Sherlock's Victorian-set special is nearly upon us, and with it, some new images of The Abominable Bride herself, along with deer-stalker-wearing Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), the mustachioed John Watson (Martin Freeman), a purple-frocked Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubbs), a posh Mary Morstan (Amanda Abbington), and ... wait. Where's Lestrade (Rupert Graves)? And Molly (Louise Brealey)?

Clearly, there's plenty more to be revealed, but the most interesting shot is of the fabled bride. Those blood-red lips, that angular jaw ... could it be Lara Pulver (a.k.a. Irene Adler?) Probably not, but still ...

Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have confirmed that The Abominable Bride will be a kind of origin story, but also a Gothic horror / ghost tale. I am jolly well excited for all of this.

sherlock-abominable-bride-image-4
Image via PBS

Sherlock has always been a stylish series, but it will be interesting to see how (and if) the series takes things to the next level by becoming a period piece, even if just for this one special. The snowy Victorian setting is certainly atmospheric enough on its own, and though Sherlock has (especially recently) always erred more on the side of a light-hearted tone, it could be intriguing to see how the cast might fit into a darker tale of supernatural possibilities ... especially since Sherlock, of course, would instantly denounce anything supernatural as stuff and nonsense. Immediately.

Check out the character posters below, and the trailer here. Sherlock: The Abominable Bride will run as a 90-minute special on PBS January 1st, and will be in theaters January 5th and 6th.

sherlock-abominable-bride-image-5
Image via PBS

sherlock-abominable-bride-image-9
Image via PBS
sherlock-abominable-bride-image-11
Image via PBS
sherlock-abominable-bride-image-6
Image via PBS

sherlock-abominable-bride-image-7
Image via PBS
sherlock-abominable-bride-martin-freeman-benedict-cumberbatch
Image via PBS
sherlock-abominable-bride-image-10
Image via PBS

sherlock-abominable-bride-image-1
Image via PBS