Sherlock: The Abominable Bride

Fans of the BBC's popular Sherlock series were given a between-seasons treat with this entertaining 2016one-off episode that is not set in contemporary London but rather the Victorian era (specifically 1895)—thanks to a bit of scriptwriting legerdemain. The game is afoot when Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch)—wearing a deerstalker cap!—and his trusty chronicler and right-hand man Dr. Watson (Martin Freeman) find themselves investigating a curious case in which a woman publicly commits suicide and then shoots her husband. Obviously, something is not forensically cricket here. Arthur Conan Doyle's famed sleuthing pair embark on a quest that will feature numerous classic Holmes references, ranging from five orange pips to a seven percent solution. Also on hand are series regulars Rupert Graves, Una Stubbs, Louise Brealey, and Amanda Abbington, as well as series co-writer Mark Gatiss (who also plays Sherlock's brother Mycroft) and Andrew Scott as the nefarious Moriarty (with yet another take on the Reichenbach fall). Extras include a a “making-of” featurette, behind-the-scenes segments, an interview with writers Steven Moffat and Gatiss, and a “Sherlockology” Q&A with cast and crew members. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)