‘Sherlock’ sets Mr. Peabody’s Wayback Machine to Victorian England


It’s interesting how the tables quickly turn on the brilliant mind palaces of Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss that created the greatness that is Sherlock. Just a few short years ago, they were taken to the woodshed by Jeremy Brett-loving Sherlock Holmes traditionalists for daring to set the BBC/PBS production in modern day London. How could you even think of doing this and remain true to the Arthur Conan Doyle creation, they said.

Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock The Abominable Bride airs New Years Day on BBC1 and PBS

Now, with their long-awaited special “The Abominable Bride”, airing New Years Day on both BBC1 and PBS that returns both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson to Victorian London, those that love ‘present-day Sherlock’ are skeptical as to how this is going to be pulled off and want more modern-day episodes with Moriarty and the like. Moffat and Gatiss just can’t catch a break in their efforts to bring another chapter is what I consider the best show on television bar none.

Setting the Sherlock ‘Wayback Machine’ to Victorian London

On the surface, taking a Victorian England set story and bringing it to present day has its challenges but, as many of the particulars both in front of and behind the camera say, shooting a modern day story line in modern day London isn’t that difficult…unless you have to block off streets, according to series producer, Sue Vertue.

The sheer magnitude of shooting a Victorian London Sherlock in modern day London can be beyond comprehension. Rupert Graves who plays Detective Inspector Lestrade talked about the main difference being the sheer speed in which you can do ‘modern-day Sherlock‘ as opposed to a period piece. That may sound strange to those of us that have waited for over two years for the New Year’s installment but, as Sherlock co-creator/writer Steven Moffat says, “…you can’t just turn the camera on and point it at London. You can’t do that!”. Well played, Mr. Moffat, well played.

So, just how do you take Sherlock back to Victorian London?

Sherlock “The Abominable Bride” airs TONIGHT on BBC1 and PBS beginning at 9pET/8pCT!


In: Mystery