Sherlock: "The Sign of Three"
Episode 3x03 hasn’t even aired yet, and already I can tell that the theme of me not liking the middle episode in any Sherlock season continues.
Don’t get me wrong, “The Sign of Three” had a lot of cute, funny, intense and quirky moments, but I couldn’t help cringing all the way through at the overall depressing undertone. Sherlock in E minor.
But let’s take a closer look. (Massive spoilers ahead.)
In the Act!
The opening threw quite a punch, and an amusing one, at that. Lestrade kicking the tyre got a chuckle out of me. Poor Rupert, I hope he didn’t bruise his foot. However, when we get to the part where Sherlock texts him for help, that was as predictable as it could be.
As soon as I saw the texts from Sherlock, I knew Lestrade would rush over there and find Sherlock being stuck on something rather insignificant that had to do with John’s wedding. (I initially though writing vows, but it’s usually the groom and bride who do that, right? I mean, yeah, I know nothing about wedding traditions. Shoot me.) Still funny, though.
Side note: How does a helicopter fit into Baker Street? Yeah, that’s right, it doesn’t.
Waltz for John and Mary
Sherlock dances. Likes to dance, in fact, as we later find out. Not sure what to make of that. Mrs Hudson bringing him his morning tea was really sweet.
“You bring me tea in the morning?”
“Where do you think it came from?”
“I don’t know. Just... thought it sort of happened.”
Hee! Sherlock can be so adorably clueless sometimes.
And right here, we get into the underlying “Wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?” theme. “It changes people-marriage. You wouldn’t understand because you always live alone.” Is it just me, or did that seem like a rather cruel thing to say for Mrs Hudson? And the, “I mean, who leaves a wedding early? So sad,” was predictably foreboding. Ugh. I agree with Sherlock: Shut up and buy biscuits, Mrs Hudson. Cause marriage doesn’t always have to be the end of a best friend era, you know?
Wedding Shenanigans
I’m actually glad that they decided to skip the wedding ceremony itself. That kind of thing has been done one too many times on TV, and I wasn’t keen on seeing another rendition of it-John Watson or not.
Kinda love the idea that Sherlock was pre-screening Mary’s friends. “High functioning sociopath. With your number.” You go, Sherlock! So creepy.
I loved Archie too.
“And you have to wear the outfit.”
“No.”
“You really do have to wear the outfit.”
“What for?”
“Grown-ups like that sort of thing.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, I’ll ask one.”
Am I the only one to think that Molly’s boyfriend is creepy? He can’t hold a candle to Sherlock. What were you thinking, Molly?
I was a little disappointed that we don’t get to know John’s sister. Would love to know what Harry is like.
And here we go again with Sherlock’s perhaps irrational, perhaps justifiable jealousy. Jealous of Mary (because John talks to her about Major Sholto), jealous of Sholto because he’s more unsociable than Sherlock... Honestly, Holmes, it doesn’t become you.
Mark Gatiss in spandex. Not something I ever wanted to see, and not something I ever want to see again. Especially when he slaps his own naked belly. Excuse me while I go wash my eyes. And I must say, I fail to see what the point of that scene even was, other than maybe driving the point home that Sherlock is going to be all alone. Wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?
And then Mycroft says, “Do you remember Redbeard?” Can someone please explain the symbolism in that? I have no idea what he’s referring to. Frederick Barbarossa? A series of Belgian comic books? A nuclear weapon? Or something different entirely that will become clear in the next episode?
And then starts...
The Speech That Would Never End
But first of all, I also didn’t get the wedding telegram thing. Why is Mrs Hudson making tortured owl sounds at the fact that Sherlock would read out wedding telegrams? Or has she read them, and there’s hilariously funny jokes in them? Or is it just simply the fact that she’s imagining Sherlock reading wishes of love and soft squishy hugs out loud? I’m still frowning. Help!
I did, however, absolutely love the scene where John asks Sherlock to be his best man. Sherlock is his adorably clueless self again. And the floating eye just made it all perfect. So much love for this scene!
Side note: Who the hell is Billy Kincaid, the Garrotter? Google yields no hits that help. Other fans seem to have wondered too, but no one’s got a good explanation. There’s an evil character in the Spawn comic book series by that name, apparently. Though I fail to see the connection here. Is there one? Few things are really random when they drop ostensibly random names on this show.
“The point I’m trying to make is that I am the most unpleasant, rude, ignorant and all-round obnoxious arsehole that anyone could possibly have the misfortune to meet. I am dismissive of the virtuous, unaware of the beautiful, and uncomprehending in the face of the happy. So if I didn’t understand I was asked to be Best Man, it is because I never expected to be anybody’s best friend.”
Hm. Hmmm. Is it just me, or is this unexpectedly self-reflective of Sherlock? I wouldn’t go as far as saying it was out-of-character, but it does seem to be terribly un-Sherlock. I’m frowning again. My forehead will probably be left with permanent wrinkles by the time this episode concludes.
Though I must admit that the first time I watched Sherlock being this incredibly sweet and touching, I was actually tearing up. “Did I do it wrong?” No, Sherlock, indeed you didn’t. You had me at “Best Man”.
And I do still love Mary. “I’m not John, I can tell when you’re fibbing.” I hope they don’t kill her off, like Conan Doyle did in the books. Or, you know, at least not before season seven, or something.
And, haha, I love that Mary and John have a code word! I love that both try to take his mind off the wedding. And I refuse to believe that Sherlock is going to lose his best friend the way that they try to hammer into the viewer’s subconscious all throughout the episode in ever increasing frequency.
But back to the cute. Sherlock surrounded by twenty Sydney opera serviettes. “That just... sort of... happened.” Um-hm. I chuckled. A lot.
“That’s the thing about Mary. She has completely turned my life around. Changed everything. But for the record, over the last few years, there are two people to have done that, and the other one is... a complete dickhead.”
Yep, that’s the Sherlock we know and love. :-)
The Bloody Guardsman
Upon the second and a half viewing (i.e. as I’m writing this), I have to say... *yawn* Not the most intriguing case. And doesn’t it just seem weird that Sherlock couldn’t solve that one upon his first attempt? I don’t know, it just seems... sloppy. Constructed. Not the best TV writing, if you ask me.
A meat dagger? Seriously, Tom? Molly, grow some common sense, would you?
The Mayfly Man, i.e. The Stag Night
I daresay this was the best and most hilarious part of the whole episode. Cause I think I could watch Drunk!John and Drunk!Sherlock all day.
Side Note: Sherlock is a graduate chemist.
I like the murder-themed pub crawl idea. I’d totally go on one with Sherlock! Why wouldn’t you, Molly?!
“How is.... T...om?”
“Not a sociopath.”
“Good.”
Yeah, I say!
I loved the club music variation on the title theme here! The music is such an integral part of the show, and I think they used it better in this episode than the previous.
“I have an inntnashenal reputation. Do you have an innshnl reputation?” I can’t believe they’re lying on the stairs in 221b. Still makes me grin, even on the second and a half viewing. :-D
I also can’t believe Sherlock called Mrs Hudson Hudders! I only realized this on the second viewing. So funny!
“Am I the current King of England?” Oh Sherlock. And I’m just picturing Martin and Benedict rehearsing this scene. That must have been a blast. I bet there was lots of giggling!
“Which one of you is Sherlock Holmes?” John’s little whistly finger-point here makes me laugh out loud again. Honestly, Drunk!SherJohnlock, I can’t get enough of ‘em! Let’s toast to inebriation, Sherlockians! (Not that I condone consumption of massive doses of alcohol, mind you. But, come on, it was stag night!)
“The game is... something.”
“On.”
“Yeah, that!”
Oh boy, the poor woman. Not awkward. At all.
Drunk!Sherlock’s clueing for looks is utter genius.
Yeah, Sherlock, brilliant. Really, really brilliant work there.
And, you know, Hungover!SherJohnlock are almost as hilarious. Why is John not wearing any shoes when he’s sitting in the cell? Did he honestly go out without shoes on? Wait, Sherlock isn’t wearing any shoes either. Is that a drunk tank thing?
And then Mrs Hudson is at it again. Why does she keep yammering on about how marriage will completely change the way John treats his old friends? But I love that we got more of an insight into her past. A cartel, eh?
“It was purely physical between me and Frank, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.” You should see John’s face here. Oooh, have I mentioned enough how much I love Martin Freeman?
Sherlock’s Imaginary Mind Court
This scene is almost more fun to watch on the second viewing, because it gets a whole different meaning when you know that Sherlock is talking to these people online or in his head.
Side Note: Either Benedict can touch type, or this was, well... acting (probably the latter).
Another Side Note: It’s kinda funny when you pause the picture on the obituary entries that the Mayfly Man is said to have used. The name Augustus is mentioned. Curiously reminiscent of Sherlock’s new enemy to be fully introduced in the next episode. One of the obits says, “Sleep well our pocket rocket.” Uhm, excuse me? “Charlotte Doreen Knightman nee Lee. Aged 76 years. Beloved husband of Gillian, much loved father of David and Roger.” Haha, a case of transgender identity?
“Ideal man?”
“George Clooney.”
I can see 90% of the Sherlock fandom imagining themselves standing there, going, “Benedict Cumberbatch.” :-)
And in his own Sherlocky way, he’s actually being eloquently touching. “I will solve your murder, but it takes John Watson to save your life. Trust me on that, I should know, he saved mine so many times, and in so many ways.”
Aaaaaand... we’re back to “wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?”. Bla bla, from now on, bla bla, marriage, bla bla, new story, bla bla, bigger adventure. Oh shut up, Sherlock! It’s already a self-fulfilling prophecy at this point.
I love it that they brought Irene Adler back, if only for a mere five seconds. Though I’m still trying to figure out where Tessa would have seen the wedding invitation. Let’s assume the Mayfly Man had it because he was the official wedding photographer. But why would he show it to Tessa? She never went to his real home, they dated in the dead person’s flat with the deaded skull, hi tech thing and wotsit thingamebob, remember? The frowny wrinkles on my forehead increase.
I’m sure there’s some symbolism in the fact that when Mycroft appears in Sherlock’s mind court, he’s in the judge’s seat, isn’t there? Sherlock’s rational voice of reason?
Off-piste... a bit
And then Sherlock gets... all wonky and odd and oh-darn-impeding-murder-quick-help-me, and John immediately knows something is wrong.
“Sorry, did I say murder? I meant to say... marriage. But, you know, they're quite similar procedures when you think about it. The participants tend to know each other, and it's over when one of them's dead.”
Man, I sure hope this is not turning into another self-fulfilling prophecy. Not before season seven, please. Alright, Mofftiss?
Vatican cameos? That is their code word? Or is he saying something else, he’s kinda hard to understand there. It’s so easy to miss all the good parts, once Sherlock gets going at racing speed. This, I only noticed on the second and a half rewatch: “Now, John, I'd poison. Sloppy eater, dead easy. I've given him chemicals and compounds, that way he's never even noticed. He missed a whole Wednesday once, didn't have a clue.”
John knows Sherlock too well. “You are not a puzzle solver, you never have been. You’re a drama queen.” Haha, he kinda is, isn’t he?
Okay, and here comes the undetectable stabbing reveal. Which I actually don’t get. How can you be stabbed with a blade long enough to cause real internal damage, no matter how thin, and not feel it? It kinda makes sense that a tight belt might squeeze your innards together enough for you to not bleed out, but you can’t tell me that you’d at least feel some kind of prick when a long-ish metal stick is being rammed into your back. In Lestrade’s words: Bollocks!
His Last Vow
Here’s more foreboding for you, because Sherlock’s little concluding speech at the end there might just tie in with the next episode (His Last Vow-get it?). “I’ve never made a vow in my life, and after tonight I never will again. So, here in front of you all, my first and last vow: Mary and John, whatever it takes, whatever happens, from now on I swear I will always be there. Always. For all three of you.”
So... assuming they don’t kill Mary off just yet, I think we need to conclude some serious shit is going to go down in the season 3 finale. If I’d have to hazard an educated guess, judging from the bonfire abduction, I’d say that Magnussen has some kind of plan to hurt Sherlock through doing something to John and/or Mary, and Sherlock will have to keep his promise to rescue them. We shall find out on Sunday.
And of course the episode finished on our lovely, recurrent “wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?” theme. God, so depressing. “Well, you’re hardly gonna need me around, now that you’ve got a real baby on the way.” No, Sherlock, from now on you’re going to be playing gooseberry, John’s never going to want you around, no one’s going to need you, and you’ll be all alone.
I have to hand it to them, however. He’s standing in the middle of the dancing crowd, surrounded by people, yet you can feel the isolation seeping through.
“I mean, who leaves a wedding early? So sad.” It is. And I kinda hated that they ended it on such a downbeat note. I very much enjoy television that evokes emotions, and a bit of angst I don’t mind, but not dejected bloody depressing gloom, okay?
I have hopes for the next episode to be more enjoyable, because I have a feeling I’m not going to want to revisit “The Sign of Three” much after this review-and I can only rewatch “The Empty Hearse” so many times and still stay reasonably sane. Please don’t disappoint me, Sherlock.
Don’t get me wrong, “The Sign of Three” had a lot of cute, funny, intense and quirky moments, but I couldn’t help cringing all the way through at the overall depressing undertone. Sherlock in E minor.
But let’s take a closer look. (Massive spoilers ahead.)
In the Act!
The opening threw quite a punch, and an amusing one, at that. Lestrade kicking the tyre got a chuckle out of me. Poor Rupert, I hope he didn’t bruise his foot. However, when we get to the part where Sherlock texts him for help, that was as predictable as it could be.
As soon as I saw the texts from Sherlock, I knew Lestrade would rush over there and find Sherlock being stuck on something rather insignificant that had to do with John’s wedding. (I initially though writing vows, but it’s usually the groom and bride who do that, right? I mean, yeah, I know nothing about wedding traditions. Shoot me.) Still funny, though.
Side note: How does a helicopter fit into Baker Street? Yeah, that’s right, it doesn’t.
Waltz for John and Mary
Sherlock dances. Likes to dance, in fact, as we later find out. Not sure what to make of that. Mrs Hudson bringing him his morning tea was really sweet.
“You bring me tea in the morning?”
“Where do you think it came from?”
“I don’t know. Just... thought it sort of happened.”
Hee! Sherlock can be so adorably clueless sometimes.
And right here, we get into the underlying “Wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?” theme. “It changes people-marriage. You wouldn’t understand because you always live alone.” Is it just me, or did that seem like a rather cruel thing to say for Mrs Hudson? And the, “I mean, who leaves a wedding early? So sad,” was predictably foreboding. Ugh. I agree with Sherlock: Shut up and buy biscuits, Mrs Hudson. Cause marriage doesn’t always have to be the end of a best friend era, you know?
Wedding Shenanigans
I’m actually glad that they decided to skip the wedding ceremony itself. That kind of thing has been done one too many times on TV, and I wasn’t keen on seeing another rendition of it-John Watson or not.
Kinda love the idea that Sherlock was pre-screening Mary’s friends. “High functioning sociopath. With your number.” You go, Sherlock! So creepy.
I loved Archie too.
“And you have to wear the outfit.”
“No.”
“You really do have to wear the outfit.”
“What for?”
“Grown-ups like that sort of thing.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know, I’ll ask one.”
Am I the only one to think that Molly’s boyfriend is creepy? He can’t hold a candle to Sherlock. What were you thinking, Molly?
I was a little disappointed that we don’t get to know John’s sister. Would love to know what Harry is like.
And here we go again with Sherlock’s perhaps irrational, perhaps justifiable jealousy. Jealous of Mary (because John talks to her about Major Sholto), jealous of Sholto because he’s more unsociable than Sherlock... Honestly, Holmes, it doesn’t become you.
Mark Gatiss in spandex. Not something I ever wanted to see, and not something I ever want to see again. Especially when he slaps his own naked belly. Excuse me while I go wash my eyes. And I must say, I fail to see what the point of that scene even was, other than maybe driving the point home that Sherlock is going to be all alone. Wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?
And then Mycroft says, “Do you remember Redbeard?” Can someone please explain the symbolism in that? I have no idea what he’s referring to. Frederick Barbarossa? A series of Belgian comic books? A nuclear weapon? Or something different entirely that will become clear in the next episode?
And then starts...
The Speech That Would Never End
But first of all, I also didn’t get the wedding telegram thing. Why is Mrs Hudson making tortured owl sounds at the fact that Sherlock would read out wedding telegrams? Or has she read them, and there’s hilariously funny jokes in them? Or is it just simply the fact that she’s imagining Sherlock reading wishes of love and soft squishy hugs out loud? I’m still frowning. Help!
I did, however, absolutely love the scene where John asks Sherlock to be his best man. Sherlock is his adorably clueless self again. And the floating eye just made it all perfect. So much love for this scene!
Side note: Who the hell is Billy Kincaid, the Garrotter? Google yields no hits that help. Other fans seem to have wondered too, but no one’s got a good explanation. There’s an evil character in the Spawn comic book series by that name, apparently. Though I fail to see the connection here. Is there one? Few things are really random when they drop ostensibly random names on this show.
“The point I’m trying to make is that I am the most unpleasant, rude, ignorant and all-round obnoxious arsehole that anyone could possibly have the misfortune to meet. I am dismissive of the virtuous, unaware of the beautiful, and uncomprehending in the face of the happy. So if I didn’t understand I was asked to be Best Man, it is because I never expected to be anybody’s best friend.”
Hm. Hmmm. Is it just me, or is this unexpectedly self-reflective of Sherlock? I wouldn’t go as far as saying it was out-of-character, but it does seem to be terribly un-Sherlock. I’m frowning again. My forehead will probably be left with permanent wrinkles by the time this episode concludes.
Though I must admit that the first time I watched Sherlock being this incredibly sweet and touching, I was actually tearing up. “Did I do it wrong?” No, Sherlock, indeed you didn’t. You had me at “Best Man”.
And I do still love Mary. “I’m not John, I can tell when you’re fibbing.” I hope they don’t kill her off, like Conan Doyle did in the books. Or, you know, at least not before season seven, or something.
And, haha, I love that Mary and John have a code word! I love that both try to take his mind off the wedding. And I refuse to believe that Sherlock is going to lose his best friend the way that they try to hammer into the viewer’s subconscious all throughout the episode in ever increasing frequency.
But back to the cute. Sherlock surrounded by twenty Sydney opera serviettes. “That just... sort of... happened.” Um-hm. I chuckled. A lot.
“That’s the thing about Mary. She has completely turned my life around. Changed everything. But for the record, over the last few years, there are two people to have done that, and the other one is... a complete dickhead.”
Yep, that’s the Sherlock we know and love. :-)
The Bloody Guardsman
Upon the second and a half viewing (i.e. as I’m writing this), I have to say... *yawn* Not the most intriguing case. And doesn’t it just seem weird that Sherlock couldn’t solve that one upon his first attempt? I don’t know, it just seems... sloppy. Constructed. Not the best TV writing, if you ask me.
A meat dagger? Seriously, Tom? Molly, grow some common sense, would you?
The Mayfly Man, i.e. The Stag Night
I daresay this was the best and most hilarious part of the whole episode. Cause I think I could watch Drunk!John and Drunk!Sherlock all day.
Side Note: Sherlock is a graduate chemist.
I like the murder-themed pub crawl idea. I’d totally go on one with Sherlock! Why wouldn’t you, Molly?!
“How is.... T...om?”
“Not a sociopath.”
“Good.”
Yeah, I say!
I loved the club music variation on the title theme here! The music is such an integral part of the show, and I think they used it better in this episode than the previous.
“I have an inntnashenal reputation. Do you have an innshnl reputation?” I can’t believe they’re lying on the stairs in 221b. Still makes me grin, even on the second and a half viewing. :-D
I also can’t believe Sherlock called Mrs Hudson Hudders! I only realized this on the second viewing. So funny!
“Am I the current King of England?” Oh Sherlock. And I’m just picturing Martin and Benedict rehearsing this scene. That must have been a blast. I bet there was lots of giggling!
“Which one of you is Sherlock Holmes?” John’s little whistly finger-point here makes me laugh out loud again. Honestly, Drunk!SherJohnlock, I can’t get enough of ‘em! Let’s toast to inebriation, Sherlockians! (Not that I condone consumption of massive doses of alcohol, mind you. But, come on, it was stag night!)
“The game is... something.”
“On.”
“Yeah, that!”
Oh boy, the poor woman. Not awkward. At all.
Drunk!Sherlock’s clueing for looks is utter genius.
Yeah, Sherlock, brilliant. Really, really brilliant work there.
And, you know, Hungover!SherJohnlock are almost as hilarious. Why is John not wearing any shoes when he’s sitting in the cell? Did he honestly go out without shoes on? Wait, Sherlock isn’t wearing any shoes either. Is that a drunk tank thing?
And then Mrs Hudson is at it again. Why does she keep yammering on about how marriage will completely change the way John treats his old friends? But I love that we got more of an insight into her past. A cartel, eh?
“It was purely physical between me and Frank, we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.” You should see John’s face here. Oooh, have I mentioned enough how much I love Martin Freeman?
Sherlock’s Imaginary Mind Court
This scene is almost more fun to watch on the second viewing, because it gets a whole different meaning when you know that Sherlock is talking to these people online or in his head.
Side Note: Either Benedict can touch type, or this was, well... acting (probably the latter).
Another Side Note: It’s kinda funny when you pause the picture on the obituary entries that the Mayfly Man is said to have used. The name Augustus is mentioned. Curiously reminiscent of Sherlock’s new enemy to be fully introduced in the next episode. One of the obits says, “Sleep well our pocket rocket.” Uhm, excuse me? “Charlotte Doreen Knightman nee Lee. Aged 76 years. Beloved husband of Gillian, much loved father of David and Roger.” Haha, a case of transgender identity?
“Ideal man?”
“George Clooney.”
I can see 90% of the Sherlock fandom imagining themselves standing there, going, “Benedict Cumberbatch.” :-)
And in his own Sherlocky way, he’s actually being eloquently touching. “I will solve your murder, but it takes John Watson to save your life. Trust me on that, I should know, he saved mine so many times, and in so many ways.”
Aaaaaand... we’re back to “wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?”. Bla bla, from now on, bla bla, marriage, bla bla, new story, bla bla, bigger adventure. Oh shut up, Sherlock! It’s already a self-fulfilling prophecy at this point.
I love it that they brought Irene Adler back, if only for a mere five seconds. Though I’m still trying to figure out where Tessa would have seen the wedding invitation. Let’s assume the Mayfly Man had it because he was the official wedding photographer. But why would he show it to Tessa? She never went to his real home, they dated in the dead person’s flat with the deaded skull, hi tech thing and wotsit thingamebob, remember? The frowny wrinkles on my forehead increase.
I’m sure there’s some symbolism in the fact that when Mycroft appears in Sherlock’s mind court, he’s in the judge’s seat, isn’t there? Sherlock’s rational voice of reason?
Off-piste... a bit
And then Sherlock gets... all wonky and odd and oh-darn-impeding-murder-quick-help-me, and John immediately knows something is wrong.
“Sorry, did I say murder? I meant to say... marriage. But, you know, they're quite similar procedures when you think about it. The participants tend to know each other, and it's over when one of them's dead.”
Man, I sure hope this is not turning into another self-fulfilling prophecy. Not before season seven, please. Alright, Mofftiss?
Vatican cameos? That is their code word? Or is he saying something else, he’s kinda hard to understand there. It’s so easy to miss all the good parts, once Sherlock gets going at racing speed. This, I only noticed on the second and a half rewatch: “Now, John, I'd poison. Sloppy eater, dead easy. I've given him chemicals and compounds, that way he's never even noticed. He missed a whole Wednesday once, didn't have a clue.”
John knows Sherlock too well. “You are not a puzzle solver, you never have been. You’re a drama queen.” Haha, he kinda is, isn’t he?
Okay, and here comes the undetectable stabbing reveal. Which I actually don’t get. How can you be stabbed with a blade long enough to cause real internal damage, no matter how thin, and not feel it? It kinda makes sense that a tight belt might squeeze your innards together enough for you to not bleed out, but you can’t tell me that you’d at least feel some kind of prick when a long-ish metal stick is being rammed into your back. In Lestrade’s words: Bollocks!
His Last Vow
Here’s more foreboding for you, because Sherlock’s little concluding speech at the end there might just tie in with the next episode (His Last Vow-get it?). “I’ve never made a vow in my life, and after tonight I never will again. So, here in front of you all, my first and last vow: Mary and John, whatever it takes, whatever happens, from now on I swear I will always be there. Always. For all three of you.”
So... assuming they don’t kill Mary off just yet, I think we need to conclude some serious shit is going to go down in the season 3 finale. If I’d have to hazard an educated guess, judging from the bonfire abduction, I’d say that Magnussen has some kind of plan to hurt Sherlock through doing something to John and/or Mary, and Sherlock will have to keep his promise to rescue them. We shall find out on Sunday.
And of course the episode finished on our lovely, recurrent “wreck Sherlock’s life, why don’tcha?” theme. God, so depressing. “Well, you’re hardly gonna need me around, now that you’ve got a real baby on the way.” No, Sherlock, from now on you’re going to be playing gooseberry, John’s never going to want you around, no one’s going to need you, and you’ll be all alone.
I have to hand it to them, however. He’s standing in the middle of the dancing crowd, surrounded by people, yet you can feel the isolation seeping through.
“I mean, who leaves a wedding early? So sad.” It is. And I kinda hated that they ended it on such a downbeat note. I very much enjoy television that evokes emotions, and a bit of angst I don’t mind, but not dejected bloody depressing gloom, okay?
I have hopes for the next episode to be more enjoyable, because I have a feeling I’m not going to want to revisit “The Sign of Three” much after this review-and I can only rewatch “The Empty Hearse” so many times and still stay reasonably sane. Please don’t disappoint me, Sherlock.