I have never done a meta before, but I was intrigued by midonz’s post. This was the first screenshot I saw from this marvellous resource. And I just HAD to write about it.
Firstly, the mirroring. What is the common link between these men? They don’t know it yet, but they are both protectors of Sherlock. That’s how I see them. Mycroft is the overbearing, controlling type that plainly wants to save his brother’s life whereas John will protect Sherlock’s heart. Either way, these very different men are looking at themselves in a mirror – they love and protect Sherlock.
Then we have the crutches. In John’s case it’s both a literal crutch and a figurative one. Mycroft’s umbrella is practical, but he’s indoors so we can deduce its placement in this scene tells a story. Before I explain what I mean let’s look at the dialogue preceding this particular frame…
Mycroft: You’ve met him. How many friends do you imagine he has? I’m the closest thing to a friend that Sherlock Holmes is capable of having.
In this whole scene, and particular during this line, Mycroft looks down and fiddles with his umbrella when he talks about Sherlock and emotions. When I’m nervous – perhaps in a conversation or a meeting at work – I fiddle with my necklace. Mycroft would rather make eye contact with his umbrella than John while discussing his feelings. It’s his crutch.
Interestingly, by the end of this episode John rid himself of his “comfort crutch.” Three seasons later and Mycroft’s is going nowhere…
Onto lighting then, and a quick review of the dialogue directly following the lines above.
Mycroft: In his mind certainly. If you were to ask him, he’d probably say his arch enemy. He does love to be dramatic.
John: Well thank god you’re above all that.
The strong shadows are, quite simply, dramatic. In fact, the front two thirds of this shot could be black and white. The smudge of yellow draws the eye to the main attraction – Mycroft and John.
Lastly, that poor, lonely chair… It’s the third wheel in this power-struggle love fest, and it deserves a mention. At the very beginning of their interaction, Mycroft is unusually forceful in his demands for John to sit. He’s used to getting what he wants. The chair is kept in the frame to highlight what will become a recurring topic - Mycroft can’t control John.
I’m sure there is plenty more to be said about this shot but I am all meta’d out. I must add that this is one of my favourite scenes in S1 and my one wish - who I am kidding, I have hundreds - for S4 is to see more Mycroft/John.
