The Definitive Ranking of Every Sherlock Episode (So Far)

4. The Great Game (Season 1, Episode 3)

Since most Sherlock Holmes adaptations include Moriarty, you might be surprised to know he’s barely a part of the original canon. He appears in all of two of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Nevertheless, his presence still looms large over virtually every onscreen Holmes story. And Sherlock is no different. But what is interesting is that the show somehow manages to break new ground with this well-known character.

The reimagining of Moriarty as Sherlock’s dark twin is an effective narrative tool. Andrew Scott’s manic, twitchy performance is effortlessly memorable. His Moriarty is instantly, markedly different from any version of the character that’s come before. The way Moriarty has been discussed this season? It’s a lot for any character to live up to. So it’s especially commendable that he more than equals his own hype.

The central plot of “Great Game” is both disturbing and terrifying. Moriarty holds innocent people hostage in bomb vests. Sherlock has a set amount of time to save their lives through riddles. The tension is almost unbearable in places, no matter how many times you’ve seen this episode.

The poolside confrontation between Sherlock, John and Moriarty is masterful. From the brief moment when we think John is Moriarty, to the realization that the real villain is Molly’s ex-boyfriend, to the revelation Sherlock and John are fine dying for one another, it’s all plotted as carefully as any chess game. And even though the ultimate resolution of this incident turns out to be disappointing, that doesn’t make it any less exhilarating to watch.