#Review sherlock the empty hearse full#

And Moffat and Gatiss are smart enough to know it. Screw how Sherlock faked his death the important thing is how his friends react. But it’s mostly because after six chapters, Sherlock’s ensemble are so well established that we actually care about them.

#Review sherlock the empty hearse full#

That’s partly because the opener is packed full of genuine laughs, from the self-aware to the slapstick – one scene where Sherlock displays his art of disguise as a French waiter, perhaps the first time the BBC series has tried for out-and-out comedy, is guffaw-inducingly good.

But while some might be put off by the show’s proud vibe (even Benedict Cumberbatch’s parents have a cameo), the truth is that it’s too entertaining not to enjoy it. The actual plot – an easily-solved mystery involving an underground terrorist network – doesn’t even begin until 45 minutes into the 90-minute episode. There’s always been a sense of satisfaction surrounding the know-it-all sleuth’s adventures, but it hits a peak as Benedict Cumberbatch’s resurrected detective waltzes back into John Watson’s (Martin Freeman) life, while the show’s signature hyperactive editing produces false start after false start to show how funny and clever everything is. It’s all affectionate and good-natured, but there’s no hiding it: Sherlock has officially reached the smug stage. Yes, that’s the point Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss’ reboot of Sherlock is at: the point at which it starts to send up its own fan base. And, along the way, throws in an appearance by Derren Brown and a handful of saucy snogs – then watches as a devoted fan group (led by guilt-ridden cop Anderson from Seasons One and Two) reacts to the theories. How did Sherlock fake his death? The Empty Hearse, the first episode of Season Three, finally gives us some answers. Warning: This review contains mild spoilers.