Comic-Con 2015: Sherlock Victorian Special – First Footage and New Details
By Barry Rice
With all of the focus today on the Doctor Who Comic-Con panel and the release of the epic new Series 9 trailer, it’s easy to forget there was also a panel for Steven Moffat’s other hit show — Sherlock.
Moffat was on-stage at the panel, along with executive producer Sue Vertue and co-star Rupert Graves. Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were not present, but Cumberbatch (and series co-creator Mark Gatiss) did have an amusing cameo in a video message from Moriarty actor Andrew Scott:
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Moffat admitted that writing on Sherlock Series 4 had not yet begun, but he and Gatiss had plotted out the story arcs and the twists that will “suckerpunch you into emotional devastation.”
Instead, the focus was on Sherlock‘s upcoming one-off special, which ditches the series’ contemporary London setting for the traditional Victorian environment of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original novels. Think Basil Rathbone, tweed hats, tobacco pipes, and epic facial hair. Seriously, check out that beast taking residence on Martin Freeman’s upper lip. It’s magnificent!
Moffat said we should expect much the same from the special, despite the change in setting:
"“It’s a variant of the show that’s more in keeping with the original. It’s the same sense of humor. It’s Sherlock as you know it, but in the ‘correct’ era.”"
Finally, fans were treated to the first-ever footage from the upcoming special, with Sherlock and Watson arriving home at a snowy 221 Baker Street, with a greeting from landlord Mrs. Hudson:
It looks hilarious, truth be told. It may be strange to think that seeing Sherlock Holmes in his traditional surroundings and trappings would be amusing, but in this context it definitely is.
Earlier today at the Doctor Who panel, Twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi was asked what would happen if the Doctor were to meet Sherlock. Capaldi answered by demonstrating the differences between the two:
"“The Doctor has compassion for everyone; Sherlock has compassion for no one.”"
True enough.
Related: Comic-Con 2015: Doctor Who/Sherlock Crossover May Be Closer to Reality
No air date has been set for the Sherlock special, but Moffat says it will be screened in select movie theaters as well as on television (much like Doctor Who‘s 2013 anniversary special, ‘The Day of the Doctor’).
What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman taking on the Victorian era? Sound off in the comments below!
Next: Comic-Con 2015: Doctor Who Panel Recap - Premiere Date, Trailer, and More!