The new Sherlock series is getting closer as BBC released the first official image from its first episode. Sherlock fans have been patiently waiting for 18 months just to get details of the new detective series which is scheduled to premiere on Dec. 15.

The last episode of season 2 is The Reichenbach Fall, where Sherlock (Banedict Cumberbatch) appears to jump from a high rise building off to his death to protect his friends with sidekick John Watson (Martin Freeman) from the evil grasp of arch nemesis, Moriarty (Andrew Scott).

At the end, Sherlock appears to be alone and watching from a distance as Watson put flowers on his grave. This leaves a burning question as to how he faked his own death. All questions will be answered in season 3, which will reveal what really happened to Sherlock and the pavement. How will John take this news and what will Sherlock do once he finds out that John has already fallen in love with Mary Morstan? Sherlock and John Watson will be back on the streets of London having mad, thrilling adventures.

In the first few seconds of episode 1, viewers will immediately understand the angle the writers have taken on Charles Augustus Magnussen. The character is based on a late author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's "King of Blackmailers" Charles Augustus Milverton. In the original story, the anti-hero is involved with money extortion from threatened victims. It is still unknown how close Magnussen will adhere to the original villain but it is confirmed that Mikkelsen's heinous presence will be seen. The episode's teaser also says the story can be flipped any other way and Magnussen's character will surely be a hit. Moriarty will be back this season but as a corpse. He can't be alive and just come back after shooting himself in the face.

The season focuses on Sherlock and Watson's friendship as they meet again. Sherlock will be hiding in plain sight and will not find love anytime soon. However, it will be a little long and complicated with Watson being married. It will be emotional and hilarious.

Source: YouTube.com/Masterpiece PBS