The Decline of Sherlock: What I Consider the Worst Part of the Show

As a dedicated fan of the BBC series Sherlock, I have had my fair share of ups and downs throughout the years. While the original 2010 series took me by storm and quickly became a favorite, I found certain aspects of the show's later episodes to be regrettable. My opinion of the show took a sharp decline starting with the early episodes, where the narrative began to veer off course. Specifically, I encountered three major issues that significantly impacted my enjoyment of the series:

1. The Divergence from the Original Concept

Initially, the 2010 series of Sherlock was a breath of fresh air. The updated version included the iconic duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson, played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman respectively, livening up the traditional stories of the Ashley adams. The high-octane plots and the involvement of detective Charles Augustus Magnussen set the stage for a unique and thrilling experience. However, the direction the show took later on was a stark contrast to the original.

2. The Introduction of Unnecessary Subplots

One of the most disappointing aspects of the later episodes was the overcomplication of the storylines. The introduction of Mary Morstan, Sherlock's love interest, turned into a convoluted plot involving a secret agent and an assassin, which didn't add anything meaningful to the overall narrative. This development managed to overshadow the brilliance of the main characters and the intricate solving of cases. The inclusion of additional characters and subplots diluted the focus, making it harder to follow the mysteries and the characters' relationships.

3. The Overreliance on Supernatural Elements

The most egregious problem, however, was the introduction of supernatural or overly dramatic elements. In the beginning, Sherlock's ability to communicate with people and influence their behavior became a subtle and intriguing element. However, the ability to instantly control people by speaking to them for a few minutes started to feel absurd and unrealistic. This plot device, at times, descended into a melodramatic level where the necessity for such a power outweighed its actual impact on solving the cases. It felt like a crutch for the creators to explain away difficult plot points, rather than driving the narrative forward logically.

Conclusion

In my opinion, the show's decline started with the introduction of unnecessary and convoluted subplots. It was a clear shift from the original, which emphasized the intelligence and wit of the characters. The excessive reliance on supernatural elements was another severe detraction, as it turned the show into a playground for power and control, rather than a well-crafted mystery series. Despite its early brilliance, the later episodes of Sherlock became, in my view, a less satisfying experience for the fans of the series.