Episode 2.3, "The Reichenbach Fall"

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

No offense taken what so ever. It is what it is. Her doctor told us that she probably manifested it in her early 20's normal for women. He asked my oldest sister if the rest of us were, in his words, normal. And to pay attention to any daughters, sons, nieces and nephews to see if they exhibited any signs. My younger sister run into the same advice from a doctor. Her first husband was profoundly schizophrenic to the point she was able to get a medical annulment and got out of the marriage.

[Julia Mae]

No offense taken what so ever. It is what it is. Her doctor told us that she probably manifested it in her early 20's normal for women. He asked my oldest sister if the rest of us were, in his words, normal. And to pay attention to any daughters, sons, nieces and nephews to see if they exhibited any signs. My younger sister run into the same advice from a doctor. Her first husband was profoundly schizophrenic to the point she was able to get a medical annulment and got out of the marriage.

 

My maternal grandmother was schizophrenic.  She tried to kill my mother when she was 7 and was put into the state mental hospital for life.  We lived about a mile from the place so my mom could visit her.   No one else in the family has ever had the disease, though.

 

You know, maybe that's why I always think Sherlcok and Mycroft's mother will be in a mental hospital somewhere, or had been.  I mean, something happened to thrust Mycroft into the role of "mother."  (The Holmes/Moriarty Connection.)

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

My maternal grandmother was schizophrenic.  She tried to kill my mother when she was 7 and was put into the state mental hospital for life.

My mother's diagnosis was compounded with paranoia with pshycotic tendencies. Dad kept guns in the house and she used to tell me about dreams she had about family members being shot. But she never got really physically violent. She did try to stab my oldest sister with a fork once, but my brother in law took things in hand and she never did it again.

You know, maybe that's why I always think Sherlcok and Mycroft's mother will be in a mental hospital somewhere, or had been.  I mean, something happened to thrust Mycroft into the role of "mother."

Something certainly did happen. In one of the round table discussion with the cast and crew of "Sherlock" Benedict Cumberbatch was going to say something Mrs. Holmes then he asked Mr. Gatiss if that was something that might be brought up in a future episode and should he tell? Mr. Gatiss said it might be mentioned but he could say something if he wanted. Cumberbatch opted not to. So we may be finding out what that was all about at some point. We can only hope.

[Carol the Dabbler]

Sorry to interrupt a conversation that's both interesting and conjecturally relevant to the show, but I have a question regarding this episode:

 

When the television journalists are doing their reports from the wide expanse of steps supposedly outside the Old Bailey -- where the heck are they?  This afternoon Alex & I walked completely around the building marked on my map as the Old Bailey (and it does indeed have that statue of Justice on top), but could not find any such steps.  Is there an annex somewhere?

 

[Julia Mae]

Sorry to interrupt a conversation that's both interesting and conjecturally relevant to the show, but I have a question regarding this episode:

 

When the television journalists are doing their reports from the wide expanse of steps supposedly outside the Old Bailey -- where the heck are they?  This afternoon Alex & I walked completely around the building marked on my map as the Old Bailey (and it does indeed have that statue of Justice on top), but could not find any such steps.  Is there an annex somewhere?

 

Do you mean here?

 

 

Did you see the distinctively carved pillars like the one in the BG here?

 

If not, this shot could be made anyplace they found a location to "play the character" of the Old Baily. 

 

[Carol the Dabbler]

Right, that's the scene I'm talking about.  The steps appeared to extend for quite some distance along the front of the building, so that there were about half a dozen reporters all talking in front of their cameras at once.  The only doors we saw were fairly small (e.g., the one that John has apparently just exited from in one of the Sherlockology screen grabs here).

 

 

All I can think of is that the reporters were actually shown sequentially, and I misunderstood some fancy camera work.

 

[Julia Mae]

Right, that's the scene I'm talking about.  The steps appeared to extend for quite some distance along the front of the building, so that there were about half a dozen reporters all talking in front of their cameras at once.  The only doors we saw were fairly small (e.g., the one that John has apparently just exited from in one of the Sherlockology screen grabs here).

 

 

All I can think of is that the reporters were actually shown sequentially, and I misunderstood some fancy camera work.

 

I'm sure they were shot at another location.   The B.G. of these stairs isn't like the B.G. of the reporters, though I imagine they were shot sequentially.

 

Did all the entrances have these kinds of stairs?  You need the plain pillar or wall and the fancy one to find the location. 

 

I also think you are correct in that these stairs are wider by a fair amount than what we see in your shot.

 

You recall in SiP when Sherlock and John first leave the flat after Sherlock kisses Mrs. Hudson and he says, "The game, Mrs. Hudson, is on!"  That shot that tracked him through the hall, through the door and to the outside was three different shots in three different locations that were combined to show one smooth exit. According to the commentary.  I haven't sat through the Reichenbach commentary yet, do you want me to see if they mention  where they shot these reporter scenes?

 

[SolitaryCyclist]

Oh, sorry, I posted that with only half my brain in gear.  There's no Holmes connection in Ishmael, near as I recall (haven't been able to find my copy for ages), though it does contain some intriguing hints regarding Spock's human ancestry.  (It takes place during the Brides era -- circa 1870? -- so Holmes would have been a young man at the time, and could well have wandered into the story after the book ended.)

 

Basically, it's a good Star Trek story (centering on Spock), and also provides the satisfying conclusion that Brides never got on television.  Out of print, I think, but well worth looking for, especially if you enjoyed both of those programs.

 

I know this conversational train has already left the station, but this is one of my favorite Star Trek novels, by one of my favorite authors (Barbara Hambly, I'm pretty sure).  It has such a corny premise, but is such a great story

[Carol the Dabbler]

Did all the entrances have these kinds of stairs?  You need the plain pillar or wall and the fancy one to find the location. 

 

I also think you are correct in that these stairs are wider by a fair amount than what we see in your shot.

 

You recall in SiP when Sherlock and John first leave the flat after Sherlock kisses Mrs. Hudson and he says, "The game, Mrs. Hudson, is on!"  That shot that tracked him through the hall, through the door and to the outside was three different shots in three different locations that were combined to show one smooth exit. According to the commentary.  I haven't sat through the Reichenbach commentary yet, do you want me to see if they mention where they shot these reporter scenes?

That entry was the fanciest one we saw, which is why I'm wondering whether there's more of the Old Bailey that we somehow failed to find. I'll have to watch the episode again when we get home, and see if I can figure it out.

 

I believe that the scene you mentioned from SiP was all filmed at North Gower, but they pieced together two separate shots -- one from a regular camera as they exit the door, which changes to a crane shot at the point where John walks in front of the camera. Unfortunately, I don't believe there is any commentary for "Reichenbach" (presumably because it would have been hard to say much without venturing into spoiler territory).

 

 

I know this conversational train has already left the station, but this is one of my favorite Star Trek novels, by one of my favorite authors (Barbara Hambly, I'm pretty sure). It has such a corny premise, but is such a great story

It's never too late to comment here! And it's good to hear from you again, Beth!

 

I went looking for verification of the author's name (you're absolutely right, Barbara Hambly), and found that the novel is now available on Google Books!  Hooray -- now I can read it again!

 

You're right, the premise is kind of corny, but then life itself can be pretty corny sometimes.  In this story, the premise is carried through logically, the characters are absolutely true to both tv series, the plot is interesting, the whole thing is well written, and I love the ending!  What more could one ask for?

 

[Carol the Dabbler]

I tried to read Ishmael on Google Books, but was cut off after 13 pages.  I'm not sure whether that's because I'm not a member, or perhaps all anyone can read there is just a sample of the book.  Oh well, I'll find my copy one of these days!

 

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

Thank you for the pictures, Carol. Could the real culprit(the actual stairs) be in Cardiff for instance?

[SolitaryCyclist]

I tried to read Ishmael on Google Books, but was cut off after 13 pages.  I'm not sure whether that's because I'm not a member, or perhaps all anyone can read there is just a sample of the book.  Oh well, I'll find my copy one of these days!

 

Carol, I found several used copies through Amazon:

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Star%20Trek%20Ismael

 

One other sweet connection; Mark Lenard was in Brides, and of course, also Spock's father.

[Carol the Dabbler]

... and the author incorporated several hints of that "coincidence."

 

[Caya]

Another pinterest find, click to enlarge at your own risk (of Reichenflashbacks):

 

 

If I ever watch that fiendish episode again it will only be after season 3 has aired and all is well again (hopefully), and I shall need both my husband to hug me and a large comfy shock blanket .

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

Wow, we never know when our own words will come back on us.

If I ever watch that fiendish episode again it will only be after season 3 has aired and all is well again (hopefully),

i have made myself that same promise.

[Roseann1to3]

 

At the very end, as John walks away from Sherlock's grave, the camera pans to show us Sherlock himself, watching from a little distance. It was good of Moffat, Gatiss, Thompson, et al., to reassure us that of course he faked his death, so the only suspense will be in wondering how did he do it, and how will he make things right.

 

However, what can the ever-logical Sherlock be thinking, standing there in a public place, in plain sight, in broad daylight, in his trademark coat, looking exactly like himself? He might as well have worn the darn hat!

 

He obviously believes that he and his friends are still in danger, or he would be back at Baker Street. That being the case, why isn't he making a serious effort to blend in?

 

Perhaps this was merely a bit of dramatic license. But at the end of "Scandal," we were expected to recognize Sherlock by his cat-like eyes alone. So why shouldn't we be able to recognize him here with, say, a short haircut, a few days' growth of beard, and a groundskeeper's uniform? He'd still have those eyes!

I'm really hoping to see some of Sherlock Holmes the master of disguise in the next series. It's one facet of Holmes we've not yet seen explored thoroughly in this adaptation.

 

That would be just amazing! I was also puzzled as to why Sherlock was being so obvious in the gravesite scene.

[besleybean]

Oh no.  I am not into disguise at all.

Hiding in plain site, is better.

Sneaking in shadows, tailing somebody, giving glimpses...

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

It could be he knew this area of the cemetery and knew that John and Mrs. Hudson were coming alone. He could have been better hidden from John's perspective it's all in the camera angles.  And Mr. Gatiss said that in this series Sherlock would not be using fake noses, beards and such. He would, as besleybean said, be hiding in plain sight. Mr. Gatiss calls it "being invisible" in the first episode.

[Carol the Dabbler]

My interpretation of the expression "hiding in plain sight" is to blend in, the way Sherlock did by wearing an art gallery uniform in "Great Game."  In the graveyard scene, he was looking exactly like his usual self, making no attempt whatsoever to blend into the background.  I'm not concerned about John or Mrs. Hudson seeing him, but rather the snipers, who presumably would be well hidden.

 

[Julia Mae]

My interpretation of the expression "hiding in plain sight" is to blend in, the way Sherlock did by wearing an art gallery uniform in "Great Game."  In the graveyard scene, he was looking exactly like his usual self, making no attempt whatsoever to blend into the background.  I'm not concerned about John or Mrs. Hudson seeing him, but rather the snipers, who presumably would be well hidden.

 

Why would there be snipers in the graveyard scene?   If we refer back to the Canon, the whole point of the three months was to identify and be able to round up all of Moriarty's men.  One escapes, but there's no reason to think, even if they follow the Canon in this respect, that anyone is targeting a Sherlock Holmes they saw die, and no one would target John, he has no use except as a hostage to fortune re: Sherlock.  And, once Moriarty is dead, why would snipers hang around? 

 

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

Unless they were being kept away by preditor larger then they. Maybe Mycroft's snipers were keeping their eye out on John and Mrs. Hudson and so Moran and his lot were kept at bay?

 

When John speaks to his therapist and is finally able to say that Sherlock was dead, it had already been three months. Is the final scene before or after that? Do we really know? If that much time had past Sherlock had already been at work dismantling Moriarty's web? Enough to let him move about with some freedom as long as he didn't expose himself to Lestrade and the Met, John, and Mrs. Hudson?

[Carol the Dabbler]

Why would there be snipers in the graveyard scene?   If we refer back to the Canon, the whole point of the three months was to identify and be able to round up all of Moriarty's men.

Sherlock is hiding so John will continue to believe he's dead, which will in turn convince Moriarty's hired guns.  I believe that's straight out of canon, but it also makes sense in the Sherlock context.

 

 

... there's no reason to think ... that anyone is targeting a Sherlock Holmes they saw die, and no one would target John, he has no use except as a hostage to fortune re: Sherlock.

Sherlock apparently thinks that the snipers are still targeting him and/or John (et al.), or at least that there's an unacceptable risk that they are. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother hiding.

 

 

... once Moriarty is dead, why would snipers hang around?

Because they're professionals who take pride in their work. They were hired to do a job, so they'll do it until they're convinced that they're done.

[Julia Mae]

 

Why would there be snipers in the graveyard scene?   If we refer back to the Canon, the whole point of the three months was to identify and be able to round up all of Moriarty's men.

Sherlock is hiding so John will continue to believe he's dead, which will in turn convince Moriarty's hired guns.  I believe that's straight out of canon, but it also makes sense in the Sherlock context.

 

 

I know why Sherlock is hiding.  But why would there be snipers at the cemetery?  There is no reason to think they are following John around, or any reason to think they don't believe in the reality of Sherlock's death.  They don't have anyone to shoot.

 

Sherlock apparently thinks that the snipers are still targeting him and/or John (et al.), or at least that there's an unacceptable risk that they are. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother hiding.

 

I don't think it's that Sherlock believes anyone is still targeting him, but that someone would be targeting him, if they knew he was alive.  So, yes, he'll keep his aliveness a secret.  Still, no reason to believe any snipers are following John around. 

 

 

... once Moriarty is dead, why would snipers hang around?

Because they're professionals who take pride in their work. They were hired to do a job, so they'll do it until they're convinced that they're done.

 

They are hired thugs who don't have anyone left to pay them. Hired killers are schizoid disorganized personalities who can't understand the concept of pride in work, much less have any.  (Think Fargo.)   In the Canon, the only guy left was an ex-military guy with some sort of duty-motivation.  That doesn't really apply to these  killers in the show, who have no motivation whatsoever to still be around.   They were hired to do a specific thing if Sherlock didn't jump.  He did. They have no one to pay them or give them new orders. They might all be in custody. 

 

Sherlock is in the cemetery because Moffitt wanted us to see him so the audience didn't drift too much during the long hiatus and because as soon as Mr. Cumberbatch showed up on the cast list, we'd all know Sherlock was alive, anyway.    I think it's a bit of wheel-spinning to attribute any story elements to his appearance there.

 

[Carol the Dabbler]

... why would there be snipers at the cemetery?  There is no reason to think they are following John around, or any reason to think they don't believe in the reality of Sherlock's death....

 

I don't think it's that Sherlock believes anyone is still targeting him, but that someone would be targeting him, if they knew he was alive. .... Still, no reason to believe any snipers are following John around.

If the snipers suspect that Sherlock somehow faked it, then one very logical course of action would be to follow John around, hoping that he'll lead them to Sherlock.  Sherlock has no way of being sure what they're thinking, and doesn't dare take chances.

 

 

They are hired thugs who don't have anyone left to pay them. Hired killers are schizoid disorganized personalities who can't understand the concept of pride in work, much less have any. (Think Fargo.) In the Canon, the only guy left was an ex-military guy with some sort of duty-motivation. That doesn't really apply to these killers in the show, who have no motivation whatsoever to still be around....

I see that you and I get our hired guns from different movies. I'm thinking more of Bill Nighy's character in Wild Target, but I doubt that all hired guns are out of the same mold, any more than that all computer programmers. We've never met these guys, so who knows?

 

 

Sherlock is in the cemetery because Moffitt wanted us to see him ....

While I am perfectly willing to credit the real world for the two different rooftops, I see no reason to let it intrude in this case. But regardless, why the dickens didn't Sherlock make some effort to blend in?

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

ut regardless, why the dickens didn't Sherlock make some effort to blend in?

Obviously, my dear Carol, our Sherlock knows something that we mere mortals do not. I expect it will all be revealed.