A Scandal in Belgravia

[rusty_armour]

This was fuckin' brilliant! I absolutely LOVED it! I think it was a wonderful modern adaptation of "A Scandal in Bohemia" that managed to poke fun at some Sherlockian clichés (like the deerstalker cap) and have fun (via John's blog) with the titles of canon adventures. I would have liked to see more of Lestrade, but I enjoyed what I did see, especially his phone call to Carter. However, moments of hilarity aside, this episode was deliciously dark and contained some incredible Sherlock character moments. The chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Lara Pulver was amazing. They totally sizzled together. However, I think I got even more enjoyment out of the scenes with Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Gatiss, as it gave us another glimpse into the characters of both brothers, though I probably have more questions than ever about the dynamics of their relationship! I think I practically stopped breathing during that scene in the plane. It was fabulous to see more evidence of the deep love Moffat and Gatiss have for The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.

This episode was so worth it, despite the struggles I had to find it online. I don't know how I'm going to make it until "The Hounds of Baskerville".

Comments

[2ndskin.livejournal.com]

Hi r_a!
Wanted to thank you so much for sending links to online episode-THANK YOU--I was looking too, and had managed to find one a few minutes before you sent. I have to say that I agree that the Sherlock and Mycroft moments were wonderful--that for me was maybe the best thing about the episode--Gatiss was sort of the heart of this one, I thought. But I'm showing my bias for Mycroft. I liked the humor a lot--and I liked the twistyness of the plot--found the plane thing very "wow." But there was a lot in the show I didn't like --I need to sit on it a day or so, but my immediate reaction was that this didn't quite live up to Study in Pink because John's role was weaker--as was the core friendship--of S and J. I may be reading too much fanfic, but I really missed the warmth of that and the strength of John. But--here are the two big things that hit me right away as "a bit not good." First, I found both Mrs Hudson and Molly a bit cartoonish. Molly in her ridiculous party garb and the whole little exchange with Sherlock there seemed waaay out of character--as did Sherlock's kiss and contrition. And Mrs H --although at first you think she's going to be this lovely motherly presence--didn't have enough strength either--not like she did in ASiP, I felt. Would love to know what you thought--tell me if you think I'm on the wrong track here.

I appreciated the twist at the end--the "gotcha" was great--but HONESTLY--the black garb and the Moorish sword--really? That seemed cartoony and Muslim-bashing to me. Although, perhaps it was really supposed to be read as a throwback to 1930s movies or something? I did really like much of the same stuff you mention. I need to think more about how to describe my reaction to Lara Pulver--there were some parts of her story that I appreciated--and her screen presence matches BC's really well, as you say--they DO have chemistry, but . . . there was something about the way Moffat weakened her towards the end that bothered me, and something not right about a lesbian character falling in love (was that what we were supposed to think?) with Sherlock. I"d believe that in fanfic, because it's fanon that basically everyone is in love with Sherlock deep down (well, in most of the fic I read anyway!) but doesn't seem right in BBCSherlockworld. Would love to talk details with you tomorrow or later this week. Do still need to maybe see it again to analyze it better. I'm hugely looking forward to seeing how people play with all the mad new details in fic and HUGELY looking forward to Hound because it's Gatiss as writer and it looks scary! <3

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I've grown extremely fond of Mycroft myself, so I might also be showing a bit of bias. However, I think the episode was very much about Mycroft as well as Sherlock, especially as he plays such a huge role in the plot. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that Gatiss was sort of the heart of the episode.

I could be wrong, but I think Sherlock spent a lot of the episode deliberately shutting John out. In fact, he literally did shut John out when he closed his bedroom door on him. *g* Seriously, though, Sherlock withheld a lot of information from John. When he thought Irene Adler was dead, he turned to Mycroft -- and I don't think it was just because it was Mycroft who drew Sherlock's attention to her in the first place. I think he closed himself off from John completely when it came to Irene Adler, which might be why the friendship seemed weaker. And with all that emphasis on the Sherlock/Irene relationship, and even Mycroft, John was basically forced to take the backseat in this episode.

I don't think you're on the wrong track about Mrs. Hudson and Molly. Unfortunately, they did seem a bit cartoonish in that Christmas party scene. And I know they were trying to emphasize Molly's awkwardness, but I would have thought that her Sherlock crush would have cooled down a bit after what happened with Jim. It would have been better if they had toned down her look (though I have to admit that I found Lestrade's reaction to her pretty funny) and just had her dressed up a little bit. Sherlock could have still delivered that cruel line about her lipstick and the present. As for Mrs. H, I would have liked to see her scold Sherlock for the mean things he was saying, unless she was supposed to be so shocked by his behaviour that she couldn't form words. I did love seeing how fiercely protective Sherlock became of Mrs. Hudson when Mycroft told her to shut up and when those men hurt her.

BTW, I have to admit that I liked Sherlock's apology to Molly, especially as John looked so surprised to see it. At the time, I couldn't figure out why it worked for me, but, just now, as I sat and thought about it, I realized why this might be. I think Sherlock could actually empathize with Molly for once. For months, he's been receiving texts from a woman who has beaten him. She also intimidates him and is actually capable of getting under his skin. Maybe Sherlock was sorry for what he said because he could finally understand how Molly feels as he feels much the same way when it comes to Irene Adler.

That "gotcha" moment was completely inspired by The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Private_Life_of_Sherlock_Holmes). There were too many parallels for it not to have been. The same goes for the execution scene, actually. At the risk of spoiling The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (in case you haven't seen it), Gabrielle Valladon
(the woman who betrays Holmes, who has fallen in love with her) ends up being executed in Japan. I'm guessing Moffat was trying to find somewhere in the world where Irene's activities might lead to capital punishment. However, I can see why you had issues with the black garb and Moorish sword. I'm not sure what that was all about, other than to give Sherlock the opportunity to disguise himself and sneak into the execution.

I wonder if Irene was supposed to seem weaker because Sherlock ended up defeating her and her connection with him had been severed. Again, I could be reading more out of this than I should, but I think Irene drew strength and confidence from the game she was playing. She's a dominatrix after all. She likes to be in control. As for the whole love thing, I think it was pretty much cerebral rather than physical - on both sides. Well...it might have been a bit physical on Sherlock's side. However, I think Irene was really only turned on by Sherlock's mind. I think she did all that flirting to get a reaction out of him and see how he would respond. He obviously did excite her, but, once again, it was in terms of the game they were playing.

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

Unlike you, I haven't seen Private life of SH yet so to me, "gotcha!" took me by surprise. I mean, I know Sherlock is a scientist but for him to be *that* cold... I couldn't have been more shocked if he had actually punched Irene in the face. What I really enjoyed this episode was that the cold mask came down a bit and how he's completely in his element when solving puzzles and like a fish out of the water in normal social situations, such as the Christmas party.

However, I think Irene was really only turned on by Sherlock's mind. I think she did all that flirting to get a reaction out of him and see how he would respond. He obviously did excite her, but, once again, it was in terms of the game they were playing.
I'm with you on this - I thought that, like Sherlock, she likes a challenge. And now I have to find it somewhere, preferably with subtitles. :)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I actually saw The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes parallels more in terms of the way Mycroft and Irene acted (e.g. the lecture from Mycroft about how Sherlock had been duped and Irene's obvious betrayal). I'll readily admit that I'd probably have to watch that scene at least a few times to analyze it properly (or as well as someone with an unanalytical mind could analyze it), but I was more shocked by the way Irene treated Sherlock, even though we knew by that point that she'd betrayed him. Like I said, I really need to rewatch the scene, but I'm wondering if Sherlock was extra cold because he was unfortunate enough to learn what can happen when your emotions do get the better of you. He let Irene in and she betrayed him. Big time. Of course, it might have also been for show - to appease Mycroft and make it look like he was truly back in control.

However, I think Irene was really only turned on by Sherlock's mind. I think she did all that flirting to get a reaction out of him and see how he would respond. He obviously did excite her, but, once again, it was in terms of the game they were playing.

I'm with you on this - I thought that, like Sherlock, she likes a challenge.

I think that's why they're two of a kind. They love a good challenge and crave mental stimulation.

And now I have to find it somewhere, preferably with subtitles. :)

Are you referring to "A Scandal in Belgravia"? I'm not sure if there will be any versions of it with subtitles yet, but I'll let you know if I come across any.

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

I got the subtitles but then my BS-player crashed. :(

Just curious about 2 things:

1. What did Mycroft say for Sherlock making the childhood in a nutshell comment?
2. What did Sherlock say just before he opened Irene's safe?

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry your BS-player crashed. I'm also sorry because I don't have answers for either of your questions. I can't remember what either Sherlock or Mycroft said specifically in these instances. I managed to download the episode on my hard drive, but I don't have time to watch it. As it is, I'm skipping a trip to the movie theatre today because of all the things I have to do. However, maybe someone else will see this thread and be able to give you an answer. I'll certainly let you know if I find out anything myself. :-)

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

Found them! :)

1. Mycroft said, "I'll be mother."
2. Vatican cameos.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, sorry. I should have been able to give you the first quote as I do remember Mycroft saying that. I don't think I caught "Vatican cameos," which is a Sherlockian reference. I can't remember which story they were mentioned in. I think the "Vatican cameos" were one of those cases Watson teasingly referred to but never published. *g*

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Hi again. I just realized that there's something I should point out. The love interest in The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes was actually a woman named Fräulein von Hoffmanstal who was only posing as Gabrielle Valladon. However, it's extremely late and I tend to think of the Geneviève Page character more as Gabrielle Valladon than Fräulein von Hoffmanstal because that was her "identity" for most of the film.

I know I didn't say this in my previous comment (because I ran out of room), but I also need to rewatch "A Scandal in Belgravia" in order to analyze it better. However, you've certainly given me food for thought with this discussion. Thank you very much for initiating it. :-) Lastly, I'm sure fic writers will have a blast with the new material from "A Scandal in Belgravia"! I'm also looking forward to seeing what they come up with!

[avictoriangirl]

I could not agree more! :D

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, awesome! I'm happy you enjoyed it! :-D

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I actually wondered if the final scene was just Sherlock fantasizing that he saved her. It seemed too absurd, too cartoony (the black garb and scimitar) for me to take as literal.

I liked a lot of the episode, but I have to admit there are a few elements that bothered me, as summed up on this blog:

http://www.dispositio.net/archives/810

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I actually wondered if the final scene was just Sherlock fantasizing that he saved her. It seemed too absurd, too cartoony (the black garb and scimitar) for me to take as literal.

To be honest, I'm not sure what to think of that final scene. Sherlock doesn't strike me as the type to concoct fantasy scenarios. If he did have such a moment, I think he would immediately be disgusted with himself. He likes facts and has little patience for dreams. And while that rescue was pretty absurd and cartoony, there is something a tiny bit Sherlockian about it because of the disguise and the dramatic flair. Actually, it reminds me of the kind of thing that might have happened in a Basil Rathbone film, so maybe Moffat was indulging his inner fanboy.

I liked a lot of the episode, but I have to admit there are a few elements that bothered me, as summed up on this blog:

http://www.dispositio.net/archives/810

I know I raved about the episode, but I certainly have some issues with how Molly and, to some extent, Mrs. Hudson were portrayed. I'm still trying to wrap my head around Irene Adler because I'm not sure how much some of her "weaknesses" were weaknesses. This is a woman who is incredibly calculating and manipulative. She reads a man's expectations and then tries to fashion herself in that image. It's classic femme fatale. Of course, maybe that's a whole other level of female degradation, but I would argue that it can also be a form of power. However, saying all that, I think there are definitely some valid points made in that blog - and the blog it cited. I don't feel as if I know Steven Moffat well enough to determine whether he's sexist. I will say that I don't think he understands the show's demographic. In the commentary for "A Study in Pink," he constantly talks about how they threw in certain Sherlockian references for the "fanboys," which not only makes me grit my teeth but tells me that he doesn't believe a woman can be a serious Sherlock Holmes fan.

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

After my second viewing, I figured that the only weakness Irene had, was that she thought she finally met her match. What she did not consider was that Sherlock is able to switch his heart completely off. That's how I saw it anyway. On the plane, from the moment he realizes Irene betrayed him, Sherlock doesn't yell, he doesn't accuse her, he doesn't plead with her. Instead, he begins to think, trying to connect lines, analyzing everything Irene did so that he can beat her at her own game. It reminded me of the scene in The Great Game where Sherlock tries to figure out what is wrong with the painting. Everyone around him freaks out at the thought a child might get killed - he blocks that all out and tries to solve the puzzle.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure if it's her only weakness (as I'm still trying to figure her out), but the way she underestimates Sherlock definitely is a weakness. And I think you're completely right about the way Sherlock blocks out everything around him (as he did in that one scene of "The Great Game") to work out the problem and beat Irene at her own game.

[anitamaid.livejournal.com]

I just hope we get to see it here too.. We did get s1 though, and I could prob cheat as well...

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I'll see if the link I used still works. If it does, I'll send it to you in a PM. :-)

[anitamaid.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

It occurred to me that Watson's blog counter was stuck at 1895, and I remembered the phrase I often hear in Sherlockian circles (most often the "I hear of Sherlock everywhere" podcast intro) "where it is always 1895".

Here's the source of that sly reference.

http://www.astudyinsherlock.net/2006/03/16/starrett-221b/

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

It's pretty rare for me, but I actually managed to catch the reference last night when I was watching the episode. :-)

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure whether to be impressed or scared... *g*

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Actually, I wasn't completely honest. While I assumed the 1895 counter number came from that quote puckrobin mentioned (as I've heard it a number of times), the full significance of it didn't hit me until yesterday morning. Then I thought to myself, Oh, of course. It's always 1895 in the world of Sherlock Holmes, and the counter is stuck on 1895, so it's always 1895 on John's blog as well. *g*

[funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com]

Agreed! Wasn't it a dark delicious wonder? Those Mycroft and Sherlock scenes made me laugh so hard. They become such children when they argue. It really made me LOL. And I love how John and Sherlock are much more equal now, they feel like a real partnership. Lara Pulver was so glamourous and fantastic. I've loved her work in other shows and here she really nailed the character brilliantly. She and Sherlock need each other, they each need another brilliant mind in the world for them each to push against :)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy you enjoyed the episode. :-) I think some of my favourite moments were the scenes Mycroft and Sherlock shared. A lot of fans have issues with the way Moffat wrote Irene Adler, but I really liked Lara Pulver's portrayal - and not just because she reminded me of Fräulein von Hoffmanstal in The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes. *g* I think you hit the proverbial nail on the head with your analysis of the Sherlock/Irene relationship. They do seem to need each other on a cerebral level. They each feed off each other's brilliance.

[karen9.livejournal.com]

I got around to watching this episode today. I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I'm not a particular Sherlock fan. The series is so well done all round: production, sets, actors, plots, dialogue.

I like Mycroft now. I was also disappointed that Lestrade didn't have much of a role this time.

P.S. I've mentioned this site a few times for live streaming and downloading of a great variety of TV series and movies: www.tv-links.eu. The best hosts for me are videozer and putlocker.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I got around to watching this episode today. I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I'm not a particular Sherlock fan. The series is so well done all round: production, sets, actors, plots, dialogue.

I'm happy you enjoyed the episode. It's received mixed reviews from fans, though even the ones who had problems with "A Scandal in Belgravia" seemed to like other aspects of the episode. And I would think that even if the show doesn't really speak to you, it's hard not to admire it to some degree in terms of the writing and production values. :-)

I like Mycroft now.

Awesome! He's got quite a large fandom following, which I'm happy about as I've grown very fond of both the character and Mark Gatiss. :-)

I was also disappointed that Lestrade didn't have much of a role this time.

Yes, the Lestrade fans haven't been thrilled about that, though I'd heard he didn't have a lot of screen time in "A Scandal in Belgravia," so it didn't come as a huge shock when I watched it. And I was satisfied with what I did see of him, though when isn't that the case when it's Rupert Graves? *g*

I don't know if this would interest you, but blooms84 has posted the first part of a really hilarious story (http://blooms84.livejournal.com/58453.html) that explains why Rupert Graves didn't have a larger role in "A Scandal in Belgravia".

P.S. I've mentioned this site a few times for live streaming and downloading of a great variety of TV series and movies: www.tv-links.eu. The best hosts for me are videozer and putlocker.

I have a confession to make. I actually remembered that site from one of your recent posts and ended up going there to find "A Scandal in Belgravia". I meant to thank you and stupidly forgot. It's been kind of a crazy week, and I think my brain has turned into goo. However, I'll take the opportunity now to thank you for introducing me to that site because I'm not sure how I would have found the new episode of Sherlock without it! THANK YOU! :-D

[karen9.livejournal.com]

And I would think that even if the show doesn't really speak to you,
I like Sherlock Holmes though I'm not a fan like you. I have read all the SH stories including the book about the Mormons. I really like this series.

I'm glad you were able to watch Sherlock using the site I found. I found it quite by accident through Goggle! There's a lot on it, though not everything. Neither Maurice nor Charles II: the Power and the Passion is there. But I watched Merlin 4 each week and now I can watch Sherlock. I've watched several other shows and a couple of movies.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, I didn't mean to imply that you weren't a Sherlock Holmes fan because I know you are. Going by your comment, it sounded as if you weren't as fond of Sherlock, but I think what you were actually saying is that you aren't obsessed with it (like some people we won't mention). That's fine. Absolutely fine. There are a number of shows I really, really like but don't become obsessed with. A friend of mine says it's because I'm hopelessly monogamous when it comes to fandom. *g*

I think I have a link where you can download Maurice, but I believe you're trying to avoid the download option if possible. The same thing goes for YouTube. You might be able to rent Maurice somewhere. There's also the original novel, which I really enjoyed.