“Give to a gracious message a host of tongues, But let ill tidings tell themselves when they be felt.” There’s no mistaking the theme of this episode; Sherlock and Joan go over it three times. Sometimes things are awful, and there’s no point pretending they aren’t. Face up, ‘fess up, and prepare for what's next.
Sherlock’s convinced that the obvious translates into the true...Marcus has to point out that if you leave something open to interpretation, even well-meaning people can misinterpret—and since Marcus may have perjured himself, it’s no small thing. It’s resolved quickly and painlessly (too quickly and painlessly, honestly), and is mostly an in so Marcus can impress Chantal, the ADA of his dreams. But it’s not the last time this episode Sherlock gets reminded that just because something is true doesn’t make it the truth.