So, are there only 3 episodes of S1 Sherlock? What did you think of Moriarty?

Yep, only three. I have a feeling that Moffat and Gatiss are busy enough with Doctor Who (Moffat, particularly) that they can only devote this much time to Sherlock. There will be a second series, though, also with three episodes. Moriarty's voice gets on my nerves, but I guess it's supposed to be that way. It's certainly menacing enough. I do wonder if the next series is going to be entirely spent in dealing with him or if they'll finish up his story in the first episode (or make it look like it was finished before bringing him back in S3).

I found Moriarty to be unexpected, but I think that was the point. Mycroft's appearance in the first episode was more about what would be expected of a villain of Moriarty's stature, so the very fact that the true villain was almost exactly the opposite of what was expected was something I loved as the scene progressed. His voice, moving from flirtatious to sinister to comedic seems to be something in keeping with someone who's always been in the background, coming up with just the right things to say to get people to do what he wants them to, I think. I know there had been some kind of debate/whatever in fandom at the time the series aired in the UK (just judging from spillover to general fandom sites that were discussing it) with people hoping for a female Moriarty. I'm not sure why, necessarily, and I don't think it would have made any difference. I did like the fact that once Moriarty showed himself he was against type.

Ok. I wanted to make sure that I didn't miss any new eps. I have really enjoyed the Sherlock series. I found Moriarty to be unexpected Yeah, me too. When he was revealed at the end, he wasn't what I, well, expected. Yet, he kind of grew on me before it went off. I do wonder if the next series is going to be entirely spent in dealing with him or if they'll finish up his story in the first episode (or make it look like it was finished before bringing him back in S3). I wonder about this too. Maybe they will make it seem like he is finished, but bring him back in the following season.

I think Moriarity is quite brilliant. I actually thought Mycroft was Moriarity when he was first introduced. That was quite a clever touch, to leave his identity up-in-the-air. But I found Moriarity downright scary in the final scene. And I had no idea that Jim from IT would turn out to be Moriarity, although many fans suspected this because of the blogs. The female Moriarity rumour may have started because the letter on Bohemian paper was written by a woman, according to Sherlock, and it's never been clearly established who that is. I think Moriarity is going to be a key character in the second series as well. I doubt they'll get rid of him until they are nearing the end of the series (perish the thought!) I think we are going to have to wait another year or more for the second season of Sherlock. I am so jonesing for more Sherlock. I ordered the DVD on November 9, the very day it was released, but Amazon is so slow, I probably won't get it till December as the earliest they'll ship it is November 24. I have no idea why it's taking so long; I supposed it's backordered.

For those watching (or have watched) "Downton Abbey" on PBS ... Bates as an alternative universe House. Y/N? (OK, granted House would be whining and mocking, rather than stoically withstanding, but I'm amused by the thought.)

But whose valet would be? :wink: I must say, I love Downton Abbey, but I get very distracted by all the Jeeves & Wooster scenery. I expect Bertie and Gussie Finknottle to jump out from behind one of the columns and into the story at any second. (Speaking of which, the history of that mansion is fascinating. I encourage you to go a-Googling.)

Have you seen Manor House? PBS series in which present day volunteers are trained to live the life of upstairs/downstairs at about the same time period that Downton Abbey takes place in. (I dare you to not love the butler.) And of course Julian Fellows' Gosford Park, which also features Maggie Smith. (And a certain former comedy partner of a certain actor.) I recall a tour arranged of a country estate in England when I was there years and years ago on a bicycling tour. The lady of the house was showing us around when one of the more unique personalities, a retired teacher, makes herself comfortable on the furniture. "That's 200 years old," the lady said, in a very Maggie Smith like manner. "We don't actually use it."

Almost feels like I should note this in the deaths thread, but CBS is ending its Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. For people of a certain age (mine) it seemed like that "Hallmark" movie when it came around was a guarantee of quality movie and long, weepy commercials. Maybe it's only in my hazy memory, but "Sarah Plain & Tall," and "Gideon's Trumpet" and "O Pioneers" seemed like highlights of each year.

Not just your memory. I do think either the quality or the descriptions faltered in recent years but in its heyday, they not only made what were probably the best made-for-tv movies out there, they were able to attract actors who didn't do TV.