There's nothing funny about the future that awaits the much loved Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his faithful friend Doctor John Watson (Martin Freeman) in the fervently awaited series 4 of "Sherlock." At least that's what the brief teaser that came out recently seemed to convey. The mirthless picture painted by the scene of the great detective and his self-effacing partner seated in the living room of their apartment with water coming up all around them---so far reaching ankle-level---appeared to be some portent of darker things to come.
Fans and followers of "Sherlock" may have been feeling antsy after three years of waiting (not counting 2016's New Year special) for their dose of thrill and adventure. But in less than a month, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will return with what is reported to be the show's foulest villain ever.
Previous antagonists on the show may appear tame compared to this new enemy that England's foremost detective will face in the newest run, "Sherlock" season 4. Series creator Steven Moffat said of actor Toby Jones' character, Culverton Smith, "He's completely different. It's a completely different character. He's the darkest villain we've had ... This guy is the purest evil. Sherlock is actually appalled by him. He's the most evil villain we've had. I don't think that when you see it, you will disagree. He's horrific."
A while back, the character, Jones' Smith, was revealed to be the villain in the mystery written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Adventure of the Dying Detective." This newest, baddest of all Sherlock's and Watson's adversaries was described by Moffat as charming but terrifying. He seems to be a harbinger of all the difficulties in store for Benedict Cumberbatch's and Martin Freeman's characters, which the former describes as "without a doubt" to be "myopically dark."
The 15-minute BBC teaser did not give out any new footage from the upcoming "Sherlock" series 4, but earlier previews as well as reports have revealed that next appearance of the Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman tandem will also take up more details about the life of Amanda Abbington's Mary Watson, that is, before she married Watson.
Sherlock's archenemy Jim Moriarty is also expected to make an appearance, troubling the already murky waters of "Sherlock" season 4. The first episode, called "The Six Thatchers," has Sherlock Holmes contemplating a bigger mystery than what seems evident in the ruination of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's images.
On the lighter side of things in a "Sherlock" season 4 which threatens to be overwhelmingly dark, the Watson's are expecting and will become new parents. An episode featuring the couple's wedding in the previous season was already pointing to this possibility.
The long wait is almost over. "Sherlock" season 4 will be back with three episodes on January 1, 2017. Fans may expect that everyone that Benedict Cumberbatch's Holmes and Martin Freeman's Watson know will be in grave danger.
