The Lie of His Last Vow

archipelagoarchaea:

[This was intended as the last chapter of my Big Long Meta, but I’m getting itchy and want to post something; this is the section least in need of editing and most able to stand on its own, so here you go! For the record, this is meant to come after chapters detailing (a) general character development of John and Sherlock, and (b) what I perceive as the underlying romantic structure of the show. There will be one or two mentions of this romantic structure, but one need not agree with Johnlock as endgame or ‘TJLC’ in order to follow or even agree with the logic I lay out here. Once I finish the other sections, I may come back to edit the intro so it will return to its rightful place as the final chapter.]

It’s time to take down the surface reading of His Last Vow. This is the episode that purports to end with Mary’s past revealed, her lies and actions forgiven, and her role in John’s life firmly established, while Sherlock’s role is diminished by a combination of unborn child and his new criminal record. The casual viewer will probably take it at face value, sweeping any inconsistencies under the rug. However, there’s ample evidence they shouldn’t.

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This takes some time to read but it’s worth it. I agree with everything, vis a vis how the end of HLV from the Christmas forgiveness scene on makes no sense, and always have, but this lays it out in such a clear, cohesive argument. 

If you have any doubts about what Mary’s fate will be in S4, and how John and Sherlock will end up, read this and keep it in your arsenal!