The Blind Banker

With its major character introductions already out of the way, this second episode of BBC's Sherlock is able to focus more on defining roles and settling in. Holmes and Watson are already developing a prickly, sarcastic working relationship that's not without precedent but still somewhat befuddling. Watson, the kind-enough everyman, is so constantly on the pointed end of Sherlock's icy pokes and prods, it's easy to question why he sticks around - that is, until the duo lock in and begin functioning together near the end of the chapter. Even at their worst moments, though, the two work as a good balance for each other: Holmes as the brilliant, socially-stunted brains behind the operation and Watson the more personable, common sense-minded counterweight. The production values of this episode aren't quite up to those of the premiere, with a few major scenes looking very much like they were shot for TV, but it does manage to retain the cool, unique editing techniques and visually-indicated clues I liked so much in its debut. In terms of the plot, the B-level murder mystery does lead to a couple of surprisingly good scenes, but ultimately doesn't measure up to the high standards set by the first episode. Still, it's fine material that's much, much better than the Downey-helmed American interpretations.

This episode was not based on any of the original stories. It's a new adventure created with elements of few of the original stories. Still pretty entertaining. Fans of the real Sherlock Holmes might be disappointed however.

The second outing for the modern-day Holmes and Watson proved entertaining enough but just lacking in key areas to take it below the standard of some of the other episodes I've seen (from both series).

For once, the episode title bears no direct reference to a Conan Doyle original, although some of the plot devices were familiar, like the murders occurring in locked rooms and the importance of deciphering codes as clues to solving the case. While the programme was satisfactory enough, the Holmes and Watson partnership didn't seem to develop much, with less of the sharp banter between them you'd expect from say, a Stephen Moffat written story. In addition, for some reason Inspector Lestrade and his team are conspicuous by their absence, upsetting continuity and even Mrs Hudson only manages about a minute of screen time.

As for the story itself, the background plot of smuggling ancient Chinese artifacts into the country resonated with topicality even if the ideas of a "Thuggee" gang with a female Manchu as its head and the mystery assassin being a circus performer seemed somewhat anachronistic. The encounter with a "Banksy" type street artist seemed a bit contrived too, although I enjoyed the museum settings used for a large part of the story. While it was good to see Watson hook up with a woman, although Sherlock naturally plays gooseberry, I felt the direction lacked a little of the sharpness and crispness of what I'd seen in others, even omitting the minor, showy demonstrations of Holmes' deductive skills which add to his personality as well as conveying humour.

Cumberbatch and Freeman are very good together, the latter now overcoming my initial reservations about his over-familiarity and unsuitability for his part. For me though this episode seemed to cater too much to the Dan Brown crowd and with Sherlock resorting too often to conventional fisticuffs, just seemed lacking in the flair and nuance of other superior episodes in the two series.

Not the strongest of episodes and a decline in quality. The first episode was a great and amazing start and a great introduction to these iconic characters. Sadly this episode didn't quite hit the mark and was a bit all over the place. I will off course continue watching.

A serious decline in quality compared to the first episode. I saw it last night and I already forgot what was it about. It is not boring, but leaves no impression. A hollow episode, full of genre cliches.

6/10