Ep 1. The Empty Hearse

In "The Empty Hearse," the first episode of the third season of the popular British crime drama series, Sherlock Holmes is presumed dead after his apparent plunge off of the roof of St. Bartholomew's Hospital at the end of season two. When the episode opens, John Watson has moved on with his life and is attempting to put the memory of his best friend to rest with a new job, a new mustache, and a new girlfriend.

However, Watson's life is thrown into disarray when he is contacted by an underground terrorist organization that threatens to blow up the Houses of Parliament unless he helps them connect with "the man who never lived" - Sherlock Holmes. Watson is reluctant to accept the offer, but he is intrigued by the possibility that his friend may not be as dead as everyone believes.

Meanwhile, Sherlock has been living in secret, biding his time and building up his reputation as an invincible super-spy. When he is finally ready to reveal himself, he chooses a flamboyant and dangerous method that leaves Watson reeling. The two friends are quickly reunited, but their relationship is strained by the fact that Watson feels betrayed by Sherlock's deception and apparent death.

The central mystery of "The Empty Hearse" involves a terrorist plot to assassinate a high-profile government official by blowing up a train carrying the Prime Minister. Sherlock is convinced that the mastermind behind the attack is a notorious criminal mastermind known as Sebastian Moran, who has supposedly been dead for years. As he investigates the case, he discovers that Moran is not only alive but hiding in plain sight.

As Sherlock delves deeper into the case, he realizes that Moran is enlisting the help of a network of loyal followers who are willing to risk everything to see his plan come to fruition. With the clock ticking down to the terrorist attack, Sherlock and Watson must race against time to not only foil the plot but also identify and apprehend Moran before it's too late.

"The Empty Hearse" is a masterful blend of action, suspense, and character development, expertly crafted to satisfy the show's dedicated fan base while also appealing to new viewers. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are at the top of their game, showcasing the complex and nuanced relationship between Sherlock and Watson.

The episode is also notable for its humorous and meta references to the fan culture surrounding the show, including several clever nods to classic Sherlock Holmes stories and characters. One standout scene involves Sherlock's theory about how he survived the fall from the rooftop, which is presented in a series of humorous and outlandish scenarios.

Overall, "The Empty Hearse" is a thrilling and satisfying return to the world of Sherlock Holmes, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and epic season. Fans of the show will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in this gripping and entertaining episode.