Sherlock – The Empty Hearse

After 2 years Sherlock finally came back to our screens on last night with the much anticipated The Empty Hearse.  I, like most of the Sherlock fandom, had built some pretty high expectations for the episode and I am happy to say that the show delivered on everything.  There was action, suspense, Watson’s moustache, theories on how Sherlock faked his death and a return to the mind palace.

The hour and a half episode flew by leaving me wanting more and this is what a good show is always meant to do.  The chemistry between all of the characters was great and there were a number of unforgettable little sayings and scenes.  The one thing that annoyed me a little bit about the episode is that we still don’t really know how Sherlock faked his own death.

On that topic it does seem that Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have looked at all the theories that are out there and included them in the 13 possible ways that Sherlock faked his death.  We see four different theories in the episode including one that was detailed by Digital Spy.  There was a little throw out there for all the Moriarty/Sherlock shippers.  However, we know that two of the theories are completely wrong because in one Moriarty is still alive and the other Sherlock discarded.  It’s a bit annoying, but you have to give it to the writers when it comes to keeping an audience hooked.

There was also a little nod to some of the other ships for the show.  The Molly/Sherlock shippers had a kiss between the pair and then we get to see Molly’s new fiancé who looks a lot like Sherlock.  There was also a little scene between Mrs Hudson and Watson where Mrs Hudson asked if his new fiancé was different to Sherlock since everyone and Mrs Hudson knows that Sherlock and Watson was a thing.  Honestly, even my mother believes this to be a fact and is shocked that this is not canon.

We also saw a new threat starting in the episode and I have to say that it was very subtle.  The primary threat of the episode actually has nothing to do with the main villain of the series or does it?  Honestly, with Sherlock anything is possible as we saw with the whole Moriarty thing.  The new villain is not even on Sherlock’s radar as far as we know, but then Sherlock does know a lot more than us mere normal people so who knows?

The interaction between all of the characters was believable and simply wonderful.  Although, I do have to say that I was surprised that Mycroft know about Sherlock’s faked death.  At the end of the last episode of season 2 Mycroft gave the impression of not knowing.  The reaction that Watson had to Sherlock being alive was hilarious and probably what most people would do in that situation.  I also loved how Lestrade hugged Sherlock while Sherlock looked uncomfortable and seemed to have no idea what to do. 

Overall, I have to say that Sherlock The Empty Hearse was more than worth the wait.  The two years since the last episode only enhanced the episode when it came out.  My hat comes off to Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat for giving the characters the best come back I have seen in a very long time.  I can honestly not wait for Sunday when the next episode comes on.

If you want to keep up to date with all things Sherlock you can check out the John Watson Blog that is updated to stay in line with the show.  

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