REVIEW: ‘Sherlock’ 3.1 “The Empty Hearse”

Supposedly there was some sort of sports team games Sunday evening, but the real action was on your local public broadcasting station. That’s right, Cumberbitches, “Sherlock” is back!

SHERLOCK Live-action drama created by Steven Moffat; rated TV-14; airs Sunday nights on PBS as part of “Masterpiece – Mystery”; 86 minutes. Episode 3.1: “The Empty Hearse” (original airdate, Jan. 19, 2014). Directed by Jeremy Lovering, written by Mark Gatiss (9 out of 10)

Previously on Sherlock: Sherlock Holmes, world’s greatest detective, and his companion Dr. John Watson, have solved numerous crimes, many of which were orchestrated by Holmes’ greatest rival, James Moriarty. In the Season 2 finale, Moriarty orchestrated a trap by which Sherlock must kill himself by throwing himself off a building or have everyone he cares about be killed. The world believes Sherlock is dead. . .

Sherlock's grave

In this episode:  (Minor spoilers ahead, all of which take place in the first ten minutes of the program) Our episode begins with a breakdown of exactly how Sherlock could’ve survived his fall, playing up on some of Cumberbatch’s status as an unlikely sex symbol. Sherlock is back, it’s fun, and that’s all we care about.

Meanwhile, somewhere in an Eastern European prison, an unkempt and unshaven man is shackled, beaten, and interrogated. The man leading the interrogation orders him freed, and it’s revealed to be Mycroft Holmes rescuing his brother Sherlock from more torture. A terrorist attack is being planned on London. And the game is afoot.

It’s revealed that two years have passed, and John Watson has moved on. He has a mustache and a girlfriend, soon to be a fiancé.  Sherlock interrupts a romantic dinner between the two using a hilarious disguise, and John reacts as anyone would.

Sherlock with a 'stache

We learn more about the plot against London and it may have something to do with the British holiday of Guy Fawkes Day.

Other things to look forward to in this episode:
This episode reminded me a bit of the film “Clue” where we get three versions of what might have happened to Sherlock, and we’re still left wondering if we know the whole truth.
Sherlock and John solving a series of rapid-fire cases.
A chase through London on motorbike.
Heaps and heaps of the wit and fun we expect from “Sherlock.”

And.  . .the emergence of a new criminal mastermind?

And next week we get a very Watson wedding, it seems?

Rating and final review: 9 out of 10

This was the most fun Sherlock has been in a while, especially after the shock of the series 2 finale. It was also really suspenseful and beautiful. The relationship between Sherlock and Watson is really great; the relationship between John and Mary is even better. Martin Freeman really shows off his acting chops. Cumberbatch shows his chops as well.

Can’t wait for next week!