The Marvelous Ascent and Descent of BBC's Sherlock: A Critical Analysis

The journey of BBC's Sherlock is as fascinating as the detective himself. From its inception, the series was hailed as a undeniable success, captivating audiences with its unique blend of modern-day Sherlock Holmes and a gripping narrative. However, as the series progressed, questions about its quality began to arise, leading to a debate on whether the show's decline is due to overreach or a well-thought-out plot.

Season 1 and 2: The Initial Success

Season 1 of Sherlock was finely crafted, featuring a cold, dark, and cunning Sherlock, alongside a villainous Moriarty. The first few episodes set a high bar, with engrossing mysteries and a similar style to the original Sherlock Holmes stories. Season 2, while still excellent, may have stretched its boundaries, with some episodes like “The Hounds of Baskerville” being a letdown. The episode, a rewrite of one of Conan Doyle's most celebrated works, introduced an underwhelming conclusion of a conveniently ludicrous solution.

Season 3: Deception and Suspense

The third season, "The Abominable Bride," took a surprising turn. Featuring a two-part episode, it explored the past of Sherlock and Moriarty through a Victorian-era tale. While the character arcs were well-developed, the twist that Moriarty returned, only to be murdered again, created a craze of suspense and confusion. This was a critical moment, setting the stage for the fourth and fifth seasons, which dealt heavily with the Moriarty reenactment.

Season 4 and 5: Disappointment and Redeeming Moments

Season 4 further pushed the boundaries with the absence of a Sherlock, leaving the show to focus on Moriarty's return and then his imagined death. In the last episode, "The Final Problem," the creators tried to bridge the gap between the show and the original Letters to a High Priestess, but the plot felt forced and disconnected. This season's finale saw Moriarty appear again, indicating that he was not truly dead, which was a red herring.

Conclusion: An Optimistic Outlook or a Slip into Overreach?

The question remains: was the decline of Sherlock due to the writers trying to be too clever or a necessary manipulation to engage the audience? On one side, the show stands as a masterclass in plot twists and cliffhangers. On the other, some argue it has lost touch with its original allure, becoming a crutch for the writers to recover from their previous failures.

Season 5, if it ever comes, may yet prove the optimists right. The questions surrounding the fate of Moriarty and Sherlock's identity may finally be addressed, bringing the show full-circle in a manner that satisfies both the original fans and newcomers.

However, the series' current form is a reminder that sometimes, when creative endeavors stretch beyond their grasp, they risk succumbing to their own complexity. In the end, the Sherlock phenomenon remains a testament to how far television can reach when it stays true to its audience's expectations, even when those expectations are pushed to the limit.