The Lying Detective

I'm thinking of going back to the very first episodes of this show to look at it again. I mean, it can't always have been the way it has become, can it? My memory tells me that the first episodes were sharper, more interesting in the construction, and more satisfying in the delivery; but maybe I am being nostalgic. As it is, the last few episodes of Sherlock are hit and miss; sometimes infuriatingly superficial, and other times entertaining in its flamboyant and quite fun. More and more though it is doing it all at the same time, constantly.

The Lying Detective was a great example as it offered so much that is interesting, or 'event' television, or just fun (and it is fun to watch actors chew the scenery), but at the same time it is hard to shake off the constant feeling that it is all just busy nonsense of no consequence. I found this one quite tiresome. The mystery had an interesting construction, however it was built off so much convenience that it really cut its own legs off – and the '3 weeks ago' thing only covered it the first few times they relied on that joke. The sheer energy and professionalism of the production helps it a great deal – indeed it is so well put together in the technique, the performances, and the technical, that one assumes it must be good, because it certainly looks and sounds like it should be good.

I found myself thinking that even as I sat there left detached from the whole thing. The humor is overly smug; frequent moments of excess (in all forms) are overpowering and lose impact – making the whole thing seem silly more than clever or fun. The mystery holds no intrigue because everything is just explained away as Sherlock being miles ahead of everyone, and the very high quality cast (including Jones) is generally wasted in the middle of it all – they enjoy the energy, but there is little of substance to get into for long.

This has to be one of my favorite episodes of the show's run, it truly was 89 minutes of full of suspension and tension, with me on the edge of my seat. "The Lying Detective" had award worthy performances, stellar writing, and was just brilliantly shot. I want to keep this spoiler free so I won't go into any details, but with this episode showing us the aftermath of Mary Watson's death (which happened in the previous episode) I can only say this, they executed it perfectly and brought us an episode to remember. "The Lying Detective" is a great example of why brilliant storytelling and writing is so important for an episode of television, the director created an episode I could easily say is a masterpiece in its genre, both for the show but also as an standalone episode of television.

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

Having Culverton Smith be inspired by infamous serial killer H. H. Holmes (who was an avid reader of the Sherlock Holmes stories) and Jimmy Savile who are the most prolific child rapist in English history. Culverton Smith has to be one of the best antagonists and it's mostly because of the performance done by Toby Jones, he was terrifying and just fantastic. Every scene he was in, you couldn't stop sitting on the edge of your seat, such a powerful performance made that happen. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were also terrific, bringing award worthy performances like I wrote before. I also want to say Mark Gatiss were actually quite great as Mycroft, having more to do in this episode, he have felt more like a main character ever since the season finale of the previous season. He does a great job as Mycroft and it's easy to get the impression that these two characters are siblings, as you see it through the acting but especially the writing. Spectacular writing for this episode, also brilliantly edited!

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.

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.

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.