While Sherlock‘s 4th Season had a rather slow start, “The Lying Detective” is far from a slow-paced episode. In fact, it could be right up there with some of Sherlock‘s best.

But of course, that may be just the opinion of one person. So, we decided to bring in the entire team for this. Introducing the first FarCity television panel!

Here’s how it’s going to work: A question will be directed towards the panelists and they will answer it. Then we’ll move on to the next question.

So, without further ado, here are your panelists:

Irtesam , Editor and Staff Writer, Writer at TellTaleTV and TVOvermind

, Editor and Staff Writer, Writer at TellTaleTV and TVOvermind Abdul Hadi, Graphics Designer and Staff Writer

Hassan, Staff Writer

What’s your no nonsense, honest and straight-forward opinion of this episode?

Irtesam: I loved every minute of it. It’s astounding how the show manages to cover the afermath of “The Six Thatchers” and move the plot along considerably. We also got to see the classic Sherlock in action, which “The Six Thatchers” desperately lacked. The plot twists and the constant mindfucking every now and then was something that I had come to associate with Sherlock. I very well think that this could be one of the show’s best yet. By the way, they managed to drag in Tom Brooke from Preacher who’s actually quite hilarious.

Hassan: This was the most thrillng episode of the series. We saw Sherlock actually failing for the first time. The epsiode shows Sherlock at his most helpless, walking right into hell, confronting death to save Watson. Culverton Smith was creepier than Moriarty. He gave me the shivers. I will have to agree with Irtesam that this episode was chock full of plot twists. I really had no idea what would happen next quite a few times. I believe this is leading up to a grand finale and I can’t wait for the weekend.

Abdul Hadi: Sherlock never ceases to amaze the audience. He truly is a standout detective. Even when there’s barely any chance of solving a case, the tiniest clue can help him make the right deduction. Also I had never thought that Watson would solely blame Sherlock for the death of his wife. Although this episode did highlight that without Watson, Sherlock isn’t even a detective, much less a high functioning sociopath. Even if this episode was rather predictable, but for a successful drama the plotting plays an important role and I can say that this episode was great compared to others as it more specified the relation between Sherlock and Watson.

What did you like the most about this episode?

Irtesam: Goddamn, the cinematography was amazing. Give Nick Hurran an Emmy already. He’s done a fantastic job on both Doctor Who and Sherlock (His Last Vow). The way Culverton kept popping into Sherlock‘s head every now and then was genius. It made Culverton practically radiate with animosity which is mostly what made him a great villain. Also, the depiction of Sherlock‘s thought process was truly amazing. The way the scenes were interconnected to each other and how it all came together in the end wouldn’t have been possible without some outstanding direction which is exactly what Nick Hurran did. Seriously, give this man an Emmy!

Hassan: Sherlock going mad was something new. I loved that they explored his thought process. It showed that he can make mistakes and at the end of the day, he is human. Watson’s conversations with Mary were masterfully done, really solidified the impact her death had on him. The fact that they packed all that story and a cliffhanger in this episode shows how talented the crew behind this show is.

Abdul Hadi: There are the two things I liked the most. Firstly, Sherlock from every aspect in the terms of detective, is perfect. Also I think Sherlock is lucky to have a partner like John Watson even though they’re not that expressive of their feelings for each other. Secondly, I was amazed with Sherlock predicting the future and making necessary arrangements for them. Can he really do that?

What did you dislike the most about this episode?

Irtesam: Molly’s presence in the show seems to be very irrelevant. After all, if someone like Mary can get killed off, couldn’t a similar fate befall her in the finale? I really hope so, because she’s literally just a walking sign that says, “she’s here so we don’t get accused of being sexist.” If you’re gonna write a female character on a show whose source material is sexist, then do it right or don’t do it at all. Just my two cents. Also, for fuck’s sake John, it was only texting.

Hassan: The fact that Sherlock couldn’t recognize his own sister is a bit unbelievable. Yeah sure, she was in disguise, but really, he can solve cases just by looking at the person giving him the case, and in this episode we saw him predicting the freaking future. How can he NOT recognize his own sister!

Abdul Hadi: In my opinion, I disliked Sherlock‘s moment of weakness saying ” I don’t wanna die.” He was literally crying. Sherlock has always been portrayed as more than a person and this didn’t really suit him. Also I was shocked that the physiatrist was Sherlock‘s sister. And she was the same person who brought the case to him.All of that was too ex-machina and too cliche for me.

What did you think of the villain, Culverton?

Irtesam: Honestly, even the the taxi driver in Sherlock‘s first episode was a more threatening villain. But really, Culverton was amazing because of the way he was portrayed. He’s a spoiled rich psychopath who thinks he can get away with anything. Also give him the power of deduction and you’ve got the recipe for a villain. But Toby Jones and Nick Hurran did a miracle work on a seemingly bland character and turned him into someone we slowly started to hate just by looking at him. And that was how Culverton Smith became an amazing villain.

Hassan: The creepiest villain in the show? Yes. The best villain in the show? No. He got real close though. Turning Sherlock’s accusation into an advertisement campaign was hilarious. Overall, he wasn’t the best we have seen. Sherlock has dealt with his type in the first season. I feel like he was just there to fill in the gap between the third and the first episodes of the season and to setup the finale.

Abdul Hadi: Culverton just has the looks of a villain and he has the looks of a serial killer or in his terms cereal killer. I thought Watson was gonna be late and he would kill Sherlock but it was totally the opposite. Also, he wanted to be famous. Sherlock solved the case and he got famous as he was accused of being a killer.

What was your favorite moment or quote?

Irtesam: “In saving my life, she conferred a value on it – it’s a currency I do not know how to spend.” All things aside, Sherlock is pretty modest about his achievements which is something I absolutely love about the character. People are willing to die for him, and he still doesn’t understand why people value him this much. Other than that, the ending was completely bonkers and the episode really has quite a few moments and quotes to choose from.

Hassan: Sherlock going batshit crazy for Curvelton was hilarious, describing him as “the most dangerous and despicable human being I have ever encountered…a living, breathing coagulation of human evil”. Of all the cases we have seen Sherlock handle, this was the case he was the most excited about. Like Irtesam said, the ending was just completely jaw dropping.

Abdul Hadi: “The only way to save John is to make him save you.” There are the big words in my opinion, as Mary was worried for John and Sherlock. And some times, there are moments that you can’t be helped by yourself you need someone who can help you or support you. In this way, Sherlock was saved because of Watson.

Sherlock airs Sundays at 9:00 PM on BBC One.