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Sherlock
S4.E2
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The Lying Detective

  • Episode aired Jan 8, 2017
  • TV-14
  • 1h 29m
IMDb RATING
9.1/10
30K
YOUR RATING
Toby Jones in Sherlock (2010)
Dark ComedyCrimeDramaMysteryThriller

Sherlock goes up against the powerful and seemingly unassailable Culverton Smith - a man with a very dark secret indeed.Sherlock goes up against the powerful and seemingly unassailable Culverton Smith - a man with a very dark secret indeed.Sherlock goes up against the powerful and seemingly unassailable Culverton Smith - a man with a very dark secret indeed.

  • Director
    • Nick Hurran
  • Writers
    • Steven Moffat
    • Mark Gatiss
    • Arthur Conan Doyle
  • Stars
    • Benedict Cumberbatch
    • Martin Freeman
    • Una Stubbs
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    9.1/10
    30K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Nick Hurran
    • Writers
      • Steven Moffat
      • Mark Gatiss
      • Arthur Conan Doyle
    • Stars
      • Benedict Cumberbatch
      • Martin Freeman
      • Una Stubbs
    • 60User reviews
    • 24Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos49

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    Top cast34

    Edit
    Benedict Cumberbatch
    Benedict Cumberbatch
    • Sherlock Holmes
    Martin Freeman
    Martin Freeman
    • Dr. John Watson
    Una Stubbs
    Una Stubbs
    • Mrs. Hudson
    Rupert Graves
    Rupert Graves
    • DI Lestrade
    Mark Gatiss
    Mark Gatiss
    • Mycroft Holmes
    Louise Brealey
    Louise Brealey
    • Molly Hooper
    Amanda Abbington
    Amanda Abbington
    • Mary Watson
    Toby Jones
    Toby Jones
    • Culverton Smith
    Lindsay Duncan
    Lindsay Duncan
    • Lady Smallwood
    Sian Brooke
    Sian Brooke
    • Elizabeth
    • (as Siân Brooke)
    Georgina Rylance
    Georgina Rylance
    • Cornelia
    Tom Brooke
    Tom Brooke
    • Wiggins
    Gina Bramhill
    Gina Bramhill
    • Faith
    Martin Savage
    Martin Savage
    • Ivan
    Katy Wix
    Katy Wix
    • Nurse Cornish
    Matthew Romain
    • Nervous Andrew
    Vijay Doshi
    • Gavin
    Ben Abell
    • Indignant Man
    • Director
      • Nick Hurran
    • Writers
      • Steven Moffat
      • Mark Gatiss
      • Arthur Conan Doyle
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews60

    9.130K
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    Featured reviews

    10shashwatkhanna

    Its Brilliant, unless if you compare it with your expectations

    Well, let's all admit that waiting for more than two years and being greeted by an episode like the six thatchers, wasn't fair. Well, if you are like me, you probably had your expectations high too. Unfortunately, thinking like that, will always leave you disappointed after each episode.

    This episode was brilliant. Stepping up from the previous episode, THE LYING DETECTIVE featured the most famous fictional detective of all time. Sherlock is back with his quick deductions and doesn't fail to entertain you. Just like in the novels, he misses some points which we come to know about in the end, which makes the first Episode (Season 4) even better.

    I love how the episodes are linked, and to those people who had questions in the first episode, I'm sure they would be answered till now. However, the mystery still prevails over Moriarty, which I think would be an integral part of the third episode. Considering, this season would be the last one(Which I gather from the rumors), we might expect a thrilling and fulfilling third episode.
    10vnktrmn

    Bloody Brilliant !! I am truly Sherlocked.

    The Lying Detective - Spoiler FREE Review I woke up at 2.30 AM IST to watch this episode through a screen sharing with my UK friend.

    This is bloody brilliant in a non linear screen play! The whole episode is so intense with scenes from two story tracks sandwiched and that adds to the thrill.

    For the first time since start of Sherlock, i was so connected and felt convinced for Sherlock's value for inter personal relationship.

    Everything about acting, editing, CGI & story were top notch. The villain deserves a special applause for I felt like punching him straight on face. Loved the scenes wherein Sherlock will be explaining his findings to a lady. The CGI coupled with the brilliance will definitely make the viewers say WOW.

    There are several moments where an ardent Sherlock fan would get an intense shock! The suspense towards the end of the episode is retained and so everyone will go crazy for sure on Next Sunday !! Don't miss a live episode on Sherlock website on Tuesday.

    Verdict: This episode found the perfect balance.

    Love for Sherlock from Chennai, India.

    I wish the creators and Benedict/Martin do more seasons each year. Though it is far fetched, I would really love to see Benedict living the role of Sherlock. To me, he is SHERLOCK. I am SHERLOCKED forever !
    10amr-ahmed-a

    This makes us forgive the previous lazy episode

    I have to say after last week episode i was a little angry. We wait more than a year to enjoy a season for two weeks. If our expectations are high it's because that's what we expect from the show's brilliant writers. In this episode the writers got back to their level; making up for last week lazy episode. I like the direction of making Sherlock feels more like a human and not a robot. That is why "The woman" episode will still be my favorite. However, This week's episode brought back my connection to the characters specially the relation between Sherlock & Watson. Martin Freeman angry acting skills are exceptional. Toby Jones adds the needed balance in the show between the Sherlock brothers. Talk about unlimited Ego. The episode holds together and the pace is elevated in the right rate towards the end. Can't wait for next week episode and I wish it makes up for the long wait we will have afterwards till the fifth season which i think will be the final one. Sadly.
    10ilovemrjandhislaugh

    Clever! Absolutely Unpredictable

    Brilliantly executed, well written, astonishingly well acted. Cumberbatch's acting was on point, as always, but was given a little bit more opportunity to display it. Toby Jones was as chilling as a Villain could be, leaves Magnussen jealous. A very good addition to the Sherlock Holmes list of villains. It is really quite dark, and at times makes you very uncomfortable, as promised. It left me quite puzzled. Comedic relief was also great, light headed, ironic humour as always. Brilliant lines for all the characters. Really loved the mind palace scenes. Overall clever. I can't complain. I'd say it is up there amongst the top three Sherlock episodes. I really hope the third one isn't a disappointment after this great episode, they've really set the bar high.
    10ahmad_nadal

    Now We Are Talking

    After a disappointing episode they just nailed it in every possible way, directing, acting, writing, and gave us one of the best episodes in the show.

    If you were frustrated like me by the first episode in this season, believe me this episode will make it up to you. you will enjoy every single second, the show makers just gave this episode every thing, you will wish it hadn't ended.

    starting from Sherlock who was tremendous and Dr. Watson who was incredible to Mrs. Hudson who did her best episode so far. I can't even remember a single scene that I didn't like in this episode.

    It's difficult for me to know that there is only one episode left in one of my best shows ever but let's say that they have honored every single episode.

    Best Emmys Moments

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The title, The Lying Detective (2017), is based on the name of a Sherlock Holmes short story titled "The Adventure of the Dying Detective"; and, as in this episode, the antagonist is Culverton Smith (Toby Jones).
    • Goofs
      When Sherlock examines the mysterious note, he notes that it is creased from being folded tightly and faded from being pinned to the wall, but the spot of dried blood is still red. Blood is only red when oxygenated, and a spot on a piece of paper would not stay red for very long. When blood is completely dry, it appears brown like rust.
    • Quotes

      Sherlock Holmes: Taking your own life. Interesting expression. Taking it from who? Once it's over, it's not you who'll miss it. Your own death is something that happens to everybody else. Your life is not your own. Keep your hands off it.

    • Connections
      Featured in The 69th Primetime Emmy Awards (2017)
    • Soundtracks
      Hymn to Joy
      Written by Ludwig van Beethoven

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • January 8, 2017 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United Kingdom
    • Language
      • English
    • Production company
      • Hartswood Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 29m(89 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 16:9 HD

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