| “ | Sholto – he’s the killer, not me. I should have killed him quicker. I shouldn’t have tried to be clever. | „ |
| ~ Jonathan to Sherlock after he gets arrested. |
Jonathan Small is the main antagonist of the Sherlock Series 3 episode "The Sign of Three".
He is a photographer who infiltrates the wedding of John Watson and Mary Morstan, intending to kill Major James Sholto who he blames for the death of his brother.
He was portrayed by Jalaal Hartley.
Biography[]
Small's brother was part of a unit of new soldiers led by Major James Sholto. All of them were killed, except for Sholto was left scarred and went into seclusion due to public backlash. Blaming Sholto for his brother's death, Small decided to seek revenge.
He seduces various woman who worked for Sholto, becoming known as the Mayfly Man, seeking a time when he can strike. Discovering that Sholto plans to attend the wedding of John Watson, Small gets a job as the photographer and plans to stab Sholto with a stiletto-type blade through his belt, which being worn tightly around the waist, will prevent him from feeling his injury and also hold the flesh together, so damage will not take effect until he removes it.
To test his theory, Small stabs guardsman Stephen Bainbridge, who nearly dies until he is saved by John.
At the wedding, Small manages to stab Sholto while taking the group photos. Later during the reception, Sherlock, while giving his best man's speech, deduces that someone is about to be murdered. He eventually works out that Sholto is the target and slips him a note. Sholto retreats to his room and arms himself with a gun. After Sherlock deduces that Sholto has been stabbed, Sholto considers removing his belt and killing himself, but Sherlock convinces him not to for John's sake. Sholto then allows John to treat him.
Later, Sherlock deduces that Small is the culprit. He has Lestrade pick Small up, and Sherlock handcuffs. Small shows no remorse for his actions and claims that Sholto is the real killer.
Small is presumably arrested by Lestrade and sent to prison for his numerous crimes.
Episode appearances[]
Series Three[]
- "The Sign of Three"
