Review: ‘Sherlock: The Lying Detective’: fever dream of an episode

Warning: don’t read if you haven’t seen The Lying Detective.

Midway through the second episode, I had to wonder if I was watching Benedict Cumberbatch revert back into Doctor Strange mode. The Lying Detective had more reality-bending than the superhero film. Sherlock’s second episode was a true Sherlockian episode.

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The Lying Detective features the classic style that Sherlock is known for. Our titular hero goes through lethal situations to catch a serial killer. Based on a fever dream of a meeting with an enigmatic woman, Sherlock goes up against Culverton Smith, an entrepreneur whom his daughter accuses of being a murderer. Because of his burgeoning public life, Smith is careful and hard to catch. Because of his drug-addled state, Sherlock must rely on the grieving John Watson to assist him in catching this villain in the act.

Underneath its classic story, The Lying Detective is a story that revolves around John’s and Sherlock’s deteriorating relationship. John is still grieving after Mary dies while saving Sherlock from a bullet. Our favorite duo has separated. John is seeking therapy while Sherlock is back to doing drugs. The episode is a tale of redemption and reconciliation at heart.

Narratively, it was an exciting mystery owing to Toby Jones’ performance as Culverton Smith. Second only to Jim Moriarty himself, Smith was the show’s most convincing villain up to this point. Adding creepiness to his otherwise positive demeanor, Jones portrayed his part to perfection, paving the way for Smith to be depicted as pure evil, from his crooked teeth to his brash comments on murder. Sherlock’s drug fueled mania is also a sight to behold. Seeing the brilliant detective’s powers limited is sort of a fresh look for the series even if it was just a ruse.

Speaking of performances, Mrs. Hudson was an absolute star in this episode. Relegated to the background for a decent amount of time now, she once again delivers a performance that reminds us that the little old lady from Baker Street isn’t as “little” or as “old” was we thought she was. She cares deeply for the boys and she can drive a mean Aston Martin if she wants to.

Despite dying in the previous episode, Mary shines in The Lying Detective as John’s hallucinatory conscience. She constantly tells John how to help Sherlock solve this mystery and to move on from his harrowing loss.

In the end, everything gets neatly tied together. Smith is put away in amazing fashion. Sherlock shows that he was in control all along. John moves on and reconciles with Sherlock. It was a heartfelt denouement that was italicized further by the off-screen cameo of The Woman, i.e. Irene Adler through the all-too-familiar ringtone sounding from Sherlock’s phone. John hears this and tells Sherlock to go after her perhaps prompting a possible return. This is quickly defused (or hid away) as John remembers Mary and finally comes to terms with her death. The scene ends as Sherlock and a tear-filled John share a hug.

Of course, the episode doesn’t end there. Instead of leaving a pretty package, showrunners Moffat and Gatiss pulls a quick one and offers up a gigantic plot twist and cliffhanger—the third Holmes sibling who everyone is so focused on. She’s not a brother at all; she’s a sister. And she’s out for blood. John’s new therapist, the woman that Sherlock met, and the girl John “cheated” on Mary for, it turns out they were all portrayed by the same person—Euros Holmes. During a final therapy session, Euros reveals herself to John, points a gun at him, and fires. Without showing us where she was aiming at.

We also get a massive clue that the notorious “Sherrinford” and the supposed return of Moriarty may actually be orchestrated by Euros. Unless, there’s a fourth sibling of course. Who knows? Moffat and Gatiss are known for playing such antics. Maybe there is a third Holmes brother. Only the third episode will tell.