Sherlock: The Empty Hearse (S3E1)

First and foremost, this review will contain major spoilers about how season 2 of BBC's amazing adaptation of Sherlock Holmes ended, so don't read on if you plan on watching it some time (which you definitely should). It would be impossible to talk about the latest episode without spoiling those prior, as the plot heavily revolves around what happened back in 2012. 

Almost two years ago, Sherlock Holmes died. Or so the end of Sherlock led viewers to believe. The internet was rife with rumours and speculation as to how he was still alive, and that is precisely where season 3 picks up. The opening scene re-tells the ending of the previous season, but with an explanation of how it is Sherlock Holmes managed to survive a seemingly fatal fall. It's soon revealed however, that this is just yet another idea of yet another pundit, although things seemed suspicious once Derren Brown appeared out of nowhere. It then cuts to a long-haired man being tortured in a dark basement, who is revealed to be Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) himself, and soon we are taken back to London where Watson (Martin Freeman) is trying to carry on with his life after mourning for his best friend. The first third of the lengthy 90 minute episode revolves around Watson's reluctant attitude towards the return of his seemingly dead friend, and this is filled with the incredibly witty humour Sherlock has become known for. 

Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch)

The programme would be nowhere near as funny or entertaining without the two leading stars Martin Freeman & Benedict Cumberbatch, whom have both become huge celebrities since the previous season with both starring in the very recent The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. They play off of one another perfectly and there were countless scenes within this episode where the superb editing and acting proved just how incredible Sherlock is, and why it was definitely worth the two year wait. Quick, snappy transitions and subtle text return in order to present how Sherlock's mind is working, which make the programme very unique and incredibly enjoyable to watch. 

Due to the movie-like 90 minute runtime, The Empty Hearse is full of twists and turns which only Sherlock could pull off so successfully and not become too convoluted or obnoxious. Frequent references to prior episodes mean that it feels familiar, but new threats and characters distinguish this episode as different from those that came before. Because each season of Sherlock is only three episodes, a lot needs to happen in each so that a story-arc can be told, but thankfully nothing is left out unless it seems like it will be revealed in a future instalment. 

Verdict
The Empty Hearse is an incredible return for the Sherlock series, and one which appeals hugely to fans but is still watch-able for those who have not seen the other episodes. Benedict Cumberbatch still remains the perfect actor to play the leading man himself, and Martin Freeman works perfectly as his apprehensive assistant. The episode flies all over the place, but you never feel like you need to catch up. It ends on a cliffhanger which has me very excited for the next instalment, and one which solidifies why Sherlock is easily the best TV series the BBC has ever offered. 

"I don't care how you faked it. I want to know why."