Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

When I first watched The Empty Hearse, I felt a bit disenchanted. It was fast-paced in a different, very erratic--a word that several articles have used to describe this series so far--way. I wanted to laugh at the humorous bits, but didn't find them funny enough. It had just failed to meet my expectations, yet I was excited to be watching it. All-in-all, I felt absolutely nothing after finishing it, which is an altogether unfamiliar feeling for me after finishing an episode of Sherlock. About a couple of days later, however, I decided to revisit it, and haven't regretted my decision since. Maybe it's missing some of its old flair to some, but I think a lot of it has to do with the plain and simple fact that things have changed for both Sherlock and Watson. Sherlock's more human, and, in a sense, a bit weaker because of it, but he's still Sherlock (though I'm sure some would disagree). ...And Watson? Well, he's said himself that two people have greatly changed his life: First Sherlock, then Mary. Mary is now in the picture--Watson's got a wife, and (skip this if you don't want spoilers) quite possibly a child along the way. Even in Doyle's works, this was a significant change in their lives, as it would be in anyone's life. When you put all this into consideration, the events of Series 3 aren't as surprising, and its mood is a bit different, but suitably so. It's still the show I fell in love with, I think, just headed in a new direction. Yes, sometimes Sherlock (in particular) feels a bit out of character, his actions and the reactions of others seem a bit absurd/irrational, and a lot of 'deductions' and other bits seem to be more bizarre/left unexplained. And, yes, it's definitely got more humour in it than before. And I'm sure some people feel that it's too obvious sometimes. That is the one complaint I will agree with wholeheartedly. When it comes to the loose ends, the bits that feel unexplained, though--these explanations that the 'fans' felt they deserved--I will say this: Even in the first two series/seasons of Sherlock, there have been a few inaccuracies and simply unrealistic occurrences. It's important to remember that this is a fictional detective show, and should be treated as such. As Sherlock rightly notes of John's blogs, real life doesn't quite work like that way. Certain aspects are embellished. If you want realistic, watch a different detective/cop show. Though I guarantee it won't have the same feeling, the same excitement, the thrill, because these shows don't romanticize crime, murder, and the investigations involved quite the same way. For what it is, I like this series. The mood is different, sure, but it's still enjoyable, you just have to give it another chance. I'm still enjoying it immensely. I'll still be watching. (If not, take heart, you'll have an hour twenty minutes for the other things that call for your attention.)