Sherlock Holmes and John Watson return to 221B Baker Street tonight! What can you expect to see when the two turn up in 1895?
Exactly 102 weeks ago Moriarty’s face lit up every LCD screen across London. But when Sherlock returns tonight, do not expect to find any monitors, cell phones, or airplanes. In their place we have briar pipes, heavy tweed jackets, and a Mrs. Hudson who may actually be closer to a housekeeper in 1895. What can you expect to see in tonight’s special titled, “The Abominable Bride?” We gathered five things to keep an eye out for as you tune in! So don your best dressing gown, brew some tea, and let down the flaps of your deerstalker. It’s finally time for Sherlock to return.
The wonders of modernity
Phones exist, cabs are available, but Sherlock in 1895 may rely more on a magnifying glass than digital zoom. Though Sherlock is a modern day adaptation, the series has not relied so much on the ease modern technology provides Holmes and Watson. While the Internet and text messages certainly speed up the process, their solutions arise from the combination of his singular mind and John’s companionship.
An insular mystery
Telegrams instead of texts and long cab rides instead of the London tube system means Sherlock and John will be sticking quite close to home for this tale. That is not to say there cannot be time jumps within the 90-minute special, but once the mystery gets rolling, the closer to 221B we stay, the easier it will be to keep the pace.
A reintroduction
New era, new partnership. Holmes and Watson will have yet another first meeting brought about by, yes, you guessed it, Mr. Stamford. Since we are not getting a Dr. Who/Sherlock cross-over episode, which means Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson must meet for the first time in Victorian London. Will he find Sherlock studying the appearance of post-mortem bruises again? We’ll see!
The friendship/partnership that transverses time and medium
Lords disappearing on train cars, planes filled with dead passengers, a case of timed puzzles are all entertaining. But what stands out most from all nine episodes of Sherlock are the moments between Sherlock and John in 221B talking about Sherlock’s odd relationship, forgiveness in armed tube carriages, and when Sherlock takes Irene Adler’s pulse. The characters are what drive the Sherlock narrative, not the cases.
But what a case we shall see!
London fog, ghosts, crypts, and a vengeful bride are all components of tonight’s murder-mystery. Holmes’ quick mind and Watson’s thirst for adventure will aid Thomas Ricoletti, whose wife took her own life and is now haunting him dressed in her wedding gown, looking for revenge. Did she take her life? Was she murdered? How can Lestrade’s incredible sideburns help?
Tune in tonight to find out! If you love tonight’s Sherlock special, you can check it out on the big screen at a local theater on January 5!
Watch the Sherlock special, “The Abominable Bride,” tonight at 9:00 p.m. EST on BBC One and PBS Masterpiece Mystery.