Unlike the show’s previous episodes, The Abominable Bride takes Sherlock fans back to the story’s original time period, the 1890s. Sherlock and John are visited by a rattled Inspector Lestrade, who needs help with a new case. Emelia Ricoletti had killed herself in public, but then she “comes back to life” to kill her husband and cause further havoc. A few months later, a Lady Carmichael approaches Sherlock with the news that her husband, Sir Eustace, is being haunted by the “ghost” of Emilia Ricoletti. While being pursued by the devilish Moriarty, Sherlock and John are able to crack the case with the help of John’s wife Mary.

The Abominable Bride is not the typical Sherlock episode, but it definitely stands out because of the amount of detail put into the plot, props and outfits, not to mention the uniqueness of the special episode overall. Light was also well used, as it reflected the time period and added “mysteriousness” when needed. The special touches a great deal on feminism in the late 1800s, and it does a considerable job of incorporating it into the plot. While the episode was well written, I found myself slightly confused at the end, not knowing if a few events had actually happened, or were made up in the famous detective’s mind.

Sherlock’s genre is Drama and The Abominable Bride’s rating is PG, but there is some drug reference and violence. If you are interested in this show, other TV shows to check out would be White Collar, Suits, or Downtown Abbey.