Page 2: Our 10 favourite moments from “The Empty Hearse”
It was the question everyone wanted the answer to, and Mark Gatiss rewarded our patience with not one, but three explanations as to how Sherlock survived the Reichenbach Fall in “The Empty Hearse.” The opening moments gave us a hilarious romp involving a freaky mask, and famous illusionist Derren Brown (whom you should definitely check out if you’re not familiar with). The writer’s were determined to throw fans off the scent, even shooting fake scenes in which Mycroft collaborates with Moriarty. The explanation we ended up with had largely been predicted by the millions of fans, journalists, bloggers, and wannabe detectives. “Everyone’s a critic,” Sherlock quips as a retort to Anderson’s confessed disappointment. It was a clever, fourth-wall breaking remark referencing the fact that some people will always be disappointed after two years of hype. Moffat and company gave themselves a get out clause though, as we have reason to believe that the consulting detective is still holding several details back – allowing fans to make their own minds up. Who knows if we’ll eventually get a definitive answer to one of television’s biggest mysteries, but at least the majority of Sherlockians can be satisfied with what the series 3 première gave us. – Harri Sargeant |
Given that most of the plot of this episode was window dressing for the answer to last season’s cliffhanger, it wasn’t surprising that the writers took this opportunity to throw some love in the direction of their fans. They even kicked off with what was essentially some glorified fan fiction, courtesy of Anderson. But the best moment was the almost kiss between Sherlock and Moriarty, seeing the much welcomed cameo of series 1 and 2 actor Andrew Scott. The imaginary sequence, dreamed up by an on screen fan girl of sorts, saw the two sociopaths fall for each other while a Sherlock mannequin tumbled off the roof. And like that, a thousand more fan fictions were born. Article Continues Below For more Sherlock fan service, see also: The Sherlock/Molly kiss, Anderson’s GIF-perfect break down, and the millions of references to a romantic relationship between John and Sherlock (Mrs. Hudson is, apparently, queen of the Johnlock shippers). – Marama Whyte |
Just as we thought things had come to a close, the screen was filled with ominous images of creepy clowns and enigmatic magician’s tricks. As Sherlock’s bonfire rescue is projected on to five separate screens and rewound constantly, the camera focuses in close on the cold eyes of the show’s latest villain: Charles Augustus Magnussen. Played by Lars Mikkelsen (known for his role as Troels in the Danish version of The Killing), this malevolent figure will cast a long shadow over the rest of the series. Based on the titular character of Doyle’s short story “Charles Augustus Milverton,” Magnussen will likely step out of the darkness in “His Last Vow.” It’s anyone’s guess what villainous scheme he has up his sleeve, but the showrunner’s promise of him being a character that Sherlock will truly hate doesn’t bode too well. This sinister cameo was a tantalising taste of what’s to come after John and Mary’s wedding. He’s got big shoes to fill in taking over from Moriarty, but if this short scene is anything to go by, he’ll be just as chilling. – Harri Sargeant |
We have always known that there is something special between the Holmes brothers, but “The Empty Hearse” gave us a deeper insight into the literal bromance between these siblings. They don’t just work together, they play together – whether that requires going under cover, or a quick game of Operation. They were clearly two kids who had no one else, and both their camaraderie and their competitiveness are explained by this. We always get a kick out of seeing Sherlock outsmart everyone else on this show, but it is equally fun to see him (almost) outsmarted by the only other character who can really match him. And bonus points for the cameo by Benedict Cumberbatch’s real-life parents as Sherlock and Mycroft’s parents. Both Sherlock and Mycroft’s willingness to indulge their parents (Sherlock when they visit, Mycroft at Les Miserables) also added a whole new dimension to this pair. – Marama Whyte |
Molly Hooper had become a firm fan favourite in her limited screen time throughout the first two series of the show, and “The Reichenbach Fall” alluded to a bigger presence as the show moved into its’ third run. It wasn’t a surprise to see Miss Hooper turn up in the various Reichenbach theories, but one thing that no one was anticipating was the birth of a brand new detective. With John refusing to return, Sherlock enlisted Molly’s help on his latest case. Their new crime solving arrangement facilitated plenty of adorable moments, from Sherlock telling the bumbling coroner to be herself, and even asking her out on a date! What’s lovely as well is that Molly really holds her own, proving a worthy foil to Sherlock’s deductions that many others would get lost under. Let’s hope “The Empty Hearse” isn’t our last glimpse of Inspector Hooper, as it would be great to see her join the famous Watson and Holmes duo from time to time in the future. – Harri Sargeant |
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