Sammy wrote:

Btw. did anyone else got this weird sensation that... before Sherlock, you looked at Benedict and thought "What an odd-looking man". And then, little by little, he became the most gorgeous creature on this planet? Even though you're still aware of how weird his face looks?

I love this thread and all your great stories. And, I can totally relate to this Sammy! I saw him in Starter For 10 a few years ago and thought he did look rather odd and his character was less than appealing as well so that didn't help. Then came Atonement, which I've worked very hard to forget for many reasons, his disturbing performance not the least of them. That really didn't help either. So, the love came slowly for me. But, now I'm a full fledged Cumberbitch.

My Sherlock story could be called Saving The Best For Last. I had heard of Sherlock, but had already sort of had my fill with the Downey Jr. movies, which I found watchable only for his always charismatic performances, but didn't walk away with much love for the Sherlock world. And though I'm an avid reader Doyle somehow just never made it onto my bookshelf. Yet, I've always loved BBC shows and made my way down the police drama lineup list which included the likes of Zen and Wallender. Then I saw a preview for series 1 on the Downey Jr. Sherlock DVD and much to my surprise was totally taken by it. I got series 1 from the library and the rest is history. With each passing episode, I fell more and more in love with Benedict/Sherlock.

I've gone on to watch Benedict's other work and am floored by his immense talent, his beautiful voice, his sharp mind and his kind soul. My Sherlock blu-rays get a serious workout now as I try to patiently wait for series 3. None of my friends really understand my devotion, so it's great to have found a place where I can share it.

SusiGo wrote:

And did you see his hands in the Jaguar ads? Hands on steering wheel, babbling about technical detail nobody's interested in, just voice and hands. 

Best car commercial ever! I could never afford a Jag in a million years, but that voice and those hands could get me to buy anything. 

I think their relationship is really the glue that holds it all together. They need each other and they're better together and there's nothing sexual about that. I do enjoy the running joke though. And, I'm really hoping they won't marry John off too soon. I look forward to the two of them back together again at 221B.

Sherlock Holmes wrote:

They're obviously both brilliant BUT...I think Great Game has the best cliffhanger because at the end of Reichenbach we know Sherlock is alive, it's not really a cliffhanger, just keeps us guessing about HOW it was done.

What do you think?

That's interesting, I hadn't really thought of it that way. Reichenbach is so powerful overall that the fleeting glimpse of Sherlock at the end, which does sort of take the air out of the "cliffhanger" a bit, seems almost such a small thing in comparison. I was really surprised they even gave that glimpse. Great Game does seem to have more of the feel of a traditional cliffhanger. They're both so good, it's impossible for me to pick one, but I guess I do still lean toward Reichenbach a bit more.

Are you all still reading the Red Headed League? I'd like to give it a go, but wasn't sure what the deadline was.

Obsessed, encumberbatched I'm okay with any and all descriptions.    I watch my Sherlock blu-rays almost daily sometimes and I'm practically jumping out of my skin waiting for the third series. None of my friends really understand my devotion, so it's nice to have found a place of like minded souls.