Finally, “His Last Vow,” the episode that nearly vindicates the entirety of the mediocre wank-off known as Sherlock season 3. Come, enter my mind palace, and we’ll talk of why “His Last Vow” finally brings the thunder we’ve all been hoping for.
For starters, “His Last Vow” finally introduces us to this season’s baddie. He’s an emotionless bastard, and when I first saw him on screen he immediately put me in mind of Mads Mikkelsen who plays Hannibal on NBC. But, of course…
That’s right, kiddies, they are related. So, full of shame, I must admit to a moment when I said aloud something along the lines of, “oh, what a Hannibal rip-off.” But, of course…
Anyway, we meet Charles Augustus Magnussen, a man who knows the secrets of nearly every high ranking government official, along with many other important people. And he blackmails these people, which has in turn given him tremendous wealth and power. He attempts to blackmail Lady Smallwood (Lindsey Duncan), by letting her know he knows that her husband is sleeping around. He then licks perfume off of her face, and says he “owns her.” So yeah, he’s the villain.
And that’s the only plot stuff I’m going to talk about. If you want this episode spoiled for you, well, find some other reviews. Oh, but the thunder was brought. I don’t know if it’s because this is the first episode that just Steven Moffat wrote, or whether it’s because it’s the last episode. It could be due to the director, Nick Hurran, being revved up to make his mark in the series history, as this is his directorial debut on Sherlock. No matter the case, this is an episode that’s a return to form for the series. Less fan service, more fucking creepy genius villain who is a worthy opponent for the sociopath from 221 B Baker Street.
Is It Good?
The mystery is great, the intrigue draws you in, and we finally have the drama that’s been lacking all season long. Do yourself a favor and slog through the muck of episodes 1 and 2 to get to this palace. You’ll be glad you did.
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