Cumberbatch Sets High Bar for “Sherlock” Return

Sherlock Key Art

The game may not be afoot but it could be, although the price of playing just went up. Benedict Cumberbatch, the actor who brought a modern, edgy Sherlock Holmes to PBS/Masterpiece, has laid out the conditions for his return to 221B Baker Street: a hefty paycheck and a script that outshines the series’ previous seasons.

Eight years have passed since “Sherlock” last graced our screens, concluding its fourth season in January 2017. In the interim, Cumberbatch has been busy, racking up Oscar nominations for his film work and appearing in series like Showtime’s “Patrick Melrose” and Netflix’s “Eric.” But for fans clinging to the hope of a “Sherlock” revival, the actor’s recent statements offer a glimmer of possibility, albeit a pricey one.

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Cumberbatch’s demand for a superior script is understandable. The show, co-created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, set a high standard for witty dialogue and intricate plots. Whether Moffat, who has expressed willingness to return as writer, can conjure up another case worthy of Sherlock’s deductive prowess is a question that remains unanswered, not that Moffat seems particularly daunted.

Martin Freeman, who portrayed the ever-reliable Dr. John Watson, has also signaled his openness to reprising his role, provided all parties are on board. This aligns with previous statements where both Cumberbatch and Freeman expressed hesitation towards returning to the series. Now, it seems, the ball is firmly in Moffat’s court – and perhaps the BBC’s accounting department.

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So, the prospect of a “Sherlock” resurrection hinges on two factors: Whether the BBC’s budget can accommodate Cumberbatch’s demands is another key factor. And can Moffat craft a mystery compelling enough to lure both him and Freeman back to Baker Street? Only time will tell if the game is truly afoot, or if it’s merely a clever ruse.

Sherlock airs on PBS/Masterpiece.

Well hello there! I'm the guy who heads the content team at Memorable TV. I've an obsession for film and TV, and a stash of vintage TV magazines plus a wealth of knowledge on all things 1970's. But shh, let's keep that just between us!