SHERLOCK Begins Filming Second Season, Wins BAFTAs

Sherlock, BBC One’s clever adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, reworked and set in contemporary England, has begun production on its second series of three telefilms. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as exasperating, brilliant, endearing Sherlock and Martin Freeman as exasperated, loyal, troubled Watson, the series drew unanimous praise and terrific ratings when it aired in the UK and the US last year. I’m still kicking myself for not attending the screening and press room at NYCC last October.

This season the series will tackle a trio of mysteries: A Scandal In Belgravia, The Hounds Of Baskerville and The Reichenbach Fall. Co-creators Steven Moffat (Doctor Who, Coupling) and Mark Gatiss (The League Of Gentlemen, Doctor Who, The First Men In The Moon) are joined by Stephen Thompson (Silk, Doctor Who) in writing the three films. Romance, gothic horror, thrills, and suspense are on the menu, and not just in the crimes that need solving. Sherlock’s archnemesis Moriarty is presumably still at large and Watson’s personal life continues to intrigue.

Sherlock is expected to air in late summer on BBC One and this autumn on PBS.

Attached are photos of Freeman, Cumberbatch, and the producers at last night’s BAFTA awards where Freeman took home the Supporting Actor trophy and Sherlock won Best Drama. Freeman, on hiatus from filming The Hobbit so he can work on Sherlock, let slip that Cumberbatch will be joining him in Middle Earth later this year. Apparently it was supposed to be top secret, causing Freeman to lament, “I knew I was a bigmouth, I didn’t know how much of a bigmouth, and I’ve ruined everything. And now I might not have a job to go back to!” As if we weren’t already excited about The Hobbit! Back to the BAFTAs – I like Freeman’s tie. And Cumberbatch’s everything.

Photo credit: Jon Furniss/Wireimage