Sherlock Is Garbage, and Here’s Why (2021)
Sherlock Is Garbage, And Here’s Why is a video essay created by YouTube media critic hbomberguy in 2017. In this thought-provoking analysis, the documentary heavily criticizes the popular BBC series Sherlock, particularly focusing on its fourth season. Let’s delve into the key points covered in this intriguing exploration:
- Steven Moffat’s Run on New Who: The documentary dissects Steven Moffat’s writing and producing, highlighting issues such as terrible directing and editing in the show Jekyll and problems with New Who during his tenure as showrunner.
- Deviation from Arthur Conan Doyle’s Stories: The creators of Sherlock seem to have a dislike for telling mysteries, diverging significantly from the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories. The documentary examines these deviations and their impact on the show’s quality.
- The Johnlock Conspiracy: A significant portion of fans believed that the fourth season would include a secret fourth episode that would address various issues within the show. The documentary delves into the Johnlock Conspiracy, exploring fan expectations and how the show handled them.
- Production Choices and Flaws: Sherlock’s production choices come under scrutiny, including wasteful decisions and occasional bizarre moments. The documentary sheds light on these aspects, questioning their rationale.
- Treatment of Women and Queerbaiting: The show’s portrayal of women, especially Irene Adler, and the presence of queerbaiting and homophobia are discussed. Additionally, the character of Moriarty is analyzed in depth.
- Contempt for Fans: Sherlock’s treatment of its fans is a recurring theme. The documentary highlights how the show sometimes portrays fans negatively and expresses contempt for the passionate aspects of the Sherlock fandom.
The video essay runs for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and has garnered over 5.31 million views on YouTube. Despite initial copyright issues, it was restored and continues to provoke discussions about the show’s merits and flaws. Whether you love or loathe Sherlock, this documentary provides a compelling exploration of its strengths and weaknesses.
