The Empty Hearse

I waited keenly to see the conclusion of the Reichenbach fall, and we get the Empty Hearse.

I enjoyed it as it continues to be bursting with exuberance, it's fun and wacky, but it is not the best, the plot is a bit on the thin side, and it just feels overly self satisfied. I could imagine Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat laughing maniacally and patting each other on the back during its creation.

It feels a little like we have a 15 minuted story with 75 minutes explaining Sherlock's bizarre survival, the on/off switch has been slammed many times, I need not add to that, it just seems a wee bit lazy.

There are great points though, some of the imaginings of Sherlocks death are fun, his actual parents are brilliant, the bonfire scene was superbly done, and Louise Brealey continues to shine brightly as Molly.

It delivers largely, but the bar has been set so high more was expected, 7/10

With the last seasons being such a great spectacle to witness, the expectations were held high by all – would the new season's starter be able to repeat the success of the last season starter? Well, it definitely matched up to it in a way, but was always to be a slightly different episode, as the main events of the episode were be the explanation of how Sherlock's still alive, rather than planting a new villain story and also offer a deep mystery to solve in the first episode. All this would not fit into 90 minutes, would the editors provide maximum attention and detail to everything, it's going to be too intense and too much mystery would make the episode a little too twisty would not provide enough integrity - it would be all around the place. So the balance had to be found between all of these aspects and boy, wasn't that balance found! All of it was wrapped up into a perfect sequence of events that rolled open in front of our eyes and none of the sequences dominated the others... too much... and hence created an episode with excellent integrity. The acting and especially the visuals were always to be spot on, there is no other option with Sherlock. I can't compare it to Scandal in Belgravia and say its better, since they are not really comparable, as in Scandal of Belgravia, the directors needed about 5 minutes to close all the loose ends from the previous season and start another great mystery. This one needed a lot more of it and yet still made a great episode. 9.5 out of 10.

It ended with a bang. Or, rather, a quick drop and a sudden stop - one that sent fans and critics alike reeling and demanding more, more, more. And this past New Years Day 2014, the two- year-long wait finally ended for millions worldwide as the infamous Consulting Detective returned to London with a theatrical flair that can only be described as, well… Sherlockian.

In many regards, the latest and newest installment of BBC's smash hit, Sherlock (2010 - present) did not disappoint fans worldwide - and why would it? Finally, Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) are back to embark upon more exciting and thrilling adventures! This is the moment that we've all been waiting for! Yet, this first episode - while exciting - did have a few shortcomings that made it less than what some fans might expect.

When a TV show opens its door to the fandom world - i.e. Tumblr - and brings it into the fold of its own plot, it often risks laughing at itself, becoming a pantomime of the speculations, theories and obsession that have propelled it forward - in short, it risks lessening itself by approaching and enveloping the - sometimes, frankly alarming - fan world. Yet, somehow, Sherlock avoided this entirely, carefully balancing itself on the knife's edge of playful, poking jokes which Sherlockians will probably die over, and that the average viewer can appreciate in the grander scheme of the episode's overall and surprisingly cheeky nature. The fact remains that no one listens to their fans better than Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, and, while some fans might find offense in their references to the, again, frankly alarming Sherlock fan-base, being toyed with was actually quite enjoyable.

The laughs weren't too far behind in regards to this episode, either. Again, "cheeky" is the word for this script - as perhaps are the words, "confident," "smart" and "clever," as Gatiss once again shows off his prowess as not only a co-creator of the show, but a writer as well.

One thing that no one had to worry about for this new series is the superb acting. Benedict Cumberbatch is simply flawless as Sherlock Holmes, supporting an argument that he is, in fact, the best actor to have ever portrayed the sociopathic, genius sleuth. Martin Freeman once again shone as a modern John Watson, showing a wide array of emotions simultaneously. And fans who were worried about the introduction of John's romantic interest, Mary Morstan (played by Amanda Abbington, Martin Freeman's real-life partner) have little to fear. Mary is as charming, brazen and clever as we could have possibly ever hoped for. Though only shown sparingly in this episode, she's sure to become a fantastic character in the near future, one that will not only add to the plot, but help shape a wonderful, new dynamic for this new series.

The plot itself was, overall, very intriguing. From the get go, the audience is immediately thrown back into the excitement and adventure that makes Sherlock exactly that - an adventure unlike anything television has seen before. This new series is sure to be a unique experience.

However, somehow, the plot was very convoluted and sometimes choppy and jaggedly presented for those that couldn't catch every single word of dialog being presented. However, after my second viewing of the show (after my disastrous first attempt at a live stream), I could completely comprehend the plot of "The Empty Hearse" and its implications towards the later episodes. It's truly a masterpiece - yet one that was initially confusing. Yet, despite its many pros, there is one crucial con to "The Empty Hearse" that made it less than what many fans have been expecting - the relationship between John and Sherlock.

Again, it's been two years since Sherlock's faked suicide, and it's been only days since he's been vindicated of all of the charges that had been brought against him, thanks to one "Richard Brook." Somehow, the thrill of the new plot took away from that developing reconnection, and their struggle to reconcile after many years of hurt and loneliness. Again, we understand - Sherlock is an adventure, a wild ride through the twisting alleys of London, filled with danger, excitement and deductions galore. And, again, "The Empty Hearse" did not disappoint in this regard. Yet, the one thing that this episode should have been about - John's forgiving Sherlock, their friendship - was not touched upon enough. After a third viewing (yes, a third), I could see the small hints towards the larger picture, but they were vague and barely noticeable for those who weren't looking. If not for the fantastic performances by Cumberbatch and Freeman, Sherlock and John's character arcs would have been completely lost in the grandeur, the danger and the thrill.

Perhaps this crucial shortcoming has to do with the restrictive time set for Sherlock episodes - ironic, seeing as they're practically feature length films. Yet, an extra half hour would have been enough to help bring this absolutely vital dynamic to life. If not that, then taking away some of the action would have helped - it certainly would've helped clear up some confusion with the intense and rapidly moving plot line.

All in all, however, "The Empty Hearse" was an explosive opening episode in what is promising to be the most action-packed season of Sherlock yet. And its hints towards a greater danger for not only London, but Holmes and Watson, give a glimpse into the new, exciting plot that Gatiss and Moffat have lined up for Sherlock fans globally. I was only slightly disappointed with this opening episode, and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

2 years is a pretty long time to wait for something so excellent.Being a big fan of the source material,I've followed this show from the beginning and this episode lived up to our expectations..the wait was worth it!We finally got an explanation to the riddle which had been bugging our minds so long.

Is there something better than Sherlock and Moriarty about to make out, and Sherlock's parents, and Sherlock's scarf, and Sherlock kissing Molly, and John repeatedly attacking Sherlock, and Anderson's first name?I think not. This was by far one of the best episode of this show and provided a full dose of spectacular performances by Benedict and Freeman with a script full of amazing wit,whizz and humour.Also the way Sherlock explains the fall is stunning and it opened with a breathtaking sequence. And hats off to the creators for such an excellent episode. It deserves a 10/10.

DISCLAIMER- Yes, you are reading this article as a movie review. It is so because I believe these episodes are more like a series of TV films; 90 minutes long TV films, and not a TV-Series! That being said, now you continue with the review. So it has been a little under two years since we last saw Sherlock Holmes fake his death. But the painful 717 days wait finally came to an end with the splendid "The Empty Hearse". Both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman have found fame in Hollywood with movies like Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hobbit. But it is indeed a huge relief that the series has returned; even though if it's only for another three episodes. With no more Moriarty in the picture, the opening instalment of Sherlock teased a new foe for the Baker Street detective and explained just how and why the lead character vanished from London for two years… well almost! "The Empty Hearse" then tells us the reason of detective's return which involves an underground terrorist cell planning an attack on London. It also shows the two year old John Watson preparing for his marital life whilst trying to move on with the grief of his best friend's death.

Like the rest of the Sherlock episodes, this Season 3 opener is brilliantly shot, astoundingly edited and stunningly directed by Jeremy Lovering and team. Though "The Empty Hearse" is a little more about the Watson-Holmes reunion; throughout the episode, there are plenty of intriguing moments that we've come to love about this series, both with certain visual and stylistic cues. Although it still feels surprisingly new and viewer friendly.

PS: There are some interesting new wrinkles added to the Sherlock Holmes myths – his parents – as well as some genuinely very funny moments for fans (Molly's fiancée). But to conclude it all, "The Empty Hearse" is indeed the best Sherlock episode till date. I would undoubtedly rate the entire series a flawless 10, but for once I just wish if there was something beyond 10 reserved for this masterpiece.

"The holiday is over… Back to Baker Street, Sherlock Holmes…"