by Annie Zhang, news editor
After almost two years since the faked death of Sherlock, Steven Moffat finally appeases fans with season three of “Sherlock,” BBC’s modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes series. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock) and Martin Freeman (Watson), season three seeks to answer the one question fans have been mulling over for two years: How did Sherlock fake his death?
Sue Vertue, executive producer of “Sherlock,” did not lie when she promised fans that season three was worth waiting for. With its twisting plotline and crazy deductions, “Sherlock” once again wowed loyal and first-time viewers alike. Starting with Anderson’s nonsensical theories as to how Sherlock faked his death, episode one, “The Empty Hearse,” follows Sherlock as he tries to regain Watson’s trust after evading him for two years and reassuming his role as England’s consulting detective. Adding to the excitement is Mary Morstan (Amanda Abbington), Watson’s soon-to-be wife, whose cheery and quiet demeanor makes her a perfect match for Watson.
Cumberbatch and Freeman’s exceptional performance keeps viewers on their toes as they run underneath London to diffuse a bomb–and let’s not forget when Watson beats up Sherlock in three different locations. But aside from their amusing fight, each character’s facial expression is worth noting, because whether it’s just Watson glaring at Sherlock or the sociopathic Sherlock’s confused face when contemplating Mary and Watson’s relationship, it perfectly captures their (and the viewers’) emotions. Though each episode lasts more than an hour, not a single second is wasted, and each detail led the duo another step closer towards the solution.
The episode, a marvelous New Year’s gift from Moffat and Gatiss, leaves viewers’ minds spinning long after the strange duo at 221 Baker St. have solved yet another mystery. And if there were a downfall, it would be the failed deductions later conducted on your own (in a British accent, of course).
Season three of Sherlock, broadcasted by PBS, premiered in the U.S. on Jan. 19.“The Sign of Three” aired on Jan. 26, and “The Last Vow” will be aired on Feb. 2. That is, if you haven’t already binge-watched them elsewhere.
