Season 3 is on and I’ve been Sherlocked!

*may contain Sherlock spoilers!*

I had scheduled an Arty Farty for today but seeing that BBC’s Sherlock is back I felt the occasion needed a bit of celebration.

And I’m not the only one, judging by KathrineD’s reflections about the BBC.

How was I supposed to not get excited after such a long wait, a cliff-hanger to rule them all and a teaser that makes you salivate like a rabid dog whets your appetite.

I knew I’d have to go into Tumblr/Twitter/Blog blackout until I watched the first episode of season 3- The Empty Hearse as the internet is crawling with spoilers.

I tried streaming it live as it aired on January 1st at 9pm but the traffic was so intense that all feeds were interrupted.

I then decided to scout the internet for fresh uploads and did that till I finally gave in after 2 am (I still got up absolutely knackered after dreaming I was obsessively trying to watch Sherlock…).

I finally got my hands on the episode on the following day (how? a magician never reveals her/his naughty tricks), but I knew that I needed to find a better solution to watch the next episode which airs January 5th.

After scouting the internet I came across ways of accessing BBC iPlayer.

You need to open it through Firefox and download an app which hides your proxy.

It may be shady but it works (I’ll link to the advice page when I find it again…).

So I’m all set for Sunday and I’m bursting with excitement.

I won’t be writing about the plot as I’m only too aware that many folks are waiting for the episode to air on TV in their respective countries, I will only say that I had shivers running down my spine during the first half.

I’ve expressed before how much I enjoy emotionally charged scenes, ones that show the characters unraveling and there plenty of Sherlock/Watson goodies here, including the process of mourning the loss of a friend, the fight to build a new life and dealing with betrayal.

The second half wasn’t really my cup of tea- give me a juicy murder mystery over a V for Vendetta knock-off.

Anyway, there are some delicious nods to the Sherlock fandom, a clear indication that the creators know very well about ships and tease us with them.

I also grinned when Ben’s parents popped up, then realised it’s creepy that I knew straight away who those people were…

Anyway, one may say the game is on, but the Sherlock fandom has a few cards up their sleeves too, if the tumblr Sherlock tag is any indication.

To celebrate the start of season 3 you can check out this pretty amazing list of the most delicious Sherlock fanfiction, although be warned, some contain Johnlock/slash.

Belstaff coats at the ready, it’s going to be a Sherlock winter 🙂

BBC’s Sherlock Fanfiction Recs

As I slave away at my thesis, here are some more reading recommendations.

I’ve mentioned my ever growing love for fanfiction on a number of occasions, and I have also recommended some to date, but here’s another batch.

I’m not sure why, but I tend to read ones that are connected to BBC’s Sherlock.

There’s just something about the relationship between the characters that lends itself so well to fanfiction, but please be warned, all of these have mature content.

Like many readers out there, I’m terribly greedy about the amount of words the fic has and, no surprises, I like a multi-chapter one that has a rich story.

Luckily many authors tend to spoil us readers, so here’s a bunch of my favorites.

I’ve already mentioned the first Shelock fic titled A Cure for Boredom by emmagrant01.

It’s Johnlock, meaning it follows the evolution of the relationship between Sherlock and John Watson, and the rating on this is explicit.

This fanfic is a wonderful example of fandom collaboration, as you are linked to art pertaining to the story.

Just when you thought you’d hit naughty fanfic jackpot, the author adds Alternate and Missing Scenes from “A Cure for Boredom”.

I guarantee you’ll never look at cinnamon the same way again.

Sticking to the Johnlock theme, I’d also recommend Performance in a Leading Role by Mad_Lori.

This is a AU story and the answer to what you would get if both Sherlock and John were movie actors starring in a film together.

It’s quite touching and worth a look.

If Johnlock isn’t your cup of tea, then maybe the next fics are more to your liking.

This Sherlolly (Sherlock and Molly) series titled Sustain was written by maybe_amanda, and is one of my favorites.

It comes in 4 parts:

Sustained (or Concerto for the Famished in D Minor)

Sustain II – Refrain

Sustain III: Obbligato

Sustain: Coda, Variation One

If you’ve never imagined Sherlock as a fool in love and a family man, maybe_amanda will make you eat your words.

I’ve left this story for last because it’s a bit of a heartbreaker.

Alone on the Water by Mad_Lori is possibly the best known Sherlock fic around.

I’m not saying anything more about this one, apart from the fact that it is touching, beautiful and very sad.

After reading it I suggest you check out this fanvid (ya know, just cos you won’t be sobbing enough…)

These are just the fics I find myself going back to (more times than I care to mention…).

There are also tumblr pages such as Highly Functioning Fangirls  or SherlockXJohnRecs who specialize in fanfic recs.

If there are any more you’d like to add, pop them in comments 😉

The (Almost) Perfect Storm of Fangirling

I had another post planned for today, but I couldn’t let this fangirling chance pass me by!

Every so often the stars align and one lucky spot on Earth accumulates (almost) all that is beautiful and just in the world!

This came in the form of the NZ premier of The World’s End.

I’ve already been excited about this science fiction comedy starring Martin Freeman and Simon Pegg.

The film follows a group of friends reattempting an epic pub crawl during an alien invasion, and what’s not to love about that.

Little did I know that the premier of the move in New Zealand (a shocker right there!) would bring out almost all the yumminess a fangirl could ever wish for.

Don’t believe me?

Here we go:

Firstly, looking ever so dapper in a suit is the lovely Richard Armitage, bushy beard and all!

Maybe a post one day regarding Richard Armitage and creative uses for that tie?

Suggestions and pervy ideas appreciated 😉

Next up someone who also even in the film, but apparently caused havoc on the carpet.

Here’s Benedict Cumberbatch sporting his Sherlock do:

The ridiculously funny Simon Pegg:

Apparently yesterday was Martin Freeman’s last day shooting The Hobbit and he was unable to attend due to prior commitments, which is a bit of a disappointment.

I also haven’t unearthed any news on whether Aidan Turner attended the event.

Anyway, the thing that never fails to amaze with British actors that six degrees of separation seem to be suspended where they are concerned.

It’s more like 2 degrees at best 😉

By the way, Peter Jackson posted a pic of Sherlock Benedict and Watson Martin reuniting on the set of The Hobbit.

As sad as I am that this  journey is over, these two need to pack up and get back to Blighty to finish up series 3 of Sherlock.

Anyway, after such a display of hotness and awesomeness I think we all need a stiff drink!

Here’s the trailer for The World’s End.

When’s it gonna RAin Richard ?

Richard, I’m a bit worried and here’s why:

Am I the only one who’s thinking why the heck there aren’t other projects lined up for Richard or at least rumoured.

I understand that The Hobbit is a huge commitment and has taken up a good portion of RA’s time, but shouldn’t things already be in the works?

Should Richard be striking the Orcist while it’s hot?

Since I’ve been away I’ve found myself lurking and making my way through other fandoms and, wouldn’t you know it, the BBC Sherlock one, and Benedict Cumberbatch seemed to have stuck like fangirling glue.

Seba asked me if I had become a Cumberbitch.

I’m already a bitch so adding the Cumber hardly seemed like a stretch 😉

And no, I’m not abandoning my first crush as Richard as he and I have the perfect relationship- I admire him so wholeheartidly and he doesn’t know I exist.

I see these new crushes as adding a fresh tasty dish to my already superb ogling and squeezing buffet 😉

I’m still loyal to the RArmy, so please don’t worry, I haven’t deflected!

The thing about being a fan of Cumberbatch is that there news every week.

I mean every freaking time I go on Tumblr there’s something new.

I swear his fans are the most spoilt lucky admirers known to man (or woman).

2013 will be raining Cumberbatch, so best get your fangirling willies on!

Don’t believe me?

Have a look at Benedict’s future projects:

The thing that confuses me is why Richard’s IMDB page listing future projects is so much smaller than Benedict’s.

I mean freaking Black Sky? Really? Apart from The Hobbit franchise that’s something to set my heart aflutter?

Don’t get me wrong, I may end up eating my words regarding this twister movie, when it’s finally released that is…

I know Benedict is the IT boy right now and Sherlock has skyrocketed his career.

It’s also true that some of the roles listed are supporting ones, but still.

Richard has the looks, he has the talent, the experience and thanks to The Hobbit he’s not just another British actor.

Richard is no chopped liver, or any other offal for that matter..

So what the fudge Richard?

Either you’re holding out on us or producers don’t know a good thing when it comes stormy towards them on thick muscular thighs!

Happy Sherlock Day! Now give me some smutty M/M fanfics to make it all better…

The post title refers to it being 02/21/13 (as written in the US) today, meaning 221 13 (B) meaning the house number of Sherlock’s residence on Baker St.

Most people don’t know that I’m actually quite a potty mouth in RL, but I don’t really feel like going back and deleting.

Not today anyway…

It never ceases to amaze me, at the same time freaking me the fuck out, how life, and the way you look at it, can change in a matter of minutes.

Things are definitely pants right now and I’m still figuring out how to cope with certain situations.

I know some of my fellow RA blogger find comfort in writing posts, either as a way of escaping RL crap, or as a means of actually understanding the whirlwind events in life.

I’m not sure I’m able to do that (or maybe not just right now…), not because I don’t believe that I would find comfort in my online friends or doubt the sincerity of their words and wishes.

It’s just that I have a very hands-on approach to any crises situation, not allowing myself a moment of weakness.

OK, I did totally lose my shit when I called my BFF to tell him what was going on, probably freaking him out as I doubt he’d ever witnessed me crying during our 12+ year friendship…

When you insist on being strong for everyone else, there comes a moment when you have to react, and passivity is my way out.

Tumblr is perfect for that, impersonal, somewhat smutty, not too challenging.

Escapism at it’s best.

It’s not so much the need to run away, at least for some time, but what I find most soothing, that has raised my internal eyebrows (whatever the fuck internal eyebrows are…).

You’d think I would retreat to RA, his characters, The Hobbit, Aidan Turner, or something down those lines.

I really can’t explain my sudden interest BBC’s Sherlock.

I think it was spurred on by a Hobbit/Sherlock crossover fanfic I had encountered, but not bothered to read.

I’d seen the series a while ago and absolutely adored the modern take on my beloved Doyle stories, not to mention how lovable I found Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock and Martin Freeman’s Watson.

It’s not the series itself, however, that seems to capture my interest.

I’m so much more interested in Johnlock (a combination of John and Sherlock).

Now, I blame Durincest and Bagginshield for my sudden interest in: fanfiction in general,  M/M character pairing specifically, usually of explicit nature, but I’ll go for some angst every so often.

Damn you: Peter Jackson, Hot Dwarf Armitage and Hot Dwarf nephews, and especially talented smutty fanfic authors who know no boundaries!

What can I say?

There’s nothing like a character played by Martin Freeman finding himself utterly wrecked by another male character to brighten up an altogether grim day.

For the record, as much as I like Freeman as an actor with his wicked sense of humour, and he’s appeared in some of my favorite TV series (UK The Office) or films (The Hobbit), I’ve never really found him attractive as a man.

So how does he end up popping up in my favorite fanfics, usually in some compromising position (and I AM smiling and smirking as I type this…)?

Anyway, the first Johnlock fanfic I’d read, and one that I’m afraid has ultimately spoilt me for all others,  is A Cure For Boredom written by emmagrant01.

Just so we’re clear, this is definitely explicit and covers a range of topics of a sexual nature that some may find disturbing, but I found wonderfully distracting.

Just when the author deserved an online hug from me for perfectly capturing the characters of Sherlock and John while still managing to place them in the smuttiest (and sluttiest) of circumstances, it turned out she’d also written Alternate and Missing Scenes from “A Cure for Boredom”.

These extra chapters are mostly written from Sherlock’s perspective and it was just what I needed to find today.

Oh, it was like finding a banknote stuffed in the pocket of an old jacket when you thought you were skint.

My delightfully weird escape, which I can’t explain, even if I tried.

BTW, the way I’m feeling now, I’d sacrifice Martin flying all the way to New Zealand to continue filming The Hobbit just to have him stay in London to film season 3 of Sherlock and provide a new fix.

That should tell you something about where I’m at at the moment.

I’d still love for Richard Armitage to make an appearance in the BBC series though, so maybe I’m not a hopeless cause…