Episode 4.0: The Abominable Bride (alias The Special)

[bedelia1984]

Guys I love this painting - http://i.imgur.com/USEtin0.jpgCan someone give me more info of it ?

 

 

According to deceptology.com it's a famous optical illusion from 1892, by Charles Allan Gilbert, who created it aged just 18.

 

It doesn't worry me too much, because the story is centred round the Sherlock-John relationship and I wouldn't want that to change. Moftiss really are on shaky ground, though, with their female characters. Loved Molly in drag, though.

 

Speaking of the waterfall, I enjoyed the way that the uber-posh Holmes admired his enemy's brain but added that, when it came to fighting on the edge of a precipice, " you're going into the water, short-arse."

 

I have such mixed feelings on the female characters, because with Molly I think they usually do so well- and I loved the drag thing too. I also really like Mrs. Hudson. I think you could be right that Moffat was likely tackling the misogyny accusations which have been levelled against him- but was he answering a question better directed at his other show maybe? Though it also makes sense for Sherlock to question his own treatment of women, because it hasn't always been stellar, and I like the idea of him examining that.

 

I thought the John/ Sherlock talk scene did it much better (in terms of talking about Sherlock's feelings and women, albeit only Adler), whereas in the one where he was surrounded by accusatory women, it reminded me a bit of the courtroom scene from TSOT. It's funny, because ACD's version of Sherlock had a mostly female- free existence, but our Sherlock seems to increasingly imagine himself surrounded by women. I think it's arguably one way that our version of Sherlock surpasses the original (any blips in the special withstanding)- we have a slightly more rounded sense of Sherlock's world, in the sense that we see more developed relationships with women as well as men.

 

About Sherlock admiring Moriarty's brain, to me that felt partially like self-admiration (after all, our current version on moriarty is exclusively Sherlock's interpretation). And I also loved the bit that came next, his dig was hilarious. I always get a sense that Cumberbatch and Scott are having so much fun with their scenes.

[sfmpco]

The Suffragettes damaged property but I can't think of any incident where they attacked people. (Incidentally, there is evidence which seems to indicate quite clearly that Emily Wilding Davison, who was trampled by the King's horse, was trying to attach the Suffragette colours to its bridle, not committing suicide.) I assume that the pointy-hooded ladies weren't supposed to be Suffragettes - that was Mary's role - but had decided on direct violent action against abusive men. In a weird way, I suppose the episode could be Moffat's attempt to answer the accusations of misogyny which have been levelled against his creation of female characters. We have Mycroft's saying, in effect, that women are right in their struggle against patriarchy, and Sherlock explaining women's rights to John (and a roomful of women.) On the other hand, we still have the idea that women are deceptive and violent (like Mary and, to a lesser degree, Irene.) However, it all becomes a bit irrelevant when you realise that the Bride is Moriarty and it's all about a power struggle between two men or, considering John's role in the scene of the waterfall, about the bond between two men. Basically, we women are still just bystanders, like poor Mrs Hudson and her lack of lines.

 

It doesn't worry me too much, because the story is centred round the Sherlock-John relationship and I wouldn't want that to change. Moftiss really are on shaky ground, though, with their female characters. Loved Molly in drag, though.

 

Speaking of the waterfall, I enjoyed the way that the uber-posh Holmes admired his enemy's brain but added that, when it came to fighting on the edge of a precipice, " you're going into the water, short-arse."

 

Actually there is a case where they attacked the Prime Minister and put broken glass down his shirt.  However, the English police were notoriously brutal to the suffragettes, treating them as less than human and at times beating them in public and even raping them.  I want to say it was 1910 or 1911 when there was a "Black Friday" such incident.

[Arcadia]

I could not get to sleep last night because this show was whirling around in my head so much. Dang you, Moftiss, what have you done to me!

 

I simply have to see it again before I can even say anything intelligible about it. There was so much I missed.

 

But I loved how they brought in Molly's character, and it was interesting, her seeming antagonism towards Sherlock.

 

And I'm with Schlauer Fuchs; I enjoyed but wasn't wild about the Victorian setting, but when the modern era burst in, the whole show suddenly worked for me. I loved, loved, loved that the whole thing tied in with the S3 storyline after all, whether it makes sense or not! And I have a feeling it will, once I have a chance to see it again and digest the whole thing.

[Van Buren Supernova]

For me, I really think Sherlock OD only after he found out about Moriarty, after Mycroft phoned him, not before, because that moment he really needs is to understand the possibility that he is alive. Like HOB, it is impossible, doesn't make sense, and he is driven to frustation to try to convince himself, and at the end, he concludes it. It doesn't ruin tarmac scene because I believe the timing is after.

 

On the reality, I believe the writers were trying to tell us,"Yes we agree and decide there is no more fake death. This time Moriarty is really dead. But he is back in different form because he is always there. Who brings the idea of him back? They don't have any concrete ideas yet but they are working on it."

 

One thing for sure, Moriarty always exists in Sherlock's Mind Palace. So does Mycroft, Irene and Molly.

 

Moriarty represent the darker side of himself; what he could be from the other side, and his doubt, inability, pain and fear, uncertainty and frustation.

 

Irene and Molly represent what he could be but choose (trying) not to. It could be a nice idea in his head that he is somewhat capable of having some feelings and being loved.

 

Mycroft represents his past. His inner torture that he doesn't always excel in what he does. And insecurity that there is always someone smarter and better than him. It could always be Mycroft, or others.

 

And John. John is his new realization, that he is someone he can count on, to be there for him and to slap him some reality by not always listening to him. Someone that gives him an edge to defeat Moriarty. It has been all along, we know it, but I think it's the first time he really counts on him and listening to him, which is a big leap.

Alone might not always protects him anymore. I believe that's what he sees here.

 

P.S: everyone must catch it? Ricoletti is a Scotland Yard case solved by hat detective boffin in TRF. Fitting. But I suspect they just like the sounds of Ricoletti spoken by Greg. I know I do. XD

[Arcadia]

From Sherlockology:
 

11 months ago we visited the set of Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, interviewed Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Amanda Abbington, Una Stubbs, Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat, Arwel Jones and Sarah Arthur; and toured the new 221B.
And we saw… things. Things that we had to keep quiet about.
Read our full report, but only if you’ve seen the episode!

[Arcadia]

Sherlockology's review ...

 

 

 

Hot off the press! Our spoiler-free review of Sherlock: The Abominable Bride is here!

[coudvent]

10 FACT THAT PROVE THE MORIARTY'S TWINS THEORY. 

 

1. Sherlock is confused about the return of Moriarty. Why? He knows that Moriarty really dies in front of him, Sherlock saw it, no doubt. So why? I'm not sure about it, but I think that Sherlock "feels" that Moriarty is really (with a body & all the living stuff) back. The serie has shown us that they knew each other enough to predict their doings.

 

2. So why make a bridge beetween Moriarty's back and the bride's case? Well because, at the end, the options beetween the suspects are the same: two poeple not twins / twins / a ghost

 

3. When Watson says that it could be a "secret twins" Sherlock says no because "It's never twins" FULL IMPORTANT!!!! When he says that, he also confess that it would be the only way to trick him. And not because he's not smart enough, but because he never conceived that option. A case with twins will be the only case that he'll never resolve because of his pride. And Moriarty knows his pride is his weakness.

 

4. When Sherlock looks after the second body...... Why? What answers could bring the corpse of the second woman? It's not like Sherlock would begin to believe in ghost if he doesn't find it. That search brings nothing EXCEPT the answer at the question "are there twins or not?". 

 

5. Sherlock says that if twins would do that, they should be thinking about it since years to be sure that no one knows about them... Well I know someone enoug crazy to do that...

 

6. A significant difference beetween the options "not twins" & "twins" are the number of bodies: not twins: 2 / twins: 1. Sherlock never find a second corpse for the bride.

 

7. Watson is the one who brought the twins theory. If we concider that Sherlock beleive the twinf theory from Watson, we can see the final act with Moriarty with a new way of seeing things. Like the fact that he thanks Watson, not for his help with the fight, but for his theory. It could also be the real reason he tell him that he's very smart. He also let Watson push Moriarty from the cliff and Watson says "It's my turn". All those sentence could have two meaning.

 

8. Twins resolve the fact that Moriarty is dead & back: one is dead, one is back. 

 

9. Because when you have eliminated all wich is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth

 

10. This reason works more on the "series aspect" but we know that when a serie try to make us think something, it's probably not that. And that episode try to make us eat Moriarty's death so...

 

Voilà, so yes I enjoy this episode and I hope that it will continue this way. Moffat you did a great job. Follow this way and brind us that bitch back, we miss him.

 

 

 

 

[sfmpco]

I could not get to sleep last night because this show was whirling around in my head so much. Dang you, Moftiss, what have you done to me!

 

I simply have to see it again before I can even say anything intelligible about it. There was so much I missed.

 

 

I was the same... had to get up and start writing down my thoughts on it.  Not so much my personal thoughts.  I'm not interested in reviewing it, but so many things came to mind that I had to start writing them down before I forgot them.  I am now going through it line by line.

[sfmpco]

Baker Street Babes had a pretty spot-on analysis of the episode.

 

http://bakerstreetbabes.com/review-the-abominable-bride/

[sfmpco]

My only real pet peeve with the episode was that it was not in fact a stand-alone episode.  Now, before I go further I should say that I also love the fact that it is totally connected to the overall arch of all the stories.  

 

However!!!  I had hoped to get some new people interested in the series and had said it was in its own little bubble and all Victorian and that they should try it out.  Needless to say, that wasn't true.  Then again, I'm not sure anyone watched it that i recommended it to.

[sfmpco]

Outtake from behind the scenes of "You'll do."

 

http://duskybatfishgirl.tumblr.com/post/136481511216/whenisayrunrun-sherlock-behind-the-scenes

[J.P.]

This review is very nice. It finally brought some order to my thoughts

https://girlmeetssherlock.wordpress.com/2016/01/02/review-the-abominable-bride/

[T.o.b.y]

I think it is the tall pointed hats that are making people compare to the KKK.

 

Well, the problem is that the story links the group and the murder of Mr... what was his name? (I only saw the episode once in bad quality, forgive me) to the case of The Five Orange Pips from the Doyle canon. And there, in the original story, the victim is being targeted by the KKK. So of course that's the first thing people with knowledge of the original will think of when they see the costumes. It's pretty bad, I must say. I so wish they had done this differently.

 

Funny, your reasons why it could all be John's version is the reason why I'd say it's Sherlock's. I think that is just the way Sherlock thinks of John and Mary, not the way John thinks of himself. That's what I love about this show, it's so complex and there is never the one correct version of interpreting things.

 

Nope, they require you to think. Very fitting for a detective show that celebrates intelligence.

 

I loved the contrast between Victorian / Mind Palace John and the "real" John we saw during the brief clips on the airplane. Although we have seen John be kind of gruff and prickly (and more than a tad chauvinistic) before when Sherlock wasn't even around, so we know there is that side to him.

 

The Suffragettes damaged property but I can't think of any incident where they attacked people. (Incidentally, there is evidence which seems to indicate quite clearly that Emily Wilding Davison, who was trampled by the King's horse, was trying to attach the Suffragette colours to its bridle, not committing suicide.) I assume that the pointy-hooded ladies weren't supposed to be Suffragettes - that was Mary's role - but had decided on direct violent action against abusive men. In a weird way, I suppose the episode could be Moffat's attempt to answer the accusations of misogyny which have been levelled against his creation of female characters. We have Mycroft's saying, in effect, that women are right in their struggle against patriarchy, and Sherlock explaining women's rights to John (and a roomful of women.) On the other hand, we still have the idea that women are deceptive and violent (like Mary and, to a lesser degree, Irene.) However, it all becomes a bit irrelevant when you realise that the Bride is Moriarty and it's all about a power struggle between two men or, considering John's role in the scene of the waterfall, about the bond between two men. Basically, we women are still just bystanders, like poor Mrs Hudson and her lack of lines.

 

It doesn't worry me too much, because the story is centred round the Sherlock-John relationship and I wouldn't want that to change. Moftiss really are on shaky ground, though, with their female characters.

 

Yeah, when I realized they were going to tackle feminism in the Special, I went oh no - boys, you'd have better left well enough alone. This is really, really really not your area, and it sure isn't Sherlock's either. I am surprised the women on the production team let them get away with the script. But oh well. I am not seriously angry, and not all that offended, either. I feel more like Mrs Hudson watching John make a proper mess of a date and shaking her head and clucking "that really wasn't very good, was it." :lol:

 

I don't look to Sherlock for feminist inspiration, and I much prefer to think of everything that happens in the Victorian setting as scenes that play inside Sherlock's mind palace and to try and deduce what they tell us about Sherlock rather than what they might have to do with anything in the real world. That's much more fun, more productive, and better for my happiness.

 

The story of Sherlock Holmes has always been the story of a man, or of two men, if you will. It was written at a time where you couldn't have sold a book with women in those roles, but for me, it has never been very important whether Holmes and Watson are guys or gals. They are remarkable characters and I identify with them and their bond. I am perfectly content with the series just being about them as well, I don't see the need for "bigger" issues being dragged into it.

 

I have such mixed feelings on the female characters, because with Molly I think they usually do so well- and I loved the drag thing too. I also really like Mrs. Hudson. I think you could be right that Moffat was likely tackling the misogyny accusations which have been levelled against him- but was he answering a question better directed at his other show maybe? Though it also makes sense for Sherlock to question his own treatment of women, because it hasn't always been stellar, and I like the idea of him examining that.

 

Yes, I think it is much more interesting to consider what the Special tells us about Sherlock and women than about women in Victorian times or women in general or feminism. And from that angle, Sherlock and his attitude towards women in general and specific women in his life, there really is a lot to work with and a lot of fun to be had.

 

First of all, Mary. The Special does tie in to the series, and remember, it takes place right after His Last Vow, where Sherlock was fatally wounded because he underestimated Mary. And why did he underestimate Mary? Because she is a woman. It's that simple, she's a woman and she is John's wife. Neither he nor John really considered her outside that role. Their attitude towards her was pretty chauvinistic and pretty 1800s, and it backfired - hard. If this mistake had not been made, Sherlock probably wouldn't be on that plane and heavily drugged in the first place. So of course his mind is running on the subject, and it's actually no surprise in this context that his mind palace is populated by angry, underestimated, disregarded and ultimately dangerous and murderous women - like Mary.

 

Then, the title of the episode. There was a scene where Holmes and Watson (who are both Sherlock, remember, because it takes place inside Sherlock's mind, at least if we use the theory that the Victorian scenes are all mind palace scenes and "reality" is in the 21st century) discuss what the new case will be called in The Strand. They discard several suggestions that allude to the whole group of women and their secret society and instead decide on "The Abominable Bride". One woman. One bride. Again, the last bride that was important in Sherlock's life was Mary, and she shot him. My theory is that she morphed into Emilia Ricoletti in his mind, and he's justifying her actions the way he justified Mary's. "I was wrong and she was right. It was a battle that I had to lose. So it's okay that she shot me."

 

Then, there's Janine. Sherlock's conscience is giving him trouble because of what he did to her. And there's Molly, and there are probably plenty of other women in the past whom Sherlock has just brushed aside because god forbid he fall in love or have sex or something horrible like that. He's beginning to examine his attitude towards women and sees a potential army of avenging furies. That doesn't mean he understands women or knows shit about feminism. It's just really funny and very Sherlock, and I am afraid it's the best he (or the guys who write him... ;)) can do. I am willing to pat him on the curls, give him a biscuit and say: "That's nice, dear. Thank you for trying. Have some more tea. Please don't shoot at my walls again. Now, if you think you could solve this case of mine..."

 

Oh, Molly by the way. I laughed so hard when I saw her dressed up as a guy and Holmes not getting it while Watson immediately realizes what is up. That so illustrates Sherlock's past with Molly. He likes her, he respects her, in his eyes she's a lot more badass than in ours or the world's in general. But he just doesn't see her as a woman. For all he cares, she might as well be a man, because he's not romantically interested in her or attracted to her. Or so he thinks... Because Victorian Watson is the part of him that does notice and that does know there's probably a spark of interest on both sides.

 

I found it very interesting that Victorian May was working for Mycroft, and during those scenes on the plane that probably weren't real either, they were chatting about MI5. So Sherlock probably thinks (or knows?) that Mary is one of Mycroft's agents or that he at least knows her past and has worked with her before. This would explain why Mycroft didn't seem to bother much about her or do any research. I would have liked it better if she had had him fooled as well, but I guess you just can't fool Mycroft.

 

Mary and John's relationship in the Victorian world was quite a caricature of their real one. I think Sherlock's analysis is pretty accurate there. And pretty funny, too.

 

 

10 FACT THAT PROVE THE MORIARTY'S TWINS THEORY. 

 

Nice thinking, but I do hope you are wrong. I hate the "twins" explanation, it would be so terribly cheesy. I was so happy when Holmes roared "it is never twins!"

 

My only real pet peeve with the episode was that it was not in fact a stand-alone episode.  Now, before I go further I should say that I also love the fact that it is totally connected to the overall arch of all the stories.  

 

However!!!  I had hoped to get some new people interested in the series and had said it was in its own little bubble and all Victorian and that they should try it out.  Needless to say, that wasn't true.  Then again, I'm not sure anyone watched it that i recommended it to.

 

Yeah, I doubt anyone who had not seen the series could make much sense of it... I still say, if you want to get someone new interested, show them A Study in Pink. That's the one that works best on its own.

[Arcadia]

The more I read these reviews the more I love the episode. The best ones confirm the therory I finally latched onto after wrestling with the confusion caused by HLV -- the theory that Moffat in particular has been playing with impressionism, starting with Scandal in Belgravia, and he's pretty darned good at it, (A good explanation of impressionistic writing is here.)

 

Those who want the show to remain in the "Study in Pink" crime-solving format are going to be disappointed, I'm afraid, but those who are open to experimentation and interested in experiences more than facts may be in for one wild ride in S4. We'll see, I suppose. I don't recall ever seeing anything like this on TV before, it's a huge risk. Personally I love it (so far) but I can see where it could simply get too far up its own arse to be fun anymore. (Max Headroom, anyone?) Not yet, though; not yet.

[T.o.b.y]

Just quoting this to make sure it gets seen:

 

Should we put certain comments in spoiler boxes, or will that be unnecessary in this thread?

 

 

Moderator Comment:

Assuming that your spoiler pertains to "The Abominable Bride," then no, there is no need to use a spoiler box in this thread.  (Tim has reversed his initial decision.

 

Just please remember, until further notice, not to post any TAB spoilers in non-spoiler threads, regardless of whether you use a spoiler box or not.  Any such posts will be removed by the staff.

 

[Arcadia]

Oh, Molly by the way. I laughed so hard when I saw her dressed up as a guy and Holmes not getting it while Watson immediately realizes what is up. That so illustrates Sherlock's past with Molly. He likes her, he respects her, in his eyes she's a lot more badass than in ours or the world's in general. But he just doesn't see her as a woman. For all he cares, she might as well be a man, because he's not romantically interested in her or attracted to her. Or so he thinks... Because Victorian Watson is the part of him that does notice and that does know there's probably a spark of interest on both sides.

I've frequently said that I'd like to see Molly and Sherlock become friends, and this is part of what I mean by that ... for him to acknowledge that she's a woman and that there's nothing scary or icky or silly about that. Because the Special hasn't changed my mind about Sherlock's attitude towards women ... I still think he thinks they are all those things, and I'd like to see him outgrow that.

 

I also loved what this episode did for Loo as an actress -- it gave her a chance to show some range. I thought it was quite brilliant (and it took me a moment to realize what was going on) and it's easily one of my favorite things they've done with her.

 

 

My only real pet peeve with the episode was that it was not in fact a stand-alone episode.  Now, before I go further I should say that I also love the fact that it is totally connected to the overall arch of all the stories.  

 

However!!!  I had hoped to get some new people interested in the series and had said it was in its own little bubble and all Victorian and that they should try it out.  Needless to say, that wasn't true.  Then again, I'm not sure anyone watched it that i recommended it to.

 

Yeah, I doubt anyone who had not seen the series could make much sense of it... I still say, if you want to get someone new interested, show them A Study in Pink. That's the one that works best on its own.

 

Yeah, I was going to invite some friends to go see it in the theater with me, but now that I've seen it I've changed my mind about that. I think you have to be familiar with, and like, the previous episodes, in order to appreciate TAB. That's okay; they might talk. :D

[writingrav]

I'll just throw in that I for one thought it was brilliantly conceived and executed.

[bedelia1984]

 

I've frequently said that I'd like to see Molly and Sherlock become friends, and this is part of what I mean by that ... for him to acknowledge that she's a woman and that there's nothing scary or icky or silly about that. Because the Special hasn't changed my mind about Sherlock's attitude towards women ... I still think he thinks they are all those things, and I'd like to see him outgrow that.

 

I also loved what this episode did for Loo as an actress -- it gave her a chance to show some range. I thought it was quite brilliant (and it took me a moment to realize what was going on) and it's easily one of my favorite things they've done with her.

 

 

 

I just loved that moment when she appeared in the cinema because I feel like there was this collective double take as everyone realised that it was Molly. This is just it though- they said everything they needed to say about how difficult it was for women then and how difficult it is for women in Sherlock's life, just through what they did there, and I don't think they even realised how good it was (or they wouldn't have felt the need to belabour the point with the feminists later). 

 

 

 

Oh, Molly by the way. I laughed so hard when I saw her dressed up as a guy and Holmes not getting it while Watson immediately realizes what is up. That so illustrates Sherlock's past with Molly. He likes her, he respects her, in his eyes she's a lot more badass than in ours or the world's in general. But he just doesn't see her as a woman. For all he cares, she might as well be a man, because he's not romantically interested in her or attracted to her. Or so he thinks... Because Victorian Watson is the part of him that does notice and that does know there's probably a spark of interest on both sides.

 

I found it very interesting that Victorian May was working for Mycroft, and during those scenes on the plane that probably weren't real either, they were chatting about MI5. So Sherlock probably thinks (or knows?) that Mary is one of Mycroft's agents or that he at least knows her past and has worked with her before. This would explain why Mycroft didn't seem to bother much about her or do any research. I would have liked it better if she had had him fooled as well, but I guess you just can't fool Mycroft.

 

 

 

 I liked to read your thoughts on all the women and I agree with a lot of them (I loved the 'nurse' exchange between Mary and Sherlock, again, there is his attitude debunked in a nutshell). For me, the way Sherlock sees Molly as a man, but his version of Watson notices, implied that Sherlock actively doesn't want to see her that way, even though it should be/is obvious.

 

About your Mary theory: possible backstory, Mycroft sent her to keep an eye on John in Sherlock's absence and in the process they fell in love? Someone has probably already written that fanfic!

 

 

 

 

 

But I loved how they brought in Molly's character, and it was interesting, her seeming antagonism towards Sherlock.

 

And I'm with Schlauer Fuchs; I enjoyed but wasn't wild about the Victorian setting, but when the modern era burst in, the whole show suddenly worked for me. I loved, loved, loved that the whole thing tied in with the S3 storyline after all, whether it makes sense or not! And I have a feeling it will, once I have a chance to see it again and digest the whole thing.

 

I thought what was really interesting about the antagonism was that it went so enthusiastically both ways- the lack of the first name basis seemed devised by Sherlock to create even more distance between them. Maybe on some level it is the guilt that Molly went to a lot of effort to save him and now he's continuing to place his life in jeopardy with the drugs? A reflection of his anger towards himself?

 

And the moment where the modern era broke in was another one that was great in the cinema, there was just that feeling of finally coming home, I suppose. Though it also reminds me how much I miss the actual show, as good as the Special was in its own way.

[BlackButterfly]

I saw it on Friday at the cinema and then again last night on Three.

I loved it and thought it was hilarious and genius. I think most everyone at the cinema event ended up in the pub after talking it all out and getting drunk...it was just an awesome experience. Everyone there seemed very pleased and positive.

Gives me hope for S04 as I was a bit meh with SO3.

 

People did seem a little confused as to when Sherlock actually woke up from the mp ,but we concluded the first linked into the second and both were obviously so ridiculous , Mycrofts sentiment , super clever Mary , John storming off , and the skeleton bride rising...that the only actual non MP scene was the final wake up.

 

Looking forward to reading everyone's comments and interpretations !

[BlackButterfly]

@the comment on Mary and Mycroft.

My take was that Sherlock imagined a victorian Mycroft wouldn't be fooled into thinking women suitable for only domestic roles , like John , but would probably make use of them I.e to spy on Sherlock . I think the attitude /hints about MI5 Mary and Mycroft make Sherlock seem a bit bitter that either Mycroft did know and didn't tell him , or bitter that MI5/Mycroft were useless and didn't know.

Cleverly remaing ambiguous and also addressing our own thoughts and suspicions here.

[BlackButterfly]

@my take on the Moriarty is that like the bride the Moriarty that shot himself in the head is dead , but that like the bride , Moriarty set it up in such a notorious and public way so that somebody else could use his name and reputation and become the next Moriarty / napoleon of crime .Also back in TGG and TRF the were clues that Moriarty was, like the bride , dieing anyway . Moriarty now seems to be a family or group and that is why Sherlocks final Q to mp Moriarty was 'what are you' .

Moriarty is now like the ghost bride and could be anyone and a cover for more crimes etc.

 

Think thats a scenario from a Rathbone film..... :-)

[Shadow Dweller]

Moriarty, a franchise. I like the idea! :D

[J.P.]

Oh, good one. But for some reason what stuck the most with me from the fake suicide scene, is "putting one gun in the mouth and firing another one." Some part of me cannot accept that Jim is dead :D Even if it doesn't mean that we wouldn't see Andrew in coming episodes.

 

Sigh, I'm completely drained. Cannot think anymore. Barely managed to "launch" 221c.eu, but it's still much work.

 

*sorry, is it possible that I just have seen the Iustitia statue from the Old Bailey in "Pirates of the Carribean 3"*

 

Anyway, it will take time to catch up with everything,

 

ETA: Yepp -it was London.

[Slithytove]

I discussed the episode with my daughter , who likes the show but isn't a demented fan like me, and she raised two points.

 

1) Why doesn't Sherlock realise Molly is a woman, when it is so obvious and John realises immediately?  My guess is that Sherlock, normally so observant, is so uninterested in women that he is blind to gender differences.  It is, I think, otherwise hard to explain why he could be so blind, when he normally notices such tiny details about people.  Of course, this is Sherlock's version of Molly.  Does he feel guilty about the times he has manipulated her through her love for him?  Or does he wish he could deal with her as if she was a man, so that sentiment would not be an issue?

 

2) Why is Mycroft so fat?  My daughter hasn't read the ACD stories, so I explained that the original Mycroft was fat but she pointed out that this version of Mycroft, in Sherlock's Mind Palace, is not merely overweight but grossly obese and extremely greedy.  I've always been inclined to the idea that Sherlock has an eating disorder - he regularly starves himself, and often makes derogatory remarks abut people's weight - but we wondered whether it was also an illustration of the way Sherlock feels about his brother.  Does he see Mycroft as greedy in some way?  If so, what does he feel Mycroft is gobbling up - the respect, the power, the attention?  Mummy & Daddy's love?  It just made me wonder why Sherlock would imagine him in this way.

[Deji69]

 

10 FACT THAT PROVE THE MORIARTY'S TWINS THEORY.

 

Nice thinking, but I do hope you are wrong. I hate the "twins" explanation, it would be so terribly cheesy. I was so happy when Holmes roared "it is never twins!"

 

I agree, kind of. I also thought this bit seemed to hint more towards a twin theory than away from one too, but it also made the point that it would be surprising, and while it may rarely be twins, to say it can never be twins is a bit of an overstatement. In any case, if it is twins, I trust they'll somehow manage to pull that off too. This show has achieved a lot of things that would have been cheesy in other shows.

 

It's not my favourite theory, and while I'd usually say it should be ruled out by default, the fact that Sherlock is ruling it out so immediately (even though this theory is technically from his own mind - or at least his idea of what Watson would theorise) is what really makes me wonder if that's the very reason the case is yet to be solved. I'm certainly considering it more since watching this special.