It's probably an unpopular opinion but BBC's "A Scandal in Belgravia" is far better episode than this for several reason. To begin with, Hunnicutt's Irene Adler is very simple. She does not outsmart Sherlock in any way, she marely escapes because for some ridiculous reason, Sherlock decides to retrieve the picture a whole day later rather right away. This, on its own does not make any sense. By all account, Adler was supposed to be a great adversary for Sherlock. After he manages to learn where the picture is kept, he does not act swiftly, but gives Adler time to act because she would definitely have realized that Sherlock tricked her.
Further, nothing in Hunnicutt's performance makes her "The Woman"--a character who is smart, manipulative, dangerous. I know the episode faithfully follows the source material but even that I always found to be the weakest of Doyle's writings. It never made sense why Adler "threatened" the king to use the photograph if she was marrying a man she loved.
The BBC's version of The Woman is more interesting, and definitely more dangerous and a better adversary to Sherlock. The story is far more well-developed and logical as well.
Further, nothing in Hunnicutt's performance makes her "The Woman"--a character who is smart, manipulative, dangerous. I know the episode faithfully follows the source material but even that I always found to be the weakest of Doyle's writings. It never made sense why Adler "threatened" the king to use the photograph if she was marrying a man she loved.
The BBC's version of The Woman is more interesting, and definitely more dangerous and a better adversary to Sherlock. The story is far more well-developed and logical as well.