I thought that as a stand-alone episode-- or even only taking the last episode into account-- very well done. The cognitive dissonance comes into play when I juxtapose this season with season 3. I get that we're supposed to have forgotten all about s3, so-- that's where I'll start with my impressions.
First off-- okay, I really, really, REALLY didn't want more Junkie!Sherlock-- but it's a crowd pleaser, and I knew it was just too tasty for Mofftiss to resist-- so I was resigned to it. That being said, Benedict's performance was amazing. I will say that I was left with an indelible impression of just how sweet, how kind-- (not polite and well mannered) but actually kind--caring-- Sherlock can be.
Mrs. Hudson was priceless. It got across to me that her actions-- holding Sherlock at gunpoint, handcuffing him, putting him in the trunk of her car-- came from a place of love. She wasn't mean-- she did what needed to be done.
Mary. Mary, Mary, Mary. Okay-- surface, judging only by this season-- wonderful, insightful view via John's subconscious into his internal monologue; what's going on h in his head-- why he behaves the way he does.
NOT real happy with Rosie staying with friends--because, John's "not in a good place." Women don't generally get this luxury. Women take care of everyone else, and the baby. While grieving. Very often. John drinks alone in a darkened house. I get that he's wounded, but he had a child. Gotta get it together, John!
By the way-- HOW long was the texting affair going on?? OI.
Interesting: Sherlock had chips and a hot dog.
Culverton Smith-- did anyone catch the vaguely sexually suggestive comment he made to Sherlock in the hospital bed? Is there a theme here? All of Sherlock's nemeses are inherently gay and evil? What's that about??? They all want to "have" him.
Okay--y'all know I couldn't let this slide.
The Beating.
Yes. That was a beating. John, slapping, then punching, then repeatedly kicking Sherlock--- it makes me not want John ever alone with Sherlock again. I don't care what the provocation was, I don't care if Sherlock was high, I don't care. NO MORE BEATING SHERLOCK.
The HUG. While heartwarming-- the beating, because it was so vicious, so hateful-- stole a bit of the glow from that moment.
That's all for now, I'm sure I'll come up with more soon.
By the way-- if I don't comment as much as I used to-- it's because I've been working 7 days a week for the last four months. Off to bed!