds of Baskerville
10. The Blind Baker
11. The Final Problem
12. The Six Thatchers
13. The Abominable Bride

1-5 are all very close.  6-9 and 13 as well, but they're episodes that I tend to watch more for their atmospheric qualities: A Scandal in Belgravia when I want something Christmasy, The Hounds of Baskerville when I want something naturey, The Sign of Three when I want something light, His Last Vow when I want something dark, and The Abominable Bride when I want something Gothic.  I only put The Abominable Bride at the bottom of my list because I wasn't quite sure where I thought it belonged.  Possibly under The Blind Baker, but I really can't decide.  It feels out of place wherever I rank it.

 

 

Also, all of this:

 

One of the problems for me with ranking the episodes is that I feel I'm not doing justice to the episodes at the bottom of the list. So, instead I've decided to write down how I feel about each episode. Keep in mind that this is after I've watched them all numerous times, so this is not my initial impression.

 

In no particular order:

 

The Great Game - Too many cases make it feel less dramatic than the episodes with one big case. However, it has a riveting theme of antiheroism, a clash of ideals, and some powerful friendship scenes.

 

His Last Vow - Probably the most dramatic episode, or at least the most shocking. Lots of poignant moments. However, Mary shooting Sherlock is just... so painful and hard to accept.

 

The Empty Hearse - Love how it focuses on Sherlock and John's reunion, and the restaurant scene is probably my favorite of all. A deeply moving episode, and, amazingly, very funny at the same time. However, there are several more aspects of the reunion I wish it could have dealt with. There's not enough casework. Also, it makes me doubt some stuff in The Reichenbach Fall.

 

A Study in Pink - So, so brilliant that I don't know where to begin! Very sharp dialogue and witty one-liners. The introduction to each character works beautifully. The beginning of the friendship between Sherlock and John feels like pure magic. Great case, too. Everything works in this episode!

 

Hounds of Baskerville - An enchanting episode with a mysterious and adventurous feel to it. Love the casework, the humor, the friendship scenes, John and Sherlock's argument, and how Sherlock saves Henry. But it's fairly simple in plot and in character arc compared to several other episodes.

 

A Scandal in Belgravia - Brilliant and multi-layered portrayal of Sherlock's character. Don't particularly like Irene Adler's personality, but she serves a good purpose in challenging Sherlock and bringing out his humanity. Excellent portrayal of Sherlock and Mycroft's relationship. Many poignant scenes, and some of the funniest moments. A very clever episode.

 

The Blind Banker - I pretty much like everything; the dramatic case, the friendship, the humor. Sarah. I love how she doesn't get all "girly" and runs off, when John and Sherlock take on the Chinese smugglers' ring, but instead joins in the fight. There's little character development, though, and for that it feels slightly weak.

 

The Reichenbach Fall - Such a dramatic build-up of an incredible hero vs. villain story. John and Sherlock's friendship is tested. It really affects me to see Sherlock get cornered, and then to have John stand by Sherlock's side. Very moving. Finally, an amazing cliffhanger. Love everything about this episode.

 

The Sign of Three - I see this as a tribute to John and Sherlock's friendship. It's very heartwarming, funny, and a bit sad, too. I would have liked not to have all of the episode revolve around the wedding, but that's a minor detail.