Sherlock 1x01: The Blind Banker

[kerravonsen]

Now dawnmist and I have seen "The Blind Banker", which I gather from fan reaction was supposed to be terrible. I was therefore pleasantly surprised that it wasn't terrible. Mind you, it was weaker than the first one in a few ways, and perhaps that's all that folks meant.

Mind you, I expect that a lot of the complaint was about racist stereotypes... but one kind of couldn't avoid it, really. But still...

And the dialogue didn't sizzle in the way that the first one did.

Sherlock wasn't as brilliant in this one. He seemed to spend a lot of time being baffled. Though he was better at the start.
"The victim fired the first shot through the open window."
And then when the detective was all skeptical, Dawnmist and I chorused, "Because the murderer came in through the open window!"

It was rather amusing that the bad guys thought that Watson was Holmes.

I'm not going to try to guess whether that's the last we've seen of Watson's date; I mean, what a terrible first date! Still, she's rather spunky for not leaving as soon as things got difficult, but she was paid for that by being kidnapped, tied up, gagged and threatened with a giant crossbow. I wouldn't blame her if she never wanted to speak to Watson again.

Comments

[sahiya]

Mind you, I expect that a lot of the complaint was about racist stereotypes... but one kind of couldn't avoid it, really. But still...

Sure they could have. They could have not written that story. But I guess it's not as though there are dozens and dozens of Holmes stories for them to riff off of - oh wait. There are.

Also, IIRC, and admittedly I haven't seen it since the first time it aired, all Sarah had to do to save herself was tip her chair over, and she didn't. *sigh*

Anyway, the same writer wrote this year's finale, actually, and did a marvelous job. Since he's also the guy responsible for that awful pirates Doctor Who ep last season, everyone was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps he just needs a lot of direction?

[kerravonsen]

Also, IIRC, and admittedly I haven't seen it since the first time it aired, all Sarah had to do to save herself was tip her chair over, and she didn't. *sigh*

Doubly frustrating since she actually showed herself well when they were fighting at the circus.

Anyway, the same writer wrote this year's finale, actually, and did a marvelous job. Since he's also the guy responsible for that awful pirates Doctor Who ep last season, everyone was pleasantly surprised. Perhaps he just needs a lot of direction?

He does seem very hit-and-miss.

[machshefa.livejournal.com]

Most people I talk to agree that TBB is the weakest of all 6 episodes. I rewatched it with one of the girls the other night (she's just now getting into Sherlock and is, according to her sister, obsessed :)). What struck me most strongly is how distant and detached Sherlock still is from John despite those moments of affectionate warmth (subtle ones, like, "Take my card." or even, "I have to go to the bank." said right after John's uncomfortable request to borrow money. (No, John, I'll get us some work, even though it's for someone I loathe and who has always loathed me. Come along.)

Sherlock is always surprised this episode when John figures something out or does something clever. Later, even though he's obnoxious about John's lack of deduction skills, he more palpable depends on him and very obviously needs him around.

Just wait until you watch The Great Game. *grins

Then there will be a mountain of astonishing, gorgeous fanfic and fanart waiting for you. And THEN, when you watch S2, you can watch the fandom as it continues to explode/implode/squee/moan... you know the drill. :)

[kerravonsen]

Sherlock is always surprised this episode when John figures something out or does something clever.

But also, John has less agency in this episode, falling asleep at work, standing outside and yelling at Sherlock when Sherlock is inside being attacked, getting kidnapped and all he can do is deny that he's Holmes. What happened to the guy who cold-bloodedly shot a murderer through a window?

Then there will be a mountain of astonishing, gorgeous fanfic and fanart waiting for you. And THEN, when you watch S2, you can watch the fandom as it continues to explode/implode/squee/moan... you know the drill. :)

(grin) Yep.