by Cookie N Screen
Sherlock Series Three is coming New Years Day. If you haven’t kept with the fantastic and innovative series then some big questions are being answered. As the resident fan of the series, the anticipation is high. We have been on the edge of our seats for two years and the wait is nearly over, we can all rejoice and stop racking our brains for an answer; safe in the knowledge that creators Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat have made a great conclusion (insert muffled sob and laugh combination. But for those who haven’t repeatedly watched Sherlock every day, here is a rundown of the characters you need to know about for Season 3.
Sherlock Series Three is coming New Years Day. If you haven’t kept with the fantastic and innovative series then some big questions are being answered. As the resident fan of the series, the anticipation is high. We have been on the edge of our seats for two years and the wait is nearly over, we can all rejoice and stop racking our brains for an answer; safe in the knowledge that creators Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat have made a great conclusion (insert muffled sob and laugh combination. But for those who haven’t repeatedly watched Sherlock every day, here is a rundown of the characters you need to know about for Season 3.
Sherlock Holmes
Played by Benedict Cumberbatch
Status – Presumed Dead. Except we, as the audience, (and a few characters) know he’s not.
“I am a highly functional sociopath.”
Sherlock Holmes is the titular character of the BBC television series. He is the world’s only consulting detective. Brilliantly intellectual he is called upon to solve the difficult cases by police and clients. Although he is great with his mind and deducing skills, he lacks tact and empathy with the human condition. Pissing a majority of people off, he was alone until the more pragmatic John Watson moved in with him and created a friendship unlike any other. That is until villain Moriarty played a sly game and in order for Sherlock to save his pal, he had to fake his suicide. Season Three is all about his return and how London has changed without the mind of Holmes in it.
Played by Benedict Cumberbatch
Status – Presumed Dead. Except we, as the audience, (and a few characters) know he’s not.
“I am a highly functional sociopath.”
Sherlock Holmes is the titular character of the BBC television series. He is the world’s only consulting detective. Brilliantly intellectual he is called upon to solve the difficult cases by police and clients. Although he is great with his mind and deducing skills, he lacks tact and empathy with the human condition. Pissing a majority of people off, he was alone until the more pragmatic John Watson moved in with him and created a friendship unlike any other. That is until villain Moriarty played a sly game and in order for Sherlock to save his pal, he had to fake his suicide. Season Three is all about his return and how London has changed without the mind of Holmes in it.
Dr. John Watson
Played by Martin Freeman
Status – Alive. But Emotionally died (as did we all) thanks to Sherlock launching himself from a roof.
“We solve crimes, I blog about it and he forgets his pants.”
The whole show, arguably, revolves around Watson. He is an Army Veteran who returns from fighting and being shot at, meeting Sherlock in pretty much a haze. More than just a crutch for the Sherlock character, his pragmatisms and loyalty is un-wavered. Brilliant and full of depth, Watson is regularly calling Sherlock out on his coldness and drives a majority of changes in Sherlock because he cares about him and everyone. Watson’s life was turned over when he witnessed Sherlock leaping to his apparent death. Missing his best friend though, Watson has had to move on and now finds solace in the incredible Mary Marston. The new episode revolves around the reaction to being lied to and getting dragged back into Sherlock’s world.
Played by Martin Freeman
Status – Alive. But Emotionally died (as did we all) thanks to Sherlock launching himself from a roof.
“We solve crimes, I blog about it and he forgets his pants.”
The whole show, arguably, revolves around Watson. He is an Army Veteran who returns from fighting and being shot at, meeting Sherlock in pretty much a haze. More than just a crutch for the Sherlock character, his pragmatisms and loyalty is un-wavered. Brilliant and full of depth, Watson is regularly calling Sherlock out on his coldness and drives a majority of changes in Sherlock because he cares about him and everyone. Watson’s life was turned over when he witnessed Sherlock leaping to his apparent death. Missing his best friend though, Watson has had to move on and now finds solace in the incredible Mary Marston. The new episode revolves around the reaction to being lied to and getting dragged back into Sherlock’s world.
Mary Marston
Played by Amanda Abbington
Status – Alive. She’s new, of course she’s alive!
Mary Marston is the most exciting character in the world of BBC Sherlock. Introduced in the original Arthur Conan Doyle canon as the soon to be wife of John Watson, Marston (and indeed Abbington) got a lot of stick because she interrupts the relationship between John and Sherlock. Hogwash. Marston coming into the series looks like it is going to be brilliant because she is set to bring something new to the table, a relationship that means as much to Watson as his friendship does. And with the incredible Abbington playing her, there is going to a lot of intense exchanges between the three that will entice and have a lot of people bubbling with glee. Could there be a sparring match between her and Sherlock? We don’t know but what we do know is Mary has been the person pushing Watson along all this time and if that doesn't evoke love for her, then nothing will.
Played by Amanda Abbington
Status – Alive. She’s new, of course she’s alive!
Mary Marston is the most exciting character in the world of BBC Sherlock. Introduced in the original Arthur Conan Doyle canon as the soon to be wife of John Watson, Marston (and indeed Abbington) got a lot of stick because she interrupts the relationship between John and Sherlock. Hogwash. Marston coming into the series looks like it is going to be brilliant because she is set to bring something new to the table, a relationship that means as much to Watson as his friendship does. And with the incredible Abbington playing her, there is going to a lot of intense exchanges between the three that will entice and have a lot of people bubbling with glee. Could there be a sparring match between her and Sherlock? We don’t know but what we do know is Mary has been the person pushing Watson along all this time and if that doesn't evoke love for her, then nothing will.
Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade
Played by Rupert Graves
Status – Alive.
“Sherlock Holmes is a great man and one day, if we're very very lucky, he might even be a good one.”
Lestrade has known Sherlock for a long time. In fact, he was even considered by Moriarty to be one of Sherlock’s best friends. Lestrade is the head of the murder division (and nothing else, it will seem.) and is referred to as “the best person” in Scotland Yard by Holmes. The detective who constantly brings Sherlock in on the strange cases, he has been as supportive to the boys as ever. Even when he starts to not believe at the end of The Reichenbach Fall, he still sends help to the pair to let them know that the police are on the way. As seen in the mini-episode, he is a person of honesty and humanity, caring for his staff long after they’ve been fired. Lestrade is a great person in the series and although he believes Sherlock dead, he cannot shake the niggle that indeed, the game might be back on.
Played by Rupert Graves
Status – Alive.
“Sherlock Holmes is a great man and one day, if we're very very lucky, he might even be a good one.”
Lestrade has known Sherlock for a long time. In fact, he was even considered by Moriarty to be one of Sherlock’s best friends. Lestrade is the head of the murder division (and nothing else, it will seem.) and is referred to as “the best person” in Scotland Yard by Holmes. The detective who constantly brings Sherlock in on the strange cases, he has been as supportive to the boys as ever. Even when he starts to not believe at the end of The Reichenbach Fall, he still sends help to the pair to let them know that the police are on the way. As seen in the mini-episode, he is a person of honesty and humanity, caring for his staff long after they’ve been fired. Lestrade is a great person in the series and although he believes Sherlock dead, he cannot shake the niggle that indeed, the game might be back on.
Mycroft Holmes
Played by Mark Gatiss
Status - Alive
"All lives end, caring is not an advantage."
Mycroft is the exhausted brother of Sherlock and indeed a subject of much irritation for him. He governs a major part of the British Government and is first to set upon Watson and his quick loyalty to Sherlock. He worries to often about Sherlock despite the pair often being at odds with one another. Having a good upbringing, their intellect and ego seem to push them far from each other and they often argue when Mycroft demands Sherlock help him on cases. When Mycroft has Moriarty locked away, he uses his knowledge of Sherlock to help gain information from him. A fact that unfortunately back fires when Moriarty sells the back story to the press. Mycroft may be an annoyance and cold but it seems that in all his regret, he may be one of the people that helps Sherlock fake his death. And further more, helps him come back to London.
Played by Mark Gatiss
Status - Alive
"All lives end, caring is not an advantage."
Mycroft is the exhausted brother of Sherlock and indeed a subject of much irritation for him. He governs a major part of the British Government and is first to set upon Watson and his quick loyalty to Sherlock. He worries to often about Sherlock despite the pair often being at odds with one another. Having a good upbringing, their intellect and ego seem to push them far from each other and they often argue when Mycroft demands Sherlock help him on cases. When Mycroft has Moriarty locked away, he uses his knowledge of Sherlock to help gain information from him. A fact that unfortunately back fires when Moriarty sells the back story to the press. Mycroft may be an annoyance and cold but it seems that in all his regret, he may be one of the people that helps Sherlock fake his death. And further more, helps him come back to London.
Molly Hopper
Played by Louise Brealey
Status – Alive.
“What do you need?”
Molly Hopper is by far the most underrated character in the BBC Sherlock episode and was even overlooked by that villainous Jim as he used her for The Great Game. A mortuary worker, she is always used by Sherlock for his research and needs. However, she fell for his charms and her crush made her quite foolish. But she is so much more than her love for Sherlock. Although quiet and shy, Molly is a person who observes the true emotions of Sherlock and makes no hesitation to offering support or help. She is a character who is intelligent but overlooked, meaning that the possibility she helped Sherlock survive the fall is very high. Luckily, it seems her role in the new series will be a large one!
Played by Louise Brealey
Status – Alive.
“What do you need?”
Molly Hopper is by far the most underrated character in the BBC Sherlock episode and was even overlooked by that villainous Jim as he used her for The Great Game. A mortuary worker, she is always used by Sherlock for his research and needs. However, she fell for his charms and her crush made her quite foolish. But she is so much more than her love for Sherlock. Although quiet and shy, Molly is a person who observes the true emotions of Sherlock and makes no hesitation to offering support or help. She is a character who is intelligent but overlooked, meaning that the possibility she helped Sherlock survive the fall is very high. Luckily, it seems her role in the new series will be a large one!
Mrs Hudson
Played by Una Stubbs
Status – Alive
“I’m not your housekeeper.”
Mrs Hudson is the loving landlady of 221B. Caring and kind, she is the definitive home for Sherlock and John. Hudson has had a seemingly terrible past and possible abusive husband. Sherlock helped secure his execution in Florida leading Mrs Hudson to open her home to the boys for a margin of the price. While she seems in the background most episodes, Mrs Hudson is the one that Watson and Holme are fiercely defensive of, as shown when they shout at Mycroft for losing his rag with him (and Watson rushing to her aid when he believes she’s been shot.) Mrs Hudson is a wonderful role and has been a backbone to everyone, even if you don’t realise it. In fact, she is often mistaken for weak, taking advantage of crying and weeping to get the upperhand on the Americans who take her hostage in A Scandal in Belgravia
Played by Una Stubbs
Status – Alive
“I’m not your housekeeper.”
Mrs Hudson is the loving landlady of 221B. Caring and kind, she is the definitive home for Sherlock and John. Hudson has had a seemingly terrible past and possible abusive husband. Sherlock helped secure his execution in Florida leading Mrs Hudson to open her home to the boys for a margin of the price. While she seems in the background most episodes, Mrs Hudson is the one that Watson and Holme are fiercely defensive of, as shown when they shout at Mycroft for losing his rag with him (and Watson rushing to her aid when he believes she’s been shot.) Mrs Hudson is a wonderful role and has been a backbone to everyone, even if you don’t realise it. In fact, she is often mistaken for weak, taking advantage of crying and weeping to get the upperhand on the Americans who take her hostage in A Scandal in Belgravia
Anderson
Played by Jonathon Aris
Status – Beard
“It’s so obviously him.”
Anderson. Oh Anderson. Proof that you can go from most loathed character to most loved in the space of seven seconds. Anderson came with so much spite in the original two series. After all, Anderson never failed to keep his opinions of Sherlock to himself and was extremely open in voicing his concerns that Sherlock may not be who he says he was. That being said, he now firmly believes that Sherlock is alive. Fired from his position for what seems to be a constant annoyance to his superiors, Anderson is undeniably fan-girling over the possibility that the super sleuth is coming back. Is this residue guilt thanks to the fall? Who knows, but this could gradually be a development for Anderson.
Played by Jonathon Aris
Status – Beard
“It’s so obviously him.”
Anderson. Oh Anderson. Proof that you can go from most loathed character to most loved in the space of seven seconds. Anderson came with so much spite in the original two series. After all, Anderson never failed to keep his opinions of Sherlock to himself and was extremely open in voicing his concerns that Sherlock may not be who he says he was. That being said, he now firmly believes that Sherlock is alive. Fired from his position for what seems to be a constant annoyance to his superiors, Anderson is undeniably fan-girling over the possibility that the super sleuth is coming back. Is this residue guilt thanks to the fall? Who knows, but this could gradually be a development for Anderson.
Sally Donovan
Played by Vinette Robinson
Status - Alive
“Alright, freak?
Sergeant Sally Donovan was one of the first characters we were introduced to and she came in like a wrecking ball. She was the one person who set up the downfall of Sherlock’s reputation in the final episode. Donovan has voiced her, well, concerns about Sherlock since day one; hailing him as a psychopath and a right old pebble in her shoe. No wonder, she works daily to get to the position she is and Sherlock comes in so arrogantly to prove all her police investigations. Although sleeping with Anderson despite him being married (and he probably will not be married now,) Donovan was a level headed women in her own right but with a very vicious tongue. There is no word is Sally will come back but I think everyone would love to see her face when Sherlock comes back from the dead.
Played by Vinette Robinson
Status - Alive
“Alright, freak?
Sergeant Sally Donovan was one of the first characters we were introduced to and she came in like a wrecking ball. She was the one person who set up the downfall of Sherlock’s reputation in the final episode. Donovan has voiced her, well, concerns about Sherlock since day one; hailing him as a psychopath and a right old pebble in her shoe. No wonder, she works daily to get to the position she is and Sherlock comes in so arrogantly to prove all her police investigations. Although sleeping with Anderson despite him being married (and he probably will not be married now,) Donovan was a level headed women in her own right but with a very vicious tongue. There is no word is Sally will come back but I think everyone would love to see her face when Sherlock comes back from the dead.
Irene Adler
Played by Lara Pulver
Status – Presumed Dead by everyone bar Sherlock and us.
“I know what he likes.”
Irene Adler is the woman who beats Sherlock. Highly intelligent, she utilises her femininity and smartness to gain information as she misbehaves throughout the world. As a dominatrix, she is the one women who gets Sherlock’s attention because she is resourceful in every way. Proving that she can play the same games as men can and come out on top, Adler is a wonderful and complex character that let herself down due to a flutter of attraction against Sherlock. That being said, he did save her from execution so she is happily out there in the world and hopefully getting up to mischief. No news on whether she will be back for Series 3 but maybe she will come back in the future.
Played by Lara Pulver
Status – Presumed Dead by everyone bar Sherlock and us.
“I know what he likes.”
Irene Adler is the woman who beats Sherlock. Highly intelligent, she utilises her femininity and smartness to gain information as she misbehaves throughout the world. As a dominatrix, she is the one women who gets Sherlock’s attention because she is resourceful in every way. Proving that she can play the same games as men can and come out on top, Adler is a wonderful and complex character that let herself down due to a flutter of attraction against Sherlock. That being said, he did save her from execution so she is happily out there in the world and hopefully getting up to mischief. No news on whether she will be back for Series 3 but maybe she will come back in the future.
Jim Moriarty
Played by Andrew Scott
Status – Dead. Sorry, he is definitely dead.
“Fairytales and pretty grim ones too.”
Jim Moriarty is the main protagonist of series one and two. Out of all the villains that come and go (in the best sense of the world,) he is the one at the foremost of everyone's mind, driving the tense action a long. He is a consulting criminal, top of his game and centre of the web, he is similar to Sherlock Holmes in every way, except he isn’t on the side of the angels. Moriarty is highly intellectual, setting up a series of unsolvable crimes for Sherlock to figure out and dragging him happily to the underworld. Moriarty’s main crux is that he is bored, bored of living and will do anything to entertain himself. At the end of series two, he sets in motion the undoing of Sherlock, making the entire world believe that he is a fraudulent detective. Not only this but he pushes Sherlock to fake his suicide (by setting up snipers to shoot Lestrade, Mrs Hudson and Watson’s head.) And he solidifies this by blowing his own brains out. Ruthless and attentive, was there a person that Moriarty overlooked?
Played by Andrew Scott
Status – Dead. Sorry, he is definitely dead.
“Fairytales and pretty grim ones too.”
Jim Moriarty is the main protagonist of series one and two. Out of all the villains that come and go (in the best sense of the world,) he is the one at the foremost of everyone's mind, driving the tense action a long. He is a consulting criminal, top of his game and centre of the web, he is similar to Sherlock Holmes in every way, except he isn’t on the side of the angels. Moriarty is highly intellectual, setting up a series of unsolvable crimes for Sherlock to figure out and dragging him happily to the underworld. Moriarty’s main crux is that he is bored, bored of living and will do anything to entertain himself. At the end of series two, he sets in motion the undoing of Sherlock, making the entire world believe that he is a fraudulent detective. Not only this but he pushes Sherlock to fake his suicide (by setting up snipers to shoot Lestrade, Mrs Hudson and Watson’s head.) And he solidifies this by blowing his own brains out. Ruthless and attentive, was there a person that Moriarty overlooked?
Kitty Riley
Played by Katherine Parkinson
Status - Alive.
"I tried to help you, I wanted to be on your side."
Kitty Riley is an investigative journalist in the worst kind. Riling Sherlock up at the Moriarty court case, she proves that she would do anything to get exactly what she wants. Journalist in the worst term of the world, she manages to gain a seemingly upper hand when Sherlock's back story falls helpfully into her lap. Writing an expose on Sherlock, her information comes from Moriarty who is posing as Richard Brook, a man she seems to be dating thanks to all his lovely facts on the super sleuth. Riley is adamant that Sherlock made Moriarty up and is determined to see his downfall, even after Holmes pays her a visit. Kitty will probably not feature in the new series, true, but we will all be glad to hear of her own downfall when Holmes comes back and starts deducing; showing that her stories were simply make believe.
Played by Katherine Parkinson
Status - Alive.
"I tried to help you, I wanted to be on your side."
Kitty Riley is an investigative journalist in the worst kind. Riling Sherlock up at the Moriarty court case, she proves that she would do anything to get exactly what she wants. Journalist in the worst term of the world, she manages to gain a seemingly upper hand when Sherlock's back story falls helpfully into her lap. Writing an expose on Sherlock, her information comes from Moriarty who is posing as Richard Brook, a man she seems to be dating thanks to all his lovely facts on the super sleuth. Riley is adamant that Sherlock made Moriarty up and is determined to see his downfall, even after Holmes pays her a visit. Kitty will probably not feature in the new series, true, but we will all be glad to hear of her own downfall when Holmes comes back and starts deducing; showing that her stories were simply make believe.
Charles Augustus Magnusson
Played by Lars Mikkelson
Status – Alive
Charles Augustus Magnusson is a new player in the world of Sherlock and a new villain. Already dubbed as terrifying, he is based on Conan Doyle’s Charles Augustus Milverton, a blackmailer who will stoop incredibly low to get exactly what he wants. He also sparks off revulsion in Sherlock. With Mikkelson’s brother leading the villains with Hannibal, it will exciting to see Lars portray a creepy and clever man.
Played by Lars Mikkelson
Status – Alive
Charles Augustus Magnusson is a new player in the world of Sherlock and a new villain. Already dubbed as terrifying, he is based on Conan Doyle’s Charles Augustus Milverton, a blackmailer who will stoop incredibly low to get exactly what he wants. He also sparks off revulsion in Sherlock. With Mikkelson’s brother leading the villains with Hannibal, it will exciting to see Lars portray a creepy and clever man.
Who is this?
No one knows but he seems very interested in Molly (have a look at the engagement ring in the full promotional photos) The hope is a positive step for Molly. Truth is, this is Sherlock and he is more likely to be someone using her again to get to Sherlock. Maybe he is a terrorist of the first episode or maybe even Sebastian Moran.
No one knows but he seems very interested in Molly (have a look at the engagement ring in the full promotional photos) The hope is a positive step for Molly. Truth is, this is Sherlock and he is more likely to be someone using her again to get to Sherlock. Maybe he is a terrorist of the first episode or maybe even Sebastian Moran.
Sherlock returns New Year's Day at 21:00 on BBC1.
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