Written by Stephanie Bell

The series two premiere episode is a favourite of Sherlock fans. It contains plenty of intrigue and lots of intellectual sparring between the consulting detective and “The Woman,” Irene Adler. She is a dominatrix and likes to “misbehave” by gathering incriminating photos and information about people that she uses as insurance. Miss Adler proves herself to be a worthy adversary for Sherlock, and her character is one that many fans would like to see return to the show. Here are our top five quotes from A Scandal in Belgravia.

5. “I always hear “punch me in the face” when you’re speaking, but it’s usually subtext.” – John Watson

John and Sherlock construct a ruse to get into Irene’s house, pretending to be a vicar who just got mugged, and a Good Samaritan. Sherlock asks John to punch him in the face to make the ruse believable, and John is only too happy to oblige…

4. “This is how I want you to remember me: the woman who beat you.” – Irene Adler

Sherlock gets possession of Irene’s camera phone, which contains her “insurance policy”—compromising photos of a member of the royal family and information about a terrorist plot. To get her phone back, Irene resorts to extreme measures, including drugging Sherlock and whipping him with a riding crop!

3. “I’m not dead; let’s have dinner.” – Irene Adler

This is one of many unsuccessful attempts by Irene to flirt “at” Sherlock. After she reveals to John that she is still alive, he asks Irene to let Sherlock in on the secret. She sends this text message to Sherlock, but as it turns out, Sherlock has followed John to his meeting with Irene. Sherlock receives the text and we hear the customized alert tone, revealing his presence.

2. “And this is just losing…” – Sherlock Holmes

As Mycroft agrees to Irene’s demands in exchange for the information on her phone, Sherlock deduces the phone’s unlock code, eliminating Irene’s leverage. She is Sher-locked out of receiving a ransom that would “blow a hole in the wealth of a nation,” and her safety is put at risk. Plus, Sherlock fans everywhere get a new catchphrase…

1. “Brainy is the new sexy.” – Irene Adler

In an episode full of one-liners and witty repartee, this quote sums it up. As Irene cleverly deduces how the hiker died, we see that Sherlock has met his intellectual match. Despite this, Irene is yet to reappear on the show, excepting her brief cameo in The Sign of Three. We’ll have to tune into series four to see if she returns – no doubt with a new barrel-full of great quotes in tow.

(You can also read about the best quotes from A Study in Pink, The Blind Banker and The Great Game)

What are your favourite quotes from A Scandal in Belgravia? Let us know in the comments!