Sherlock - Series 2 Review
This review of Series 2 of Sherlock is spoiler-free, but contains spoilers for Series 1!
Sherlock Series 1 was anything but a surprise in just how excellent it was. I never believed that this show wouldn't impress me, but just how good it was I could not anticipate. After seeing the reveal of Moriarty in the finale, I was literally at a point where I felt like there was no other choice but to continue watching. After taking a brief break from the series (seeing as there aren't many episodes for this series overall), I have returned to check out Series 2. Before even getting into the real discussion though I can say one thing for certain: Sherlock is just as good as ever. But now, let's get into the discussion of the story of Series 2!
As with Series 1, this series is comprised of 3 episodes of 90 minutes. This allows Sherlock to essentially create three short films that while connecting in small ways, manage to stand on their own overall. In episode 1, A Scandal in Belgravia the focus is on a woman known as the Dominatrix and her blackmail over a member of the Royal Crown. Playing the Dominatrix is Lara Pulver, who manages to bring a rather seductive style to the character. I've never really thought about the idea of Sherlock having a love interest, and while this episode didn't necessarily give him one, it allowed me to entertain the thought. It was refreshing also for the series to focus on someone other than Moriarty are possibly beating him. Sherlock doesn't like to lose and when faced with a difficult challenge it's fascinating seeing him not know what to do. The overall relationship between the Dominatrix and Sherlock though makes this one of the best episodes of Sherlock so far. It also has important connections to the finale.
Something that has become notable with Sherlock is that episode 2 of each series tends to be its own unique story that doesn't truly connect with the others on the same level as 1 and 3. While this isn't a bad thing, it is the one of the series that feels more like a standalone film and I enjoy that. The Hounds of Baskerville is a more supernatural focused episode. Sherlock finds himself without a case and travels to Baskerville to investigate reports of a gigantic hound terrorizing one of the residents. While the reveal was rather easy to catch in the end, the chase was great and made it an interesting episode overall. It also allowed us to see a new side of John that I didn't necessarily expect. That alone makes this episode stand out to me. And who doesn't like the idea of Sherlock chasing a supernatural hound?
In the finale of Series 2, and quite possibly my favorite episode of the series, Moriarty finale returns. Having been terrorizing Sherlock's mind from afar so far into the series, it was nice to see him in the flesh. Andrew Scott has made this iconic villain his own and I'm so glad to have him embodying the character. Moriarty and Sherlock's relationship is the best of the show, and seeing how Moriarty uses Sherlock for his own gains is outstanding. Their game pushes them each to their limits, and Sherlock is forced to make an impossible choice. It's hard to truly explain how great this episode is without spoiling it, but it makes Moriarty truly despicable and if there was ever one episode of Sherlock to watch, this would be it.
Overall, its hard to truly explain just how excellent this series is without getting into spoiler territory as I mentioned previously. Sherlock though continues to impress with it's showing off how Sherlock handles life and his means of understanding criminals. John and Sherlock's chemistry is absolutely stellar and I can't praise Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch anymore than I already have. Having such impressive actors playing these main roles really helps to elevate the series, but credit should also go to Steven Moffat for his ability to create an enthralling story. When I watch Sherlock, it feels like I'm watching three films, and that is a testament to just how deep these stories are. Moving forward I have heard from some fans that the series tends to trend downward for here, but I still have high hopes for the series. If you haven't checked out Sherlock yet, check it out on Netflix today!
