The Lying Detective

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 !