Emmy Awards 2016: 5 Reasons ‘Sherlock: The Abominable Bride’ Won

“Sherlock: The Abominable Bride” of Masterpiece PBS and BBC surprised Emmy Awards 2016 audience when it bagged the Best Television Movie title on Sunday’s event. The win, according to Deadline, created an upset during the awards night, since most watchers were expecting “All The Way” to win.

These are the five reasons why we think “Sherlock: The Abominable Bride” got the Emmy nod:

1. Good actors and good acting; chemistry between Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman

It is no wonder that in 2014, the series bagged the awards for both the lead and the supporting actors. Benedict Cumberbatch brings to life a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, who is as quirky as he is interesting. Martin Freeman as Watson, on the other hand, is every bit the more level-headed of the pair. Their chemistry is unmistakable, even when they are exchanging barbs or insults, cracking jokes or discussing a case.

2. Good cinematography

The special episode was nicely done technically, with very good cinematography, as the series is generally known for. Victorian London comes alive on screen, and the transitions between flashbacks and scenes in the future were nicely executed. This special episode was directed by ‎Douglas Mackinnon.

3. Well-written script

With scriptwriters Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, who can go wrong? Both writers have been penning the series since it started, and they are responsible for the fast yet entertaining conversations between Holmes and Watson, as well as the fascinating storyline each episode follows.

4. Intriguing addition to BBC’s Sherlock Season 3 finale and effective teaser to Season 4 premiere

In the season 3 finale, Holmes had his exile cut short after his brother Mycroft called him back to deal with what looked like the return of Moriarty from the dead. This whole special episode added additional insight into how Moriarty could be making a comeback despite his death. It also made it extra thrilling to see what Season 4 has in store for its fans as Holmes faces his archenemy or what’s left of him.

5. Victorian era throwback brought Holmes back to his roots

Lastly, since the series is based in the modern-day, it was refreshing to see it do a throwback to the time and place that the novels were originally set which is Victorian London. Holmes and Watson looked convincingly at home in this era as well.

The special holiday episode of the series “Sherlock” aired on New Year’s Day 2016 starred Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and “The Hobbit’s” Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. The series is set to return for its fourth season in early 2017 according to reports. In 2014, it also won both the lead and supporting actor awards.

“Sherlock” season 4 is expected to premiere on BBC in early 2017.