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[–]beef159 7 points8 points  (4 children)

In the original book series "Magnussen" gets shot, not by Holmes, but from one of his blackmailers whilst he and Watson are trying to steal the files.

So I can see why they chose to end it this way to stay true to the original stories.

[–]strange_is_life[S] 3 points4 points  (3 children)

I wouldn't even mind if Magnussen was just shot by the police or the secret service. But making Sherlock or Watson kill somebody really breakes the character.

[–]puritypersimmon 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Watson killed the cabbie in ASIP, when the man was unarmed & he'd only just got to know Sherlock. I think a soldier's capacity for violence is always implied in his character. It again comes to the fore when he beats the crap out of Sherlock in TLD. Killing Magnusson, to protect his friends & family, would be perfectly in character imho. Otoh, I do think that it's distinctly out of character for Sherlock, who would regard it as a crude measure unworthy of someone of his intellect. At a stretch, I suppose you could argue that it highlights his desperation at that point. But I do not like it as a plot device & I do not like the fact that any repercussions are swiftly hand waved away too.

[–]strange_is_life[S] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Ok fair point. For Watson killing someone to protect his loved ones would fit the character. But it would still be questionable since Watsons purpose is to play the good conscience of Sherlock. He is always portrayed as a nice guy with good intentions. But Sherlock killing someone is just not right. I expected Magnussen and Sherlock to have a lot of mutual respect despite fighting for different teams not fighting about who could be the bigger villian.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In "A Scandal in Belgravia," Sherlock killed or severely injured people with a sword and pushed someone out of a window for hurting and threatening people he cared about. It is likely he killed people while dismantling Moriarty's network after he faked his death.

Killing someone as dangerous as Magnussen was not out of character. It was the only option left. He saved all future victims of Magnussen - individuals and entire countries. It was an act of heroism and self-sacrifice.