User Reviews

Yes, it may be a slight bit premature, but I'll already call it based on my own arbitrary rules: A Scandal in Belgravia, despite being released on TV and now on DVD, is one of the best films I've seen this year. It is film length, we can agree on that, at 90 minutes it feels and is plotted out to be a feature film (albeit still in line with the continuity of the show due to it taking off the cliffhanger from the end of season 1, and a damn good one at that with Moriarty in the swimming pool). Within its own dimensions it works as a film, and writer Steven Moffat fleshes out the emotional stakes of the hero (or as much as can be with Sherlock Holmes) as he is up against a new and surprisingly dangerous adversary: "The Woman" Irene Adler.

How he comes upon Miss Adler is a mystery unto itself, except when we discover (though only later does the hero) what her connection is within the world of Sherlock. But not too much on that, that would spoil the fun. In this story, Sherlock, after getting out by chance/luck/huh from Moriarty's grasp, he takes on - or tries to take on - new cases, and all mostly for naught. While on a potential new case he is plucked out by secret service (and in just a sheet no less!) and is given the new case with shady intonations by his brother Mycroft at the palace: Miss Adler, a dominatrix (which Holmes needs a moment to process what that is), is behind some kind of secret with photographs, and Sherlock is only told so much. When he goes to see her, and following a very funny 'disguise' by having Watson hit him so he looks like he was just beaten up to be taken in for a moment, she appears "ready for battle" as she puts it to her assistant. How is this, you might ask?

Naked. Stark naked. When Holmes looks at her - another big laugh via Moffat's script - it's all question marks, which is unusual for Sherlock's super-incredible keen sense of seeing everything on a person like a computer. But the s*** gets deeper when a burglar comes about to get something from her safe, fight ensues, and then... well, all I'll say from here is that a certain ring-tone is put in Sherlock's phone of a female's 'pleasure' sound, and a game ensues over months between Sherlock and Irene. To put it bluntly about how good this episode is - if Sherlock is Batman (ala Moriarty's Joker or possible Riddler), then Irene Adler is Catwoman. She is an adversary, yet while she is a villain she can use her sexuality as a powerful tool against a man who may have intellectual prowess, but emotionally is not really all there.

Indeed this Batman/Catwoman dynamic is far different in this sort of case since Sherlock, or how Benedict Cumberbatch plays him and how Moffat writes him and Paul McGuigan (brilliantly) directs him, is with a big touch of asperger's. Or, rather, his genius comes with a sort of personal-emotional price with it. There are some twists along the way that Moffat lays out with the characters - some, frankly, will leave you slack-jawed in the best possible way - but it's really about this unlikely bond, this chess game that is played out in (not) dinner-time, and who wins will really be based on who loses control. We don't see much of Adler doing her 'dominatrix' thing (frankly, one scene where she is whipping a character is enough to get the point across, and it's very funny to see it), and really it's all on Lara Pulver's eyes, connecting (or trying to) with Cumberbatch, that gives the episode its edge and spark. Already the show is fantastic with its lead and Martin Freeman. With Pulver, it's another big notch on to the quality of the acting and electricity in the air, so to speak.

It's just sharp storytelling, some great twists and turns (some may or may not be surprises to those who've read A Scandal in Bohemia, which this is based upon), and that the story not so much takes a backseat but plays so well concurrently with it as a character piece that makes it such a smashing success (not just Holmes and Adler but little things between Holmes and Mycroft or Watson and his, uh, what's her name, the latest girlfriend, y'know). On top of this, because it's a sort of romantic piece, Moffat gets to have a lot of fun with little beats in the dialog, it's more than amusing about an emotionally-stunted man finding a romantic bond, and we have fun seeing where it could go. It's a lot of fun, but the filmmakers also never lose sight of making these characters matter deeply. The end is especially moving (albeit, yes, with one more twist, but hey why not).

That, my friends, was beyond television. Maybe one movie a year (maybe!) comes out as good as this Sherlock episode. I am embarrassed to say that I've seen this only now in 2015, and my God, I'm still shaking. This is my first ever review on IMDb, bear with me..

The story, the acting, the editing, the music, the atmosphere, the scenery and camera angles, the twists and turns.. This movie/episode had all 10/10. There was not a single moment that I got bored or distracted. And it's not only the excitement; it's how every little piece in the story links to each other, the details, the emotions... If you pay attention, even the background music evolves during the whole episode, starting with just unplugged sounds from Sherlock's violin; and ending with a whole-out orchestra as the story concludes. Which movie does that???!!!

Thank you, whoever involved in this production. Seriously.

After an excellent first series, the show returned with this magnificent opening episode, Incan remember hoping it would be good, and instead being blown away by it. I think this series was where the show peaked, all episodes are wonderful, and this opener will have you hooked. The direction is special, it's visually jaw dropping, and the writing is astonishing, it has a magnificent sense of cleverness, but it's not unbearable, nor is it smug. Lara Pulver is sensational as The Woman, her acting is first rate, plus she's visually dazzling.

Many great scenes, but those between Sherlock and Adler are arguably the best. This is ninety minutes of drama at its absolute best.

Love it, 10/10.

After a splendid first (too short) series, I was really looking forward to this. Did it reach my expectations. No, it actually surpassed them. Brilliant writing, direction and acting from all the cast. Not one duff point. A superb story with lots of in-jokes for Holmes enthusiasts, but even if you are not familiar with Holmes you will love it. I like the way the writers utilise a previous story and bring it up to date and actually improve on it ten-fold. The devices used to point out the Holmes powers of deduction are very good and apt for the digital age. Really looking forward to upcoming stories. Let's hope there are many more to come. Even if there are not, what is on offer is so richly rewarding it will bear repeat viewings. After this the Beeb can be (almost) forgiven for the dross of "Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff". This is how to bring a classic up to date and make it relevant, exciting and funny. Deserves 20 stars

As someone who has only recently stumbled onto this BBC/PBS series via Netflix, I have to say it has ruined me for US hour-long dramas. When compared to the craftsmanship of this episode--which is the most perfectly constructed of the uniformly engrossing first six--I feel as if American mystery script writers (don't even talk about the weak and 'Sherlock'-referential "Elementary"!)seem to throw plot misdirection randomly at the fictional wall, hoping something will stick. In the word-count I'm allowed here, I cannot (but wish I could--maybe I'll start a Moffat-babes blog) write an essay on how perfectly this episode is constructed. I don't even have a problem (as some here do) with how breezily the tense conflict with Moriarty left over from the first season is dismissed; in large part, since he's already shown himself as capricious--he wouldn't want to lose (not yet anyway) his 'dancing' partner--and because his exit fades so beautifully into the Irene Adler story, the shortness of the pool scene works perfectly for me. One of the real marvels of this episode comes from watching it more than once; it's only then that you catch how perfectly Moffat has set up his parallels--Sherlock is inappropriately naked in a formal setting at the beginning/ Irene, in her own drawing room. Sherlock peruses photos of the partially clad Irene provided by one 'archenemy' at the same time she scans through sheet-wrapped snaps of him sent by the other. "Battle dress", defrocking, the meaning of disguise, what Sherlock and Irene each know and learn about love--all these echo throughout the plot. But from the moment Sherlock is taken to the jet and Mycroft reveals, through two terse synopses, how his little brother has been played for a foolish young swain, we are entering deep dramatic territory indeed. Irene pushes by Sherlock; now the game is on for her, he seems to have become merely 'Junior' and 'the Virgin', someone she will keep on a leash for her own entertainment when she wins this final battle. He is relegated to a chair set away from Irene and Mycroft as the grown-ups play for keeps. So his brilliant deduction that her 'locked' camera phone reveals her heart, thereby making her vulnerable, is a moment of such high drama, mixing a weird kind of glee in the audience that he's back on his game and yet a true horror of how cold he is as he sacrifices her, that I have replayed it again and again. Moffat in the DVD commentary was worried that audiences would guess the 4-letter code that unlocked the phone from the beginning. Not only was that never true, but I find that, even knowing the solution, when I watch that section again (and again), I am freshly amazed by the writing, acting (Pulver's spilling eyes, Cumberbatch's shaded face), the score, and both the exaggerated hand movements (so intense, it moves through Cumberbatch's whole body) and the muffled crashes of doom as Sherlock types in each letter. (Kudos to director and editors as well.) The pause for a moment of (could it be?) honest emotion from Irene just before he types in the last letter and Sherlock's adamantine coldness as he says, "And this is just losing", as the last key rumbles ominously, is riveting at so many levels. I suppose the Kandahar ending is necessary to take this out of the realm of dark tragedy and remind us we must like Sherlock again in order to continue with the series. Moffat has said that, since they are both equally-matched games players, they likely just occasionally think back to that year when they had that flirtation fondly, as something gone by. I like to think that Sherlock's mysterious ability to keep track of her so as to be there to save her will continue; it is a measure of how Sherlock, like the Grinch, is beginning to grow a heart, even if belatedly.

One of the best things I have even seen in my life! Wonderfully, stunningly, incredibly, smartly, cunningly, shockingly, beautifully, fabulously, shiveringly, amazingly GOOD! If it is possible to have an orgasm while watching something this is as close as it gets!

This is great as a detective story. Wonderful as a drama. Pure as a research on human mind. This is incredible in so many ways it's hard to explain...

Technically perfect. Storytelling, editing, acting, directing, crafts - everything and every little details at its heights.

With no doubts one of the best adaptations of Arthur Conan Doyle's work ever made in history of Cinema and TV.

I can't believe I had shivers and tears while watching this...

Don't miss.

"i was hooked the entire way. man and when it ended i pulled my hair and said wow for minutes on end, m lips trembled, my heart raced. the best thing ever! wow! The best!"-that's what i said after i watched this episode which is by far the best episode of the season in my opinion. The only reason i even registered was because i wanted to rate and review this episode since this is a true genuine epic masterpiece! i seriously don't have words to express the awesomeness of it; probably because I've just watched it and I'm still shaking but even if just for the sake of watching this episode watch the show. wow! This might just be one of the best episodes in any TV show of all time. Maybe one of the best movies too!

I have never watched British television, I honestly never knew much about it. My love for Benedict Cumberbatch and recommendations from friends are what drew me to finally begin watching Sherlock. I had heard great things for years but put it low on my priority list. I was hooked from the pilot episode. The first season was addicting and quite good but it is nothing compared to what I just watched. Over and over I was shocked. Twists and turns at every corner. Brilliant, brilliant writing and the chemistry between Irene and Sherlock is off the charts. I was thrilled to see that this show lasted for 7 years until I saw that there were only 15 episodes. If Sherlock is any indication of what British television is like, I will be watching so much more. This is one of my favorite episodes from any show ever. Deserving of a full 10.

After a long wait, here finally is, the new Sherlock. And I must say it was worth the wait and a really good beginning of the year it is. So what to say about it? The answer is nothing because if I wanted to describe to you all the interesting points I would spoil it for you, and I am not going to do that. Just watch an be prepare not to blink the whole time. Because acting is superb, storyline so nicely thought out that incorporates the feel of the books, the energy of the actors so vivid and believable that you start to wish for Sherlock being real. BBC outdid themselves jet again. Next Sunday cant come faster :) And I will be waiting, glued to the chair.

Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying the series. I just didn't buy into the idea that Holmes would be that smitten and thrown off his game by the likes of "The Woman". I absolutely could not get behind the four letter code being what it was, or the ending (seriously, that was just dumb). The writing, acting and look of the show are all, for the most part, fabulous. But the story here fell flat and I just couldn't get on board with the relationship Holmes had with a dominatrix. A naked body and some flirting and all of his common sense goes out the window? And the 4-letter code to the phone?? Are wesupposed to believe she's that smitten with Holmes? Maybe someone can explain the reasoning behind what, to me, seems like a totally lame attempt at adding some sex appeal to the show. A failed attempt at that.

Holmes and Watson investigate a murder and get involved with a professional dominatrix involved in some dangerous dealings with the state.

This is an excellent episode and there is nothing new I can add to all the gushing reviews on IMDB.

I'll just say it has everything: story, dialogue, performances, and visuals. There are so many memorable funny and clever moments that you have to admire the craft on display.

Wow, finally a very good episode with a lot of plot twists I was waiting from the beginning!

It's pretty much too bad that the beginning of every episode so far is quite slow and not so catchy.

The BBC now and again produce a show that is worth the license fee and this is one of them. Sherlock Holmes in the digital age with a plot that keeps you in suspense all the way. Holmes and Watson investigate a case of blackmail threatening to topple the monarchy and uncover links with international terrorism, rogue CIA agents and a conspiracy at the heart of government. However, the Baker Street sleuth finds himself involved on a more personal level when he becomes locked in a battle of wits with Irene Adler, a woman who is as cold, ruthless and brilliant as himself......Benedict Cumberbatch (Holmes) and Lara Pulver (Irene)ooze a hidden sexual chemistry that keeps the plot ticking along at a dramatic pace.....Looking forward to the next show on Sunday 8 January 2012.

Make no mistake, this is a movie, ladies and gentlemen. A very very very good movie.

A beautiful romantic violin melody between two souls. The speed and the camera movement is like the viewer is dancing around the characters right in the room. What in the room? Right 3 inches away from the characters. The camera is dancing around them. The connection between the actress and actor is rare and heartwarming.

Beautiful movie. It's better the second time. And the third time it's even better than the second time. Apparently.

Also no spoilers in this review, but boooooy those twist. And the end? You will be entertained for sure. Real quality entertainment of professional artists working with motion pictures. Enjoy!

Perfect. Touching. I saw the end of it so many times... crying again and again and again. Wawoooooo!!!

This "episode" confirms my stance that this is more of a movie franchise than typical series. The only thing that divides this from, for example, "Harry Potter" franchise is that it's a TV production and not a theater movie. A "Scandal in Belgravia" is not only the best episode so far, but it is in every way individual thriller movie, and a great one.

8,5/10

I have, since a child, been an enormous fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. His Sherlock Holmes character, along with the myriad of players within those enchanting stories, where endlessly entertaining and informative. Being, myself, a creature predicated on logical deduction, you can certainly understand my gravitational affinity for these wonderful tales. I have viewed most of the major theatrical portrayals of the famous Detective. Up till now the best on screen interpretation of Mr.Holmes, to me, was that of the brilliant Jeremy Brett..... he simply was Sherlock Holmes to me. But now with Mr. Cumberbatch's apt portrayal, all SH fans can rally around this new and innovative spin on the epic tales we've all come to adore.This first episode of season 2 is why i still have hope for specific television programming. To that,i say cheers to the BBC for giving us this gem of a show, also to all involved... well done!

A Scandal in Belgravia

A few years ago, on 1st January 2012, Paul Mc Guigan published a new episode of the crime drama from the BBC series "Sherlock Holmes". The episode, called "A Scandal in Belgravia", represents that Mc Guigan has a talent to write really exciting detective stories.

The episode is about the amazing detective Sherlock Holmes who tries to solve another difficult case. The setting takes place in Belgravia, a rich part of London. It's about the dominatrix Irene Adler who has some interesting photos which could destroy the royal family. The actors who are playing the main characters - Sherlock Holmes, Irene Adler and Dr. John Watson - do a really good job so that the viewers can put themselves into the situation. Especially Benedict Cumberbatch who's playing Holmes, does a brilliant screenplay, it seems as if he is made for this role. The episode is stuffed with classic music, sometimes from Sherlock himself, which reflects the tense of Holmes as an observing machine. There are also some weaknesses like the fast speech especially of Holmes and the plot is sometimes a little bit difficult to understand. Furthermore, it's really long for an episode (89 minutes).

Our opinion is that "A Scandal in Belgravia" is a fantastic episode to watch. Not a single minute is wasted even if we are no detective story fans. That's why we would definitely recommend to watch this series to all these people who love detective stories. The message for us is that a woman can be as good and intelligent as the brilliant observing machine Sherlock Holmes.

As in the first series of Sherlock the job of directing has been given to two different directors and as in the first series Paul McGuigan is in a different class than his counterpart, this time Toby Haynes (episode: The Reichenbach Fall) last time Euros Lyn(Episode: The Blind Banker) and this one (A Scandal in Belgravia) is to my mind the best of them all. It is extremely close to a masterpiece, unfortunately he had to pamper to the American audience by putting a Hollywood ending on it the very last 49 second if he had resisted it would have deserved 10 stars no doubt instead he went a long way destroying it which is a tragedy. Since seeing it I just been annoyed over how he could have destroyed something that superb with such a half arced ending when what before it was so sublime.