We may not be getting a new instalment of Sherlock until Christmas 2015, but that doesn’t stop us writing our wish list.
> Here’s everything we know about the Christmas special so far.
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There are several things we’re hoping to see in the special episode. Please, Santa!
A baby
Pregnant since ‘The Sign of Three’, if Mary hasn’t already given birth by the time the show returns, then surely the baby must be due for Christmas. What better time for a nativity than the Nativity?
The special should see us welcoming baby Shirley Hamish Watson (we made that up). The new arrival will surely add a whole new level of risk to the life of our high-collared hero. Whatever happens, it won’t be plain sailing for Watson Jr – and Sherlock babysitting might just break Tumblr!
Moriarty
We are even more excited to see the return of the wonderful Andrew Scott as our favourite gloating uber-villain. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that the last time we saw him he was really rather dead. Or is he?
Truth be told, we don’t know how this one will play out, but Conan canon allows for second Moriarty. Yes, there are two, Professor M and Colonel James. Could it be that we have been dealing with Moriarty-lite all this time? Will Moffis gender-bend the character? Should we take a second look at Janine?
For those interested in plumbing the depths of this evil genius, Anthony Horowitz has written a new book, Moriarty, out now.
Irene Adler
On one hand we’ve seen just about as much of Miss Adler as the BBC guidelines allow, but on the other hand she’s an enormous question mark.
More Adler please, and perhaps a glimpse of a backstory?
Sherrinford Holmes
Last season we were teased with the existence of a third Holmes brother. Will we ever see him or is he simply fore-shadowing the missing Moriarty? We will definitely be clue-ing for looks in the special.
Sherrinford Holmes was Conan Doyle’s original name for the Sherlock character. Those wanting to see some of the original manuscripts might want to head to the new Sherlock exhibition at the Museum of London, running until April 2015.
Whose goose is cooked?
Someone will die – it’s Sherlock after all – but we are thinking more about ‘The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle’.
Speculation is rife that this jewel heist romp will form the basis for the Christmas special. We think it’s possible, but given the Moffis tradition of playing fast and loose with cannon, whatever we get will be an homage and not an adaptation.
But there still might be a goose.
There’s something about Mary
Much as we don’t really want this to come up at Christmas, fans of the books will be well aware that Mary’s days are numbered. Is it possible that Mary’s past returns to haunt her, in spite of Sherlock’s best efforts?
A master of disguise
Benedict Cumberbatch has complained that growing his hair for the part of Sherlock makes him look like a girl, but in the books Sherlock’s ability to disguise himself as just about anyone, including little old ladies with umbrellas, is an integral part of his character. Is it time for Sherlock to undergo an undercover makeover?
At the very least, if you can’t put Sherlock in a festive jumper in a Christmas special, when can you do it?
> Order the new Sherlock Season 3 Special Edition box set on Amazon.
What do you want to see in the Christmas special? Let us know below…