I will put this warning up here once again. This article will have **MANY SPOILERS**, so if you have not yet seen the second episode of Sherlock in season 3, do not read ahead (unless you don’t care about that sort of thing).

To start off, let me just say, this has been the funniest episode of Sherlock (in my opinion) so far. Of course, there are many touching moments, after all, it is John & Mary’s wedding day!

Originally, I was going to go over the episode almost scene for scene, like I did with the first episode. However, I found that I quite like articles that aren’t a novel long, and are fun to read (could also be my ADD). Plus, if you’re reading this, you’ve probably already seen the episode and don’t need my explaining about what went down. Let me just focus on the highlights.

BISCUITS

Sherlock may not always show it, or admit it, but he does adore Mrs. Hudson, as does John Watson. However, the scenes where Sherlock is most irritated are usually the funniest. This one had me laughing out loud. She brings up tea to a nervous Sherlock, and he’s trying to get her out of the flat as fast as possible. Get him those damn biscuits, Mrs. H.

Sherlock: BISCUITS!
Mrs. Hudson: I really am going to have a word with your mother.

MARY’S EX

Sherlock, being a detective and the best man, decides to investigate one person in particular who happens to be a male friend of Mary’s who dated her for two years a while back. Sherlock decides to meet up with him before the wedding, alone, making sure this male “friend” has no intention on ruining his bff’s happiness.

The Ex: I heard about you…. you’re a bloody psychopath!
Sherlock: High functioning sociopath. With your number.

SHERLOCK’S JEALOUSY

An old friend of John’s makes an appearance at the wedding. Someone who he hasn’t seen in years and respects immensely. We get to see Sherlock’s jealousy come out as he realizes he’s not the only one in his life who John looks up to. BTW, this scene makes me adore Mary even more.

Mary: I didn’t think he’d show up at all. John says he’s the most unsociable person he’s ever met.
Sherlock: HE is? He’s the most unsociable!? That’s why he’s butting around him like a puppy.”
Mary: Ohh, Sherlock. Neither of us were the first, you know!
Sherlock: Stop smiling.
Mary: It’s my wedding day!

TREADMILL MYCROFT

Them pants, though. Work it, Gatiss.

JOHN’S PROPOSAL

To Sherlock, that is. John asks Sherlock to be his best man (as if there was any doubt in our minds). Sherlock, being, well, Sherlock, doesn’t fully grasp that John is hinting at it, and even suggests a bunch of people for John to ask. Finally, John has to be blunt with Sherlock. This moment is both touching & funny.

Sherlock: So, in fact...you, you mean…I’m your...best…
John: Man.
Sherlock: Friend?
John: Yeah, of course you are. Of course, you’re my best friend.

SHERLOCK’S BEST MAN SPEECH

I’ve watched this episode twice so far, and have cried both times during this scene. As emotionally unaware Sherlock is, he brings everyone in the room to tears without even trying to.

Sherlock: The point I’m trying to make is that I am the most unpleasant, rude, ignorant, and all around obnoxious asshole that anyone could possibly have the misfortune to meet. I am dismissive of the virtuous, unaware of the beautiful, and uncomprehending in the face of the happy. So, if I didn’t understand I was being asked to be best man it is because I never expected to be anybody’s best friend. Certainly not the best friend of the bravest, and kindest and wisest human being I have ever had the good fortune of knowing. John, I am a ridiculous man. Redeemed only by the warmth and constancy of your friendship. But, as I am apparently your best friend, I cannot congratulate you on your choice of companion….actually, now I can. Mary, when I say you deserve this man, it is the highest compliment of which I am capable. John, you have endured war, and injury, and tragic loss, so sorry again about that last one. So, know this, today you sit between the woman you have made your wife, and the man you’ve saved. And sure the two people who love you most in all this world, and I know I speak for Mary as well when I say we will never let you down, and we have a lifetime ahead to prove that.

*aaaand cue tears*

MEAT DAGGER

When Sherlock decides to play Q&A with the wedding guests, Molly’s fiance has a pretty interesting theory.

Sherlock: Tom, got a theory?
Tom: Attempting suicide…with a blade made of compacted blood and bone! Broke after piercing his abdomen…like a meat…dagger..

JOHN AND SHERLOCK’S BENDER

Never did I thought the day would come where we see both Sherlock & John getting hammered together. Bar after bar after bar (and just in two hours) the boys find themselves back at 221B having fun.

Sherlock: Am I the current King of England?
John:You know we don’t have a King!
Sherlock: Don’t we?

THE CLIENT

…While still being smashed. A woman believed she dated a ghost, and although neither of them are in any shape to solve this case, Sherlock decides they should go investigate.

The Client: You alright?
John: Hm? Yeah, he’s clueing. He’s clueing for looks.

IRENE ADLER

Well, sort of. Sherlock was making a point about how secretive John is about his middle name (Hamish), and The Woman knew…which lead Sherlock to think about her again.

THE HERO

With a bit of encouragement from Mary, Sherlock figures out the puzzle of the ‘invisible man’. John’s friend (James) constantly has death threats and has accepted his fate. Sherlock will not let this happen. Not at his best friend’s wedding.

James: Mr. Holmes, you and I are similar I think.
Sherlock: Yes, I think we are.
James: There’s a proper time to die, isn’t there?
Sherlock: Of course there is.
James: One should embrace it, when it comes. Like a solider.
Sherlock: Of course one should, but not at John’s wedding! We wouldn’t do that, would we? You and me. We would never do that John Watson.

THE HANDCUFFS

I’m pretty sure all of us were thinking the same thing, and we’d all have that stupid look on our faces too imagining the possibilities…

MOH: Do you always carry handcuffs?
Sherlock: Down, girl.

THE SIGN OF THREE

Such a bittersweet ending to an amazing episode. Sherlock figures out that Mary is pregnant. While he’s very happy for his best friend and his best friend’s wife, reality sinks in that he’s not going to see John as much anymore. Also, if you get the ‘Don’t Panic’ reference outside of this episode, kudos to you!

Sherlock: Don’t panic! None of you panic. Absolutely no reason to panic.
John: Oh, and you’d know of course?
Sherlock: Yes, I would. You’re already the best parents in the world, look at all of the practice you’ve had.
John: What practice?
Sherlock: Well, you’re hardly going to need me around now that you’ve got a real baby on the way. 

I loved every minute of this episode. Less than a week now until the final episode in series 3. I’m sure all of us Sherlockians around the globe will be hugging and crying in fetal position.

Here’s a look into the final episode airing (in the UK) on Sunday, January 12th, “His Last Vow”