The Empty Hearse!
Jan. 2nd, 2014 10:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rusty_armourOther fans may or may not agree with me, but I think "The Empty Hearse" was definitely worth the two-year wait! It was worth it for John's reaction to Sherlock's resurrection alone, which was better than anything I could have ever imagined. Lestrade's reaction too, for that matter. I had to rewind and watch it again because it was beyond adorable. And I'm entering into spoiler land. I'd better insert a cut.
My brain is so busy squeeing that I'm not sure if I'm even forming proper sentences. I think I'll just list some of the things I loved about this episode. First of all, I thought this was a great modern take on "The Empty House". Okay, obviously it departed quite a bit from canon, but it paid homage to many elements from the original short story. One of my favourites was the old patient who John was convinced was Sherlock in disguise. Great reversal on the old bookseller disguise from "The Empty House," only this time it's a man with a dirty DVD collection who isn't Sherlock, rather than Holmes disguised as the old bookseller and completely fooling Watson. I'm glad they brought in Moran. I'm still not sure how I feel about the exploding train plot, though I guess it counts as an attempt on Sherlock's life as Sherlock was on the train when the bomb started counting down. They did have a Sherlock double, though it was used in the Sherlock version of "The Final Problem" and was a corpse rather than a wax dummy standing in the window of 221B. Speaking of "The Final Problem," I was thrilled when John started reciting that famous speech of Watson's (e.g. "...the best and wisest man whom I have ever known"), even if he later made Sherlock promise not to tell anyone he'd said it.
I'm not sure why people were giving Amanda Abbington such a hard time. I thought she was wonderful as Mary Morstan. She was funny, smart and actually liked Sherlock, even though he had acted like a complete bastard. I love the way she told Sherlock that she would bring John around and actively encouraged John to forgive Sherlock and renew their friendship. That is very canon Mary Morstan. She knew her husband needed to be involved with Holmes's cases and never stood in the way of that. Saying all that about Mary, I thought Mrs. Hudson's reaction to John's news about his almost fiancée was absolutely priceless. Like the Johnlock shippers, she just can't accept that Sherlock and John aren't together, even when John loudly insists (repeatedly) that he's not gay. Oh, another moment that made me howl was when Sherlock admitted that the clients he kicked out of the flat were actually his parents. His disappointingly ordinary parents. I had to rewind and watch it again to see if what I'd suspected was true. It was. Sherlock's parents were, in fact, Benedict Cumberbatch's parents, Wanda Ventham and Timothy Carlton.
Okay, I'll just finish off with the references I noticed. I'm positive that there were at least two quotes taken from The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes, though, at the moment, I can only remember the one. The Sherlock Mrs. Hudson actually quotes Mrs. Hudson from The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes when she says, "I'm sure there's a crying need for that". Damn. I really wish I could remember the other quote they threw in. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if there were more than two given Gatiss and Moffat's love of the film (which I totally get). Anywaaaaaay, moving right along, I loved the reference to "The Blue Carbuncle" with Sherlock and Mycroft's examination of the woollen hat, not to mention Sherlock's almost fond observation that Mycroft is lonely. Is he trying to set Mycroft up with Lestrade? I could be imagining things, but I get the feeling (and have had the feeling since "A Scandal in Belgravia") that Lestrade is into Molly given that he wanted to know if Molly would be Sherlock's permanent assistant and if she was serious about her Sherlock clone fiance. And I'm wandering again. Uh...Oh! Liked the reference (with a modern twist) to "A Case of Identity" and the very clever nod to the famous Giant Rat of Sumatra with the Sumatra Road Station. I'm assuming that Moran was the giant rat. *g*
I'm sure there's more I could say, but my brain is still trying to process everything I just saw. I have a feeling that I'd have to watch "The Empty Hearse" multiple times to get everything, so EXCELLENT job, Mark Gatiss. You've made me an extremely happy fan!
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Date: 2014-01-03 08:35 am (UTC)Not Nearly Enough Greg!
Other than that - yes very enjoyable. I screamed at the slash theory of Sherlock's survival and (like others have pointed out) 'got' the V for Vendetta nod with (a) the 5th November thing, and (b) the use of the London Underground.
R. thinks that Molly's new boyfriend is a suspicious character, and that Sherlock spent time eyeballing him for that reason (as well as the superficial likeness to himself). I've noted that, and .... we shall see ...
BUT, Gat and Moff - MOAR GREG PLZ. kthanksbai
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Date: 2014-01-03 04:31 pm (UTC)Not Nearly Enough Greg!
I'm pretty sure that ALL Rupert Graves fans are unanimous on that score! *g* Yes, as usual, I would have loved to have seen more Greg. However, his, "Oooh, you bastard" and the massive bear hug helped make up for the lack of screen time. :-)
Other than that - yes very enjoyable. I screamed at the slash theory of Sherlock's survival and (like others have pointed out) 'got' the V for Vendetta nod with (a) the 5th November thing, and (b) the use of the London Underground.
OMG! I should have totally given a shout out to the slash theory of Sherlock's survival! That was HILARIOUS! *g* I also loved the V for Vendetta nod with the 5th of November and use of the London Underground to blow up Parliament. OH! And that should have been even more reason to include more Rupert Graves! He should have been helping to chase down Moran!
R. thinks that Molly's new boyfriend is a suspicious character, and that Sherlock spent time eyeballing him for that reason (as well as the superficial likeness to himself). I've noted that, and .... we shall see ...
I actually saw it more as R. knowing that Molly was with this guy because of his superficial likeness to Sherlock and worrying that she was setting herself up for more heartbreak. I think that's also why he asked Sherlock whether Molly was going to be a permanent addition to his team because he saw it as bad news. And I've just talked myself out of the "Lestrade has a thing for Molly" theory as this could simply be Lestrade in protective mode. However, he was totally checking her out at the Christmas party when she showed up in that dress and had his patent grin on when he was chatting with her. Hmm...I guess we'll see...
BUT, Gat and Moff - MOAR GREG PLZ. kthanksbai
I so second that! You'd think they'd know how popular he is if they've been following the fandom at all. And that slash survival theory proves that they have. *g*
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Date: 2014-01-08 01:09 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-01-08 04:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-01-03 08:51 am (UTC)Like you, I really enjoyed the episode although I need to rewatch it, I definitely missed things because of the speed. I had a great laugh at all the "how did he do it" scenes - something tells me someone went online for inspiration - and had a great "Ha! Knew it!" moment when my assumption that the viewers only saw what Watson saw, had been right. (still clueless on the how but at least I had that!)
I laughed a lot during the episode with Mycroft being forced to go to Les Miserable with his parents being an absolute delight.
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Date: 2014-01-03 05:50 pm (UTC)If it makes you feel any better, I almost forgot about the Doctor Who Christmas special. In fact, I didn't remember to check the SPACE schedule in time (e.g. before I lost my internet connection in the ice storm) and, so, stupidly neglected to set my VCR to tape it. Ergo, I wasn't able to watch it on Christmas because my parents didn't have any power. In the end, I had to watch it online. Anywaaaaaaay, I'm glad you caught "The Empty Hearse" while flipping channels and only missed the first five minutes. Close call, indeed!
Like you, I really enjoyed the episode although I need to rewatch it, I definitely missed things because of the speed.
Yes, it was very fast-paced and those canon references were just zipping by. I'm sure I missed a number of things.
I had a great laugh at all the "how did he do it" scenes - something tells me someone went online for inspiration - and had a great "Ha! Knew it!" moment when my assumption that the viewers only saw what Watson saw, had been right. (still clueless on the how but at least I had that!)
You definitely did get the viewers-only-saw-what-Watson-saw aspect of the illusion. :-) I'm not sure if what Sherlock told Anderson was the truth or not. It was definitely the most plausible explanation, even if Anderson found it disappointing...Oh! Speaking of disappointing, I was taken in by that first explanation. I was sitting there thinking, Did I really wait two years for this? Then I realized that it was one of Anderson's conspiracy theories and laughed. *g*
I laughed a lot during the episode with Mycroft being forced to go to Les Miserable with his parents being an absolute delight.
That was priceless. Too, too funny! :-D
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Date: 2014-01-03 09:30 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-01-04 03:43 am (UTC)I'm so glad you loved the episode too! I've been seriously fighting the temptation to watch it again, and freakin' FANTASTIC gifts like this one (http://rusty-armour.livejournal.com/pics/catalog/438/261066) aren't helping me! No, I've got an interview on Tuesday morning to prepare for and I'll need all my will power to fight the urge to watch "The Sign of Three" before my interview is done. I actually had trouble sleeping last night because I was so excited about "The Empty Hearse" and couldn't stop thinking about it. Sherlock just isn't a safe option right now. *g*
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Date: 2014-01-04 06:25 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-01-04 11:06 pm (UTC)It's so sweet of you to ask, Alys! Thank you! :-) Yes, it's an interview for that existing job in the company. It's a contract position that would last until the end of 2014. I'm basically applying to buy myself some more time while I work out what I'd like to do. I'm actually thinking about taking some copywriting courses (e.g. web writing/social media writing), but I have to work out which ones might be best. Ideally, I'd like to at least start a program while employed in the contract position (if I get it), but it will all depend on when the courses are being offered, etc. Anywaaaaay, I'm trying to put as much prep into the interview as I can. Thankfully, I started preparing for potential interview questions months ago, so I already have several answers prepared. I just want to answer some more specific behavioural type questions and go over what questions I've answered already.
Do let us know how it goes and keep 'The Sign of Three' as a reward to yourself to help destress after the interview. xx
Will do. And great minds must think alike because I was also thinking of saving "The Sign of Three" as my reward after the interview. :-)
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Date: 2014-01-05 06:23 am (UTC)Lots of good luck for your interview!
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Date: 2014-01-05 06:36 pm (UTC)That's wonderful! I'm so happy you enjoyed it! :-D I've been seriously fighting the urge to watch it again. I mean, I obviously will watch it again, but I just can't watch it again right now. *g*
I liked the examination of the hat, the old patient and Mrs. Hudson insisting that Sherlock and Watson were a couple.
Those were all such awesome moments in the episode -- and not just because two of them were canon references. That scene between Mrs. Hudson and John was pure joy. It was just so funny. :-D
The bonfire was suitably creepy, especially with the girl sensing something was wrong.
The little girl alone made that scene work. It was your classic example of a kid knowing something is wrong and not being taken seriously by an adult. What I like about it is that the little girl doesn't realize that a man is trapped under the woodpile. She hears the moans and thinks Guy Fawkes is unhappy. Very sweet and creepy at the same time.
I liked Sherlock's turn as a waiter and the fun they got out of John's tatty moustache.
Sherlock's turn as a waiter was so much fun, not to mention all the insults that John's tatty moustache endured. Hell, you could write a whole review about the moustache saga alone! *g* I should have mentioned it in my post, but I loved that scene where Mary points out that John is basically shaving off his moustache because Sherlock said he didn't like it. That joke about the "I don't shave for Sherlock Holmes" t-shirt is fabulous. :-)
Also Sherlock's parents!
That was just HILARIOUS! What I loved about it is that writers (both pro and fic) have been spinning theories about Sherlock Holmes's traumatic childhood for years. And if Holmes's childhood wasn't traumatic then his parents, at least, were incredibly brilliant or highly eccentric. Mark Gatiss turns all that on its head by presenting us with two completely ordinary people who just want to see some London sights (and Les Miserables). I've read a couple of Gatiss interviews in which he says that he thinks Sherlock and Mycroft probably had a fairly happy childhood with parents who may have indulged them just a little too much...especially in Sherlock's case. *g*
Of course, I didn't catch half the allusions to canon Sherlock that you would have picked up.
Well, I've been a fan since I was 13, so I've had time (probably too much time) to focus on all things Sherlockian. However, even with this pathetically geeky background, I'm sure there are allusions I missed on the first viewing. *g*
Lots of good luck for your interview!
Oh, thank you! You're very kind! :-D
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Date: 2014-01-06 04:25 am (UTC)There was just so much to squee about with this episode. Loved John's reactions to Sherlock and the descending quality of the eating establishments they found themselves in, loved how Mary was a definitive positive addition to the group, and poor Anderson and his delusions as to how Sherlock "killed" himself. I could go on!
I've always pictured the Holmes parents as upper class pretentious snobs for some reason, so I found Sherlock's parents to be delightfully adorable. The fact that they were Benedict's parents is sweet.
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Date: 2014-01-06 10:07 pm (UTC)I feel the exact same way about seeing all those familiar faces. :-) And I definitely have a soft spot for Mycroft too. I like him a lot, actually. I love that scene where he's playing Operation with Sherlock and then analyzing the hat. I haven't seen the second episode yet (and won't be able to watch it till tomorrow night), but I'm wondering if Mycroft is going to be hooked up with someone (because of Sherlock's comment about his loneliness) or at least make a friend. Or maybe that scene was simply a way of showing that Sherlock has gained a tiny bit of empathy during his time away. *g*
I do wish there'd been more Lestrade though. Maybe the next episode.
I'd love to see more of Lestrade in "The Sign of Three," but I'm not holding my breath. Of course, we could be pleasantly surprised. However, when it comes to Lestrade, I usually just cherish all the scraps I can get, like the hug from "The Empty Hearse". *g*
There was just so much to squee about with this episode.
Tell me about it. I know I didn't work in nearly enough of the squeeage in this post. I keep thinking of things I should have added days after the fact. *g*
Loved John's reactions to Sherlock and the descending quality of the eating establishments they found themselves in, loved how Mary was a definitive positive addition to the group, and poor Anderson and his delusions as to how Sherlock "killed" himself. I could go on!
ALL of these things were gold, especially John's reactions to Sherlock's resurrection and the descending quality of the eating establishments they found themselves. Actually, that never really struck me on a conscious level, but you're absolutely right. I guess they kept getting kicked out of restaurants and had to lower their standards in the hope of being able to stay in one for a whole conversation. *g* Well spotted! :-)
Did you see the mini Christmas episode? If you liked Anderson's wild theories then you should definitely check it out. It also has a lot of Lestrade:
I've always pictured the Holmes parents as upper class pretentious snobs for some reason, so I found Sherlock's parents to be delightfully adorable. The fact that they were Benedict's parents is sweet.
I was imagining the same thing. Actually, I wondered if they were even still alive given how much Mycroft interferes in Sherlock's life. As their parents obviously aren't living in London, I suppose Mycroft sees it as his duty to keep an eye on Sherlock...to stop their mum from worrying. Anywaaaaay, I think it's hilarious that a) the parents were so sweet and incredibly ordinary and b) they were actually Benedict's parents. Oh! And I just thought of something else. Usually, people are embarrassed if their parents are strange and eccentric, but Sherlock seemed embarrassed because they weren't! *g*
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Date: 2014-01-06 10:37 pm (UTC)Thanks for writing up this wonderful reference guide, it made me squee.
I shall now stop sending you comments tonight. Sorry! <3
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Date: 2014-01-07 10:19 pm (UTC)I'm very happy to hear that. I was really hoping my two fellow Sherlock Holmes fans would enjoy it too. :-D
I adore Mary - did you know she's played by Martin Freeman's real-life long-term partner?
I did, indeed. In fact, Mary's identity was one of the first spoilers I came across for the third series, though I knew that Amanda Abbington was Martin Freeman's partner before that. I did consider mentioning that in my post, but I assumed that most Sherlock and/or Martin Freeman fans knew that because of all the series three coverage...or maybe everyone isn't as shamefully greedy as I am. *g*
She was sparky and funny and exactly what both John and Sherlock needed.
I completely agree. I think she's all of these things. And she not only helped John with his grief, but helped bridge the gulf between John and Sherlock on Sherlock's return.
Fans are always going to hate someone who gets in the way of their ship but I think she's just fantastic and a perfect addition to the cast. Yay for more awesome female characters :)
Unfortunately, you're right. There are some Johnlock fans who are determined to hate her. If I were a Johnlock fan, I would simply work around it. There are such things as open marriages and/or threesomes... *g*
Thanks for writing up this wonderful reference guide, it made me squee.
Oh, wow. I think you're the first person to refer to one of my Sherlock reviews as a reference guide. :-) I wish I'd caught more. I've thought of at least one reference I missed that could have gone in the post. Sherlock's words to Lestrade during their reunion basically echo what Holmes says to Lestrade when they meet again in "The Empty House". I'm going to blame the epic embrace for distracting me. *g*
I shall now stop sending you comments tonight. Sorry! <3
No worries! It was sweet of you to take the time to leave comments! ♥ I know you've left by now, but I hope you and Anthony have an AWESOME time in Germany! :-D
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Date: 2014-01-12 05:25 am (UTC)I'm not sure if this is what you're thinking of, but there's a reference in the minisode. The Delhi inspector's line about measuring the depth to which the chocolate flake had sunk into the ice cream is a direct paraphrase from a line at the beginning of the movie about parsley and butter.
Loved the episode.
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Date: 2014-01-13 03:41 am (UTC)"You will remember, Watson, how the dreadful business of the Abernetty family was first brought to my notice by the depth which the parsley had sunk into the butter upon a hot day."
I'll have to let you know if I ever figure out what the second quote was from The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (assuming it existed in the first place). It's so nice to meet a fan of the film as people either seem to love it or hate it. Oh, and I'm happy you enjoyed "The Empty Hearse". :-D
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Date: 2014-01-22 05:16 am (UTC)And if you do remember what the other reference was, do let me know! Yeah, I first watched the film only very recently, but I enjoyed it a lot. It starts to drag on towards the end, but the beginning is hilarious and you can definitely see how it was an inspiration for the BBC series. The character dynamics are very similar.
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Date: 2014-01-22 04:16 pm (UTC)It gets really confusing sometimes, especially when secondary sources start making references to these primary source case references. *g* And I probably only knew the parsley reference because it comes up a fair amount.
And if you do remember what the other reference was, do let me know!
Will do! :-) I might rewatch the episode when it finally airs on WNED in February...unless I give in before that. In any case, I'll keep my ears open. I'm hoping it isn't something I just imagined.
Yeah, I first watched the film only very recently, but I enjoyed it a lot. It starts to drag on towards the end, but the beginning is hilarious and you can definitely see how it was an inspiration for the BBC series. The character dynamics are very similar.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! :-D I agree that the beginning has the most hilarity. I think the end seems to drag a bit because the mood begins to change and the pacing slows down. In any case, you just have to look at the Mycroft character alone to see the influence the film has had on Sherlock. And, of course, as you've pointed out, the character dynamics. Those are wonderfully similar. :-)
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Date: 2014-01-21 11:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2014-01-21 04:33 pm (UTC)I didn't think the emotions overrode the story in this episode, but I think they did to some extent in "The Sign of Three".
I'm sorry you were so disappointed by the episode. I know at least one other person who felt the same way for much the same reason.