Sherlock Holmes Season 1 Episode 1 Reaction | A Study in Pink

[@Syntell]

Remember to subscribe to NupeFromDaVille now! Rekkai's (NupeFromDaVille's) Deep Dive for S1-Episode 1 available at now! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3bUZYp4jNCXh9U Make sure you join the Discord - discord.gg/ZKHV8dKcjQ

[@nupefromdaville]

Thank you bro! Everyone also needs to check out my Doctor Who Deep Dives!

[@richardbeaton7324]

You guys would love ( The Responder ) Martin Freeman plays a gritty cop in Liverpool. It's soo good! So glad you like this show too. Respect and love from the UK. ✌

[@MsAppassionata]

Another great Sherlock Holmes series that was on British television is the one with Jeremy Brett. He was also fantastic in the part. There were two people who played Watson. The first was David Burke (who was excellent) and the second was Edward Hardwicke (also very good). To me, the Sherlock you’re watching is my second favorite Holmes rendition behind the series mentioned above, which is the best version so far imo.

[@JonSnow08]

Don’t understand why more reactors don’t do this. Its the perfect show to react to and it’s so good

[@CoL_Drake]

the show has a few problems first its a 90 minute show, thats much harder to cut then a 30-50 minute show and second the show was notorious to get claimed same as bsg. but it seems they go lighter on that now

[@vickster5001]

This show is literally an example of someone becoming famous overnight. It aired in July 2010 in the uk & the next day everyone here knew who Cumberbatch was and it got huge ratings. He went from just known by a small few to a huge national figure overnight. It was pretty crazy how the show blew up. Moffat & Gatiss creating this show & writing it together was a great team.

[@CoL_Drake]

yes and no it was a huge success but his movies also blew up the same time its kinda sad that we got so little sherlock because the two main actors and the showrunner were so busy xD

[@althelas]

I was in the UK at that time for a short vacation. I arrived, the airline missplaced my luggage, I couldn't buy a hairbrush and had only the clothes on my back. I arrived at the hotel and was frustrated as hell. I flopped on my bed and skipped through the channels until I landed on that show. I watched it (it was the last episode of season 1, but I didn't know that). Anyway, the cliffhanger blew my mind and I foolishly thought, well I'm still here next week, so I can watch how they solve it. Little die I know that I would have to wait two years for the resolution. My luggage arrived 24 hours later, so I was good.

[@najhoant]

The bit with "Rache - German for 'revenge'" is actually a really clever reference to the original story, "A Study in Scarlet"; in that one, the police think it's supposed to be "Rachel" right away, but Sherlock figures that it's the German word. The show is full of easter eggs and references like that

[@Ohforgodssakethatsme]

"Mrs Turner next door" is a reference to the fact that Sir ACD slipped up and called Mrs Hudson, Mrs Turner in some stories.

[@jawo8754]

They also “alter” the episode titles. A Study in Pink is a play off a study in scarlet since they are both shades of red.

[@Tabris93]

"Martin Freeman is a really good actor. He is often overshadowed by other people, but he is a really good actor". That comment alone earned you a like and subscribe! Couldn't agree more!

[@jawo8754]

@@Tabris93 and both of them became not only a part of the MCU as Doctor Strange (Cumberbatch) and Everett Ross (Freeman), they were also both in the Hobbit Trilogy with Freeman as a younger Bilbo Baggins and Cumberbatch as the voice and CGI movement of the dragon Smaug.

[@HuntingViolets]

The "not my housekeeper" joke is that a lot of people think Mrs. Hudson was the housekeeper but she was the landlady. There are a lot of in-jokes that work as just jokes in here.

[@stevev2492]

She was the housekeeper in the books.

[@FBodStudios]

And the landlady.

[@laurarocca17]

9:17 To this day I cannot plug my phone in without thinking about this line and it makes me so mad lol

[@HerHollyness]

😂 Me too! Any time I don’t get it first time I’m like, “Sherlock was such a liar!” But then I remember the phones most of us had at the start of the 2010s (BlackBerrys, Nokias etc) and, admittedly, the charging holes were a lot easier to plug into back then!

[@mooboo4311]

it’s not even just my phone 😭 any time i miss putting anything in something my brain immediatly goes “oh no, sherlock would think i’m an alcoholic”

[@sarahealey1780]

You two are killing it with these British reactions. Who and now Sherlock, you are now firmly cemented as my favourite reactors ❤

[@STYLISH_OLDTAKU83]

As a Sherlock Holmes fan I think this was a perfect modernization of the characters

[@Lynxdoc]

The modern Doctor Watson and in the books both served in Afghanistan

[@maireweber]

It's a genius comment on how history repeats itself. English soldiers fighting in Afghanistan again, returning traumatized and with injured limbs and chronic pain. As if nothing ever truly changes, the circle seems to continue... at least that's the statement I took from it.

[@rachel9913]

Seeing people fall in love with John and Sherlock in 2024? Absolutely LOVE to see it!

[@channyh.221B]

It's thanks to Doctor Who we got this show. Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss (Mycroft Holmes) both writing for Doctor Who and going regulary together on a train from London to Cardiff, they often talked about their love of Doctor Who but also Sherlock, wondering what it would be for a modern day Sherlock. Back home, Steven talked to his wife about it, and she said:" Well, instead of talking about it, why don't you both make the show, I'll produce it, but only if you get that creepy guy from Atonement to play Sherlock" and that's why you see produced by Sue Virtue on every episode. And seeing Rekkai's reaction I know this show was written for you.

[@stevev2492]

Sue Virtue was an established producer.

[@channyh.221B]

@@stevev2492 I believe she started with Mr Bean. I remember Sue telling she invited Cumberbatch to talk about this show for the first time and her mother answered the door and Cumberbatch asked to her mother if she could make a tea, and Beryl Virtue did, and Cumberbatch only later realized her mother was the founder of the Hartwood filmstudio and felt ashamed he didn't realize it at that moment.

[@_adrian_sean]

Did she REALLY say that creepy guy from Atonement? Lol

[@vickster5001]

Getting Benedict wasn’t a requirement from Sue, but them watching atonement made them think of him auditioning. Also, Sue is a producer in her own right. It’s her career & shes part of the production company that produced the series.

[@fleason771]

Rekkai never fails to impress me 👏 He was on the money about the cab driver instantly!

[@nupefromdaville]

It was just that Sherlock said it earlier.. who could move around the city and be invisible to people... why would it be the passenger?

[@GiantHaystack]

Phil Davis (who plays the taxi driver) is an outstanding actor over a number of decades.

[@SCAP3I2]

@@GiantHaystackHe's always good. He stole every scene as Prince John in "Robin of Sherwood".

[@JulietteReacts]

OH GOD YES. Sherlock was massive for me when it came out. That same year I got a cat and named him Sherlock (he’s 13 now!) and a few years later I wrote my dissertation comparing different adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. Ah it’s a fun show!

[@daddydeadbones]

I also have a cat named Sherlock! Roughly the same age...

[@qwizzle78]

Line of duty, Luther and slow horses are fantastic British series

[@blacprophet1153]

I enjoy the UK/British detective and crimes series such as Wallander, Young Wallander, Pinky Blinders, Gangs of London, Happy Valley, Bay, Shetland, Vera, The Tower, Ridley, Broadchurch, The Tower, Strike, Vienna Blood, Grace, Unforgotten, The Responder, Ripper Street, Endeavor Professor T and many others! They have created some really interesting and very good shows!

[@jacquiehahn4910]

Line of Duty! Excellent call. 👍

[@dragonreader3817]

The “I’ve got a blanket” line is my favorite. Love this show.

[@jpr455]

I remember watching this when it first aired (I'm in the UK, so it was the very first airing). I was so blown away. The scene in the underground car park was brilliant on so many levels. The more you watch it the more you see how good Mark Gatiss was as Mycroft and Martin Freeman was perfect as Dr Watson. Fun fact, you were definitely supposed to think it was Moriarty. If you look at the credits for this episode, Mark Gatiss is not mentioned. Gatiss and Moffet wanted to keep everyone in the dark about who he was playing.

[@annepetty]

Big Sherlock fan here and your reaction turned up on my KZbin feed tonight out of nowhere. I watch a lot of reactions when it's something that I like which I guess is the same as everyone else. Anyhow! Watching you guys react? I can honestly say that this is the first time I've considered joining someone's Patreon subscription because I find your reactions entertaining as hell and I want to see more! This was great!

[@mradriankool]

Mark Gatiss & Stephen Moffat co-created this ( watch their Dracula ) almost all the reference are taken from the original books with just reworks to the 21st century. Study in pink being study in Scarlet in the books. The phone dissection scene is iconic to Sherlock Holmes, it was a pocket watch in the books.

[@finncullen]

Another fun easter-egg: Watson with the leg-injury that turned out to be psychosomatic as his real injury was in his shoulder --- in the books, Arthur Conan Doyle was a bit lax on continuity and in one story described Watson as having been shot in the leg, and in another stated that his wound was in his shoulder. This show was Moffat being playful with that ambiguity.

[@t.j._fury]

What an amazing surprise!!! Thank you! I'm so happy right now, Lol! I don't know why more ppl don't react to this amazing show. I think it's right up your alleys, especially Rekkai's. Smart people need/love smart shows, and this is definitely that! The writing is very good. Side bar: I want to 2nd another commenters request that you check out Luther when you get the time. Pleeeease! ❤ Thanks guys! 🎉🎉

[@ianlejeune6012]

And as phenomenal [in every way] that this series is one must not ignore the superb 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' [1984] series with Jeremy Brett. Another mountain of creativity scaled and a flag planted…

[@House0fHoot]

Jeremy Brett is my absolute favourite Holmes 🇬🇧

[@marcwright8395]

The actor who plays Mycroft is a cowriter of the show, he also writes for Dr Who

[@Becky.Ray14]

I lived in London at this time and I remember after watching this being so nervous to get a cab for a while lol

[@MJE-riffs]

Fun fact: On the Friday before this aired, I was asked to appear in a BBC interview with Stephen Moffat about this show. I'm the film curator for the Sherlock Holmes Society of London, but I don't actually live in London, and by the time I could've got down there by train, I wouldn't have had time to watch the show before the interview.

[@stevev2492]

Shame, you missed your 5 minutes of fame.

[@MJE-riffs]

@@stevev2492 And I haven't stopped complaining about it since.

[@michelleMc2024]

@@MJE-riffs Love this.🤣 I'd be talking about it on my death bed. Such a pity you missed it. Brilliant to be asked though.

[@ejtappan1802]

I remember the first time this played on US television. I instantly fell in love with it and texted my son that he HAD to catch the replay. (The funny thing is, we soon realized how much my kid looks like Benedict C, and he ended up cosplaying Sherlock for the next couple of years, lol). Moffat is a good writer but Gatiss is brilliant. And, as you have mentioned, the acting is just as good as the writing. Can't wait for you to meet Moriarty! Andrew Scott absolutely chews the scenery. As you said, **chef's kiss**.

[@michaelccozens]

Mate, no spoilers!

[@CoL_Drake]

Moffat is listed as Producer, Showrunner, Writer and Idea, in fact production and idea together with Mark Gatiss who plays the amazing Mycroft this is all at the same time while moffat is also showrunner for doctor who (he ends both the same time)

[@ajdo1991]

Pistols are legal to own in the UK if they meet certain specifications but Watson’s pistol wouldn’t meet those specifications. It’s generally accepted by the fandom that he’s kept his service pistol from his time in the military.

[@stevev2492]

You also need a license issued by the police and you wouldn't get one for "self defence".

[@Bobby-LeeChanning]

@@stevev2492 need? only if u have no mind of yr own

[@kristi4113]

Oh, this show is pure enjoyment!! My favorite episode is “A Scandal in Belgravia”, when the guys have their interactions with Irene Adler. She’s wildin’!

[@OneHardyRue]

They are both such amazing actors! I’d love to see them switch roles, too.

[@pkmadsen2850]

I love your reaction and at this point you've already seen a couple more episodes but gotta say Cumberbatch and Freeman are da bomb ... but wait until you meet Moriarty. Da best.

[@Cat-vr5ss]

That scene with the marks on the phone have left a significant inmpression on me 😂 everytime i struggle with my phone charger i think about how Sherlock would think im a drunk 😂

[@stuartarmstrong5190]

Moffat-era Doctor Who AND Sherlock?!?!?!? Christmas has come early! Thanks guys! Moffat is an amazing writer and the current seasons are him on top form.

[@rdanns75]

There is a museum on baker st in london roughly where 221b would have been. In this version is filmed in a different street in london

[@elisabethjones4857]

@@rdanns75 north gower street, to be exact

[@mistressm3075]

Yay! I love this series and now my favorite reacters are watching! ❤❤

[@anitahargreaves9526]

Best thing I've seen today. Thank you both for sharing this and lucky enough to watch part 2 later on too. 🇬🇧👍👵

[@HistoryGuy1791]

7:23 - Yes, 221b Baker Street was where Holmes and Watson lived in the original stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Every adaptation of Sherlock Holmes I’ve come across has paid homage to this detail in one way or another.

[@marinaananova8284]

Also Dr. Gregory House's address

[@cjfulbright]

I absolutely loved this show. This version of Sherlock Made me love and started to read the old books again.. He is savage, and didn't care if you liked what he said or not.

[@mayaamis]

This was such epic Sherlock adaptation with amazing cast. one of my faves Sherlocks versions ever. didnt get a lot of episodes but they were amazing

[@shonnathapeters8542]

I am so happy that you found one of my favorite series Sherlock Holmes with Cumberbatch. Another series that you should check out and you will absolutely love. Is Broadchurch.

[@jeanine6328]

You’ve made a most excellent choice with Sherlock. Thank you!!! May your views and likes always be equal.

[@InimitableAde]

Y'all are making me want to watch this whole series again!

[@mamaseesa3122]

221 B Baker St is where Sherlock Holmes lives. In every version of himself. Tv, movies, books, inspirations like the show House, all of it. He always lives at 221 B.

[@virtualal]

Great choice - fab reaction

[@mxesc9861]

U guys react to the goated shows I swear😂

[@CoL_Drake]

moffat was nominated for an emmy for writing this episode he later won the emmy for the 3rd episode of the 3rd season moffat turly is my favorite showrunner and writer, he was the best doctor who writer/showrunner and clearly here hes amazing too

[@Vallara27]

Loved the reaction! Hope you continue, subscribed for more!

[@vicandvin]

Thank you for reacting to this and for bringing your amazing knowledge and understanding of Sherlock Holmes...love this reaction!!!

[@nathanthomas5133]

Matt Smith auditioned for Watson but Steven Moffatt thought he was too similar in height/build/style to Benedict Cumberbatch,but remembered him when he was casting for Doctor Who.

[@SE-gs6gd]

Oh gosh. I was obsessed with Sherlock for the longest time. It was a great ride

[@piewacket8417]

Talking about Freeman's acting. In season three, first episode he gives one of the finest performances I've ever seen. It's the restaurant scene and there's a few moments where he says nothing, but you can read every emotion and thought from his face. It's brilliant.

[@Darknamja]

This a fun series. Thanks for posting your reaction. 😉

[@laurareed9011]

Sherlock reaction! Subscribed.

[@janewatkins9801]

These reviews are so wonderful, intelligent and well observed. You don't miss any of the nuances. Impressive and fun, rather like this version of Sherlock Holmes.

[@DiamondFire]

Moffat was the co-showrunner a lead writer alongside Mark Gatiss, who also plays Mycroft. Those 2 are best buddies, they've worked on so many shows together, including Who!

[@ROLANDSONOFSTEPHEN690]

Hand in hand. Opposite sides of the same coin. Mirror Images! Idris and Benedict playing Sherlock and Luther are perfect casting!

[@darkphoenix6807]

Oh!!! I LOVE that you’re doing Sherlock!!!

[@nac.mac.feegle]

Thanks!

[@Syntell]

Thank you so much 🙏🏾

[@Velociraptour]

Oh my god! Yeyyy! You're watching this because of Moffat aren't you?

[@nupefromdaville]

Not really... I heard it was excellent and when Syntell heard I had never watched it.... we were off to the races

[@lindala2602]

If they were there are worse reasons to watch a show

[@Daltwan_Kenobi]

@@lindala2602Not really, no. If you appreciate someone’s work then you naturally want to see what else they have worked on. The direct correlation between S5 + S6 of Dr Who is not that far fetched to then watch this, they were released around the same time.

[@sueevansProoovviitt]

And yet they don't even notice that Steven also co-created the show with Mark Gatiss

[@marciebulsaraorcutt]

Oh YAYYYYY!! My all-time FAVORITE show… I subscribed just for this, Guys!

[@acrefray]

I'm absolutely thrilled you're doing Sherlock reactions! I'm absolutely invested!

[@johnniekight1879]

One of my top 5 all-time favorite series. Looking forward to more reactions to it.

[@queenofgreen83]

So good to SEE Rekkai (aka he got a higher quality camera and/or internet speed).

[@theConquerersMama]

Yes!!! So happy you are getting into these.

[@andrewdoubtfire4700]

I love these reactions. The comments and conversation are intelligent and really funny.

[@findme7585]

LOVE the reaction. Perfectly funny and entertainingly thoughtful 😊🤙

[@ernestineful]

YAY! So happy you guys are reacting to this!

[@jrmarcus]

One of my favorite shows ever. Great reactions. Subscribed.

[@RockieMatters]

Rekkai!! I know life be lifeing but I am so glad to watch you discover this Sherlock Holmes version!!! Thank you for introducing him Syntell and can't wait to discover this again with both of you. ❤💖

[@Anjalena]

You guys just made my night. I laughed all the way through and now I'm pumped. 💪✨ Unfortunately it's 4:30 a.m. but I don't think I'ma be sleeping anytime soon! 😂

[@TenCapQuesada]

Super excited for this - can't wait for future episodes! Another great series for you is another of my favourites "Ripper Street". Five series of greatness.

[@AnthonyWilkinson-jw6hn]

Brilliant stuff, loved watching along.👏👍

[@HuntingViolets]

Jack the Ripper isn't in the original Conan Doyle stories (although a popular subject in pastiches by modern writers, as in the movies, _A Study in Terror_ and _Murder by Decree_ and the pastiche novels _Dust and Shadow, The Whitechapel Horrors,_ etc.), but it was in that period (and all the way up to 1915). Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss (whom you've seen on _Doctor Who_ and who has also written for _Doctor Who)_ are the co-creators and -showrunners for _Sherlock._ They used to talk about the way to do a new version of Sherlock Holmes while riding the train to Cardiff for _Doctor Who_ and finally decided to do it. They use things from most previous versions of Sherlock Holmes, as well as the Canon (the stories by Conan Doyle). I may mention more specifically as it comes up. The "pajama suicides" are a series of murders that take place in the Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce movie, _The Spider Woman._ They had Sherlock text a lot in this because Holmes was wont to send telegrams in the stories. John is back from the war in Afghanistan. Watson in _A Study in Scarlet_ also has returned from the war in Afghanistan. The police think "Rache" means Rachel in the book, and Holmes realizes it is Sherlock. When I saw the ads for this coming to PBS, I didn't think it looked that great (but, of course, as a Sherlockian, I was bound to watch it) -- particularly didn't see the need to change "The game is afoot," a phrase from Shakespeare that could reasonably be used in modern day. I don't like his rather sexist (and slut shaming) takedown of Sally. You will have seen this actress (Vinette Robinson) in the episode of _Doctor Who_ where Martha and the Doctor are on a spaceship hurtling towards the sun ("42"). Holmes in _The Sign of Four_ makes deductions (technically inductions, but we are going to use the traditional Doylean term, of course) from Watson's watch rather than his cell phone (obviously).

[@grahamc5531]

Mark Gatiss (Mycroft) has also written several episodes of Dr Who and has also appeared in several episodes

[@HuntingViolets]

John's therapist suggests he try writing a blog; she isn't writing a blog about him. She says: ". . . and writing a blog about everything that happens to you will honestly help you." I think you're hearing "and" as "I'm."

[@DuckSith]

Yeah. Unless he's still active, in a special service, that pistol is illegal in the UK. Once retired there's no dispensation, and absolutely no conceal carry. The firearms laws are beyond strict here.

[@chefskiss6179]

What a pleasant surprise this popping up. Sweet! You two doing this show, fantastic, can't wait for this ride. Here's a sad fun fact: In the original writing, Doyle first wrote (1887) that Watson came home from his army tour of Afghanistan. In this modern retelling, more than a hundred years later, he sadly was 'still' returning from the very real tour of Afghanistan. I did admittedly go into this cynically kicking and screaming, so bored and nothing to watch, but by the time Holmes comes back to his flat and asks Holmes if he wants to see more action, I was pleasantly sold! Such good writing and pacing! P.S. You should really try Gosford Park. It was the 'sorta' precursor to Downton Abbey; same writer, he had collected so much unused research material for GP, that he had enough left over to pitch a season of DA.

[@HailToTheMeep]

One of the most brilliant series. I am so glad you guys get to watch it!

[@JulieFreyHomeWebBiz]

Only three long episodes per season, Sherlock packs a lot of detail. There are classic story references for fans. Many of us were introduced to Sherlock Holmes as presented on Mystery! with host Vincent Price on public television in the 1980s. All of the episodes are amazing. The Cats poem "Macavity" describes Moriarty.

[@rohanawhadkar5503]

Syntell and Sherlock, damn Subscribed...

[@Tinker_LV426]

I love that you're doing this series! I don't think I've seen another reactor do Sherlock. I just re-watched the series for the 7th or 8th time.

[@ginahouston9352]

yes!!!!! LOVE this series! ...turned the Bell to ALL 🥰

[@isamocha1719]

Hey, this was actually not the pilot, it’s the first official episode. They reshot the OG pilot and changed a few beats and dialog, but the story is the same. You can actually find the original pilot to watch on the internet and Benedict Cumberbatch looks much younger in it! There’s even a drunk scene before Sherlock gets kidnapped.

[@jamesmasefield6109]

Probably one of the best written and acted tv shows ever. In a league of its own. Hope you enjoy.

[@gestaltdude]

The first thing that occurred to me when I started watching this show was how similar Holmes was to The Doctor. There is the obvious connection of course with Moffat and Gatiss behind it, as well as fact the actor playing the cabbie was Luciius Petrus Dextrous (translates Lucius the stone handed) in The Fires of Pompeii. All that aside though, it would be very easy to believe Holmes is a Time Lord, based purely on his mannerisms, like a less malignant version of The Master. My apologies if this has already been mention, but as the US medical show House was intended as a procedural detective show set in a hospital, they felt it fitting that House lives at 221B. Not sure what the name of his street was. And if the mysterious man who offered money to Watson to spy on Sherlock seemed familiar, you last saw him turning into a big scorpion thing in the Doctor Who episode The Lazarus Experiment.

[@marcwright8395]

Great show, Sherlock is the MI6's equivalent of James Bond in this series, each season is three episodes long with a stand alone "Christmas" movie that bridges season 3 and 4, together, however each episode is an hour and a half long like a mini movie , love this series

[@faust3904]

20:40 Looks like we got ourselves another Sherlock! These Sherlock reactions just got even more interesting lol

[@reneanderson8225]

💖BBC Sherlock💖 I always rewatch any and all of “Sherlock” when ever I feel like a good mystery 💖reading the books… glad you gents are watching 🙏🥰🤩

[@cathulhubeans]

HUH?! Sherlock in MY 2024?! More likely than you’d think! (Apparently?! STOKED)

[@MrTrevcarter]

23.25 Dr who in Volcano Day, the guy with the arm made of stone 👍

[@fernrhodes_02]

Awesome reaction! First time seeing your channel, big fan of Sherlock and Doctor who. Subscribed now, and can’t wait to binge your doctor who reactions 🫶🏼 I love the insights from the books you have

[@lokithecat7225]

Had to stumble into this through Playlists on Syntell's KZbin... This really should be more popular, between your audience and Sherlocks.

[@drkpop6173]

Oh my God I am going to scream 😱 😲😲😲😲😍😍😍😋😋

[@asterix7842]

This episode, A Study in Pink, is a modern version of the Conan Doyle story A Study in Scarlet. The first series of Sherlock remains faithful to the original Holmes stories, but later series switch to original stories. Another great British show worth reacting to is the BBC America series from a few years ago, Killing Eve, with Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer.

[@ScotchBeard78]

Oooooh. Good choice! Looking forward to these reactions.

[@angiepen]

The thing with "OMG that's Moriarty! It's totally Moriarty! Oh, wait, no, it's Mycroft WTF??" thing was absolutely a set-up, meant to trap the Sherlock Holmes fans who came into the series already knowing a lot of the Sherlock lore to jump to a mistaken conclusion. If you've been living under a rock and don't know anything about the Holmes canon, you'll have no idea at all who that mysterious dude with the umbrella is, although you'd probably suspect it was some kind of villain. But if you know your Sherlock stuff, you'd never guess it was Mycroft. Doyle described Mycroft Holmes as a *huge* man. Not JUST fat, but tall and strong, muscular, powerful, but also with like a 70% body fat level or something like that. Mycroft is canonically enormous, and every Holmes fan knows that. So having Mycroft played by someone who's average height and slender is a deliberate fakeout, absolutely meant to lead all the fans who think their knowledge of Holmes canon will let them stay three steps ahead to make that wrong assumption and then be all, "Wait, what?!?!" when the reveal happened at the end. It's a tease, and it was fun. :)

[@HuntingViolets]

Maria Konnikova, a psychologist and the author of How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes, has an article called "Stop Calling Sherlock Holmes a Sociopath! Thanks, a Psychologist." It is more about the book character, but I'm not sure this version qualifies either. I always kind of took this as a snarky comeback more than a diagnostic fact. Perhaps as we go along, we'll see what you think. Moffat has said, "He's not a psychopath, he's not a sociopath . . . he's a man who chooses to be the way he is because he thinks it makes him better. It's a monastic decision. He takes himself out of touch with his sexuality, out of touch with his emotions in order to make himself better."

[@FiresCollide]

Just a heads-up, Steven Moffat isn't the only connection to Doctor Who: Mark Gatiss, the actor who plays Mycroft, was also a writer (and sometimes actor) on Doctor Who.

[@captainsplifford]

I love that you guys are reacting to this!! Mark Gatiss, who plays Mycroft, is a co-creator of this series, as well as a writer. You might recognize him from the Doctor Who episode The Lazarus Experiment (which he wrote) and one of the Nazis in Good Omens.

[@robynmurray7421]

The taxi driver is Holly from Red Dwarf, something you should put on your watch list.

[@naebodyknows7016]

I think you've got him mixed up with someone else, mate. This actor is Phil Davis, who has been in loads of t.v. and films.

[@Bobby-LeeChanning]

nah