Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return as modern sleuth Sherlock Holmes and trusty aide and chronicler Dr. John Watson, respectively, in this fourth season of the hit Brit series. Right from the start, it's evident that the show's well-deserved success has gone to the creator's heads, as the opening episode—“The Six Thatchers”—is marred by loads of wink-wink, nod-nod pointless tomfoolery from the principal characters, accompanied by attention-getting over-produced special effects as Holmes and Watson investigate a case involving busts of Margaret Thatcher (and murder) that concludes on a shocking note. “The Lying Detective” pits the daring duo against a rich philanthropist (Toby Jones) who practices serial killing on the side, and “The Final Problem” is a mindbender that features an old adversary, a new relative, and a race against time. Returning regulars include Amanda Abbington as Mary (Watson's wife), Rupert Graves as Detective Inspector Lestrade, Una Stubbs as landlady Mrs. Hudson, and co-creator Mark Gatiss as Sherlock's brother, Mycroft. Although it gets off to an annoying and overblown start, this set eventually settles down and delivers some of the most emotionally satisfying, character-driven storytelling of the series to date. Compiling all three episodes from the 2017 fourth season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, and actor video diaries. Recommended. (R. Pitman)
Sherlock: Series Four
BBC, 2 discs, 270 min., not rated, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $44.99 Volume 32, Issue 2
Sherlock: Series Four
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