After sleeping on it, I have arrived to the conclusion that Sherlock writers just don’t like their vocal fanbase. Their fans are supposed to mindlessly enjoy what they are given, without an ounce of criticism. Or else.
Like, words cannot describe what a casual Sherlock viewer I am. I am not emotionally invested in any part of the show, because there’s only so much I can care about and Sherlock simply isn’t it.
But at the same time I’m super protective of fans. Period. Any fans. All fans. We have this incredible tendency to create communities around the things we love and the culture that grows from that is precious. Fans as a group and fans as individuals are not something to be sneered at, humiliate and use for your entertainment and/or profit.
So to the not-so-casual Sherlock fans who are devastated, angered and depressed by the season 4 and the season finale in particular: please accept this virtual hug, blanket and a cup of tea. If you want to grieve, rant or cry because you feel cheated or hurt by the show and the creators, go ahead. I will be there for you.
To the sherlolly shippers, I’m sorry you had to watch Molly get pulled through an emotional wringer, humiliated and forced to verbalize her feelings for... I know know, shits and giggles. I’m sorry your precious ship got twisted and used against both the characters and you. I really hope and am looking forward to you taking those words, reclaiming them and retelling the story the way the characters and you deserve it: in fanvids and fanfiction. Because clearly, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.
To the johnlockers and tjlc-ers, I’m sorry you were used as a punchline for a joke made by people you thought you could trust. I’m sorry you had yout trust broken and your passion taken advantage of. You were ready to believe that your hopes and dreams were about to come true and my heart breaks at the devastation, sorrow and anger I see in your posts. Your metas, fics and vids are not any less valid or engaging or true just because a bunch of suits decided to play a game with your emotions.
And to the Sherlock fans who enjoyed the season and the final episode: hold onto that enjoyment, cherish that enthusiasm and be understanding of those who are hurting.
I don’t know what the future holds for the Sherlock fandom. There is a lot of hurt feelings all around and it may very well forever change that part of the fandom. But if history taught me anything is that fans are strong and they bang together. Source materials come and go, but we stay around and we learn from our past experiences. And more importantly, we make sure that the creators learn with us, or they stop being relevant. This is our very own Or Else.
Because fandom is a culture that comes with a long fucking memory and a lot of friends. SO if you feel like no words will comfort you, take comfort in that knowledge.
