Monday, December 30, 2013

My Review of Sherlock's: "Many Happy Returns"


Written by Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss
Directed by Unknown

Lestrade (re Sherlock): "He didn't solve all of my cases."
Anderson: "He's out there. He's hiding but he can't stop himself from getting involved. It's so obviously him if you know how to spot the signs."

You wait nearly two years for the return of the great detective (not you, Vastra, the other one) and the BBC decide to give us a prequel during the Christmas period in order to whet our appetite a little bit more. Consider this a success then.

The seven minute is delightful in it's simplicity as it's Anderson of all people who's been spotting clues to Sherlock not being dead. It's amazing that Anderson has gone from being somewhat bad at his job in the first two series to actually piecing together vital clues to Sherlock being alive, even if both Lestrade and Watson themselves are still convinced that Sherlock is dead.

Perhaps the most effective and affecting part of this prequel was that video scene. Having Watson watch Sherlock's birthday message certainly tugged at the heart strings, I won't lie but the end scene where it looked like Lestrade was starting to become convinced about Sherlock being alive after all was a nice ending.

- Anderson lost his job and spotted that Sherlock had helped out in a monastery, in New Dehli and a juror in Hamburg.
- Watson's friends seemingly hate him, according to Sherlock.
- The use of Sherlock in a lit shadowy moment was actually pretty effective too.
- Um, who actually directed this minisode? Why aren't they credited it for it?

Overall, a fun little scene with some good character moments (especially from Anderson, which surprised me). The game is definitely back on alright.

Rating: 8 out of 10

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