shadowfireflame | Meta Goodies for “His Last Vow” (Reply)

There is So. Much. Meta. being created right now about “His Last Vow.” Perhaps even more than “Reichenbach” generated, as I recall, and that meta kept me busy speculating for two years. I couldn’t be more delighted right now. All of it helps to enhance my appreciation of the show and characters and everything. *loves everyone*

Anyway, here are some of my favorites at the moment! I already linked some at the bottom of this post, and I may add more as I find them. Enjoy:

First I’ll link what I think is perhaps the most important meta to read about this series: The Pain of Season 3 by xistentialangst and loudest-subtext-in-television.

Sherlock’s mind palace is built around the staircase from the first case he and John went on together (in A Study in Pink)—see here. I’m sobbing. EDIT: And his mind-palace hallway is also connected to John: here.

The Operation game being foreshadowing: here. HOLY SHIT.

Best thing I’ve read about His Last Vow so far: “Sherlock’s selflessness being set up as a foil to Mary’s selfishness. Between the two of them, Sherlock is the only one who would sacrifice himself for John’s happiness. Mary sacrifices John’s happiness for herself.” (from loudest-subtext-in-television). UGH MY FEELS.

And on that note, another post about Mary’s love not being so clear-cut: by onthelosingside.

And on that note: Why the Watsons Can’t Make it to “Happily Ever After” by bbcatemysoul. Ouchy.

Drinkingcocoa's clever Mary Moran Theory.

This meta is absolutely astonishing, an analysis of John and Sherlock’s relationship using evidence from “His Last Vow”: Love and Breadcrumbs (John and Sherlock’s relationship arc).

Sherlock’s parents as a stand-in for Sherlock (who is more like Mummy) and John (who is more like Daddy), and what that suggests for Sherlock and John romantically—by 221behavior here.

Sherlock the Dragon-Slayer literally rescues John (the damsel) from a bonfire (set by Magnussen the dragon), but doesn’t end up with the girl: xistentialangst’s brilliance. Hnnngh.

One word: Casablanca. Mind. Blown. Two more words: Citizen Cane. Mind further blown.

221beemine’s analysis of HLV.

Hoshit, there’s now a masterpost of the parallels between “A Study in Pink” and “His Last Vow,” aww.

ilovesherlockfanfic’s well-reasoned answers to some questions plaguing fandom; penns-woods also has some lovely Q&A that answers lots of questions.

With regard to the treatment of female characters in this show, nobody has explained it better than mallamun here and also here. Extraordinary.

For those who didn’t like series 3, I really identify with thecutteralicia’s response as to what’s changed and how the show is pushing the boundaries of television.

Gorgeous spoilery vid: pressure point.

Another gorgeous spoilery vid: The Wisest Man.

Eeee, lovely lovely lovely vid with so many surprising connections to previous series: I asked you to stop being dead.

A spellbinding vid for what Series 4 might hold: Thy Kingdom Come.

Another awesome vid with such surprising connections from all of the episodes: Narrow it Down.

The amazing Sherlock: Wedding Special Edition by daasgrrl with a perfect John/Sherlock wedding day. The proposal was the best!

One more thing—not meta, but music! Extremely kickass Sherlock heavy metal theme by Erock: preview here; go here, click on “Audio,” and scroll down to “Sherlock” to download.

EDIT: Okay, so the brilliant knackorcraft has created a huge roundup of metas that have been posted recently, so I recommend that if you would like more, you can start there! Thanks, knackorcraft! :)