That Benedict Cumberbatch is a machine of a man. Mere days after wrapping Marvel’s Doctor Strange, the actor is now back on the Sherlock set as filming on the long-awaited fourth season of the immensely popular series has begun. Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman reunited last year to shoot the one-off Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, but now the team has gathered back in full force to begin production on three all-new episodes, with Rachel Talalay (Doctor Who, The Flash) helming the first installment.
In a statement, Sherlock co-showrunner Steven Moffat teased the story of Sherlock Season 4, hinting that this could be the beginning of the end for the series:
“Sherlock series four — here we go again! Whatever else we do, wherever we all go, all roads lead back to Baker Street, and it always feels like coming home. Ghosts of the past are rising in the lives of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and terror and tragedy are looming. This is the story we've been telling from the beginning and it’s about to reach its climax.”
What’s that about a climax? Moffat appears to be insinuating that the show’s fourth season could be its most eventful yet, as “climax” not only suggest big happenings, but also a signpost that we’re near the end of our story.
Speaking of which, Masterpiece also unveiled a synopsis for the new season, which will add a new member to the ensemble:
“Season 4 begins with the mercurial Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), back once more on British soil as Doctor Watson (Martin Freeman) and his wife Mary (Amanda Abbington) prepare for their biggest challenge yet: becoming parents.”
An airdate for the new season has yet to be announced, but if it follows the pattern of previous seasons, it’ll likely premiere in the U.K. this fall/winter, followed by a January debut in the U.S. Regardless, it’s great to know we’ve got 240+ minutes of new Sherlock on the horizon.
