REVIEW: ‘Moriarty the Patriot,’ Episode 14 – “A Scandal in the British Empire Act 3”

Moriarty the Patriot Episode 14 is full of power plays from the characters, and they pay off in an exciting way by the end of the episode. The anime from Production I.G. adapts the manga series of the same name created by Ryosuke Takeuchi and Hikaru Miyoshi. The manga is available in English from VIZ Media. The series puts a twist on Conan Doyle’s famous characters and reimagines crime lord James Moriarty as a trio of brothers out to upend Britain’s corrupt elite.

Irene Adler has decided to join the Moriarty brothers in their fight against the social caste system of Great Britain. While she knows the Lord of Crime’s identity, Sherlock doesn’t. He is convinced that Adler is walking to her death, and is shaken. The scenes between Irene and Sherlock earlier in the anime were brief, but they were effective. It isn’t necessarily a romantic attachment, but he clearly cares for her on the level he cares for Miss Hudson and John Watson. Additionally, she is someone who he acknowledges and respects due to her intellect and character. Sherlock’s high emotions are believable, and a great moment for his character.

Without spoiling, Moriarty the Patriot Episode 14 contains major moves from all sides. Where the show succeeds is that it turns the tables just slightly on the viewers. Everyone is likely expecting a three-way stand-off between Sherlock, Moriarty, and Mycroft, and they are given that but in a different way. All three sides take gambles, and they pay off. Instead of these major moments feeling extreme to the point of absurdity, it works because all three sides have a mutual understanding and respect for each other. That isn’t to say they endorse or agree with the other party’s methods, but all three sides acknowledge a fairly equal level of footing (with a few exceptions). It is a bizarre trust that works so well and adds so many layers to the character’s relationships.

Additionally, every character has something to lose, and it lies in another character’s hands. All of these revelations in Moriarty the Patriot Episode 14 set up what is looking to be a really exciting second cour for the anime. Additionally, the show’s characterization of Mycroft in both the premiere and here are very interesting. Mycroft has more depth than just being a stickler for the law. It is going to allow the show to do more, which is huge. The easy route is to make Mycroft the “antagonist” via unquestioning loyalty to the queen, which would distance him from Sherlock and William’s characters. Instead, he has personal skin in the game, adding yet another fascinating character to the large cast. The fact that the anime has managed this many characters so far without feeling overly bloated is a strength.

Moriarty the Patriot Episode 14 is packed with tense moments between the entire cast. The anime balances all parties involved well, and instead of taking the most predictable route, it instead just slightly swerves to add more layers to each other the characters, and their relationships. The ending reveal is so exciting and will hopefully have many viewers cheering (or screaming). It is going to be a fun season if the anime keeps this up.

Moriarty the Patriot is streaming now on Funimation.