This article contains spoilers for Enola Holmes 2.Enola Holmes film was an unexpected success. It received rave reviews from critics, and proved a hit with viewers; according to Netflix, it received a staggering 76 million views in its first four weeks on the streaming service. The show's popularity was in large part the result of inspired casting choices, with Brown and Cavill proving to be a formidable team. Naturally, Netflix wasted no time bringing the team back together for a sequel.
Attentive viewers will note one key member of the cast is missing from Enola Holmes 2, however. The sequel focuses on the dynamic between Enola and Sherlock, but their older Mycroft is surprisingly absent. Played by Sam Claflin, Mycroft was an antagonistic figure in the first Enola Holmes movie, determined to find a way to turn Enola into a proper Victorian lady. Claflin was unavailable to play Mycroft in Enola Holmes 2, however. "We were very sorry that Sam couldn't be in this one," director Harry Bradbeer observed. "If there was a future one we would love to have him back. But that was just the practicalities of life."
Mycroft's Absence Makes Enola Holmes 2 A Tighter Film
It's a shame Claflin couldn't be available for Enola Holmes 2, but in truth the sequel turns this to its advantage. Enola Holmes 2 has a much tighter focus than the original, in that it really centers itself upon two of Enola's relationships; her quasi-rivalry with her older brother Sherlock, and her stumbling romance with Louis Partridge's Lord Tewkesbury. This gives Enola a much clearer character arc, as she ultimately comes to realize she does not need to be alone. It's a lesson she becomes determined to teach Henry Cavill's Sherlock Holmes as well, leading to a delightful mid-credits scene that introduces a new version of Doctor Watson.
How Mycroft Could Fit Into Enola Holmes 3
Enola has built a much stronger relationship with Sherlock by the end of Enola Holmes 2, but that doesn't mean all is well in her family. There's a sense in which she is still estranged from Mycroft, who is sure to still resent the fact she hasn't started moving in society. It's interesting to note that Enola is no longer keeping her presence in London a secret; she even has her own name displayed on the window of the premises she rents for her detective agency. She's clearly no longer hiding, and Mycroft will surely know where she is - and be looking on disapprovingly.
This could easily set up a major plot for Enola Holmes 3, as Enola wrestles with other historical British events such as the Great Reform Bill or the Matchgirls' Strike - events that would draw Mycroft's attention, as a key figure in the British government. Enola Holmes 2 ends with its titular detective deciding to commit to working in the social circles neither Sherlock nor Mycroft frequent, so she could become a useful resource for her oldest brother if he finds himself dealing with issues affecting the lower classes. This could potentially lead to a reconciliation, as Enola forces her brother to confront his prejudices at last.
Enola Holmes 2 is streaming now on Netflix.
