‘Sherlock’ Special Episode: BBC releases new trailer featuring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman [WATCH VIDEO]

BBC has given “Sherlock” fans an early Christmas gift with the release of a trailer for the "Sherlock" special episode, which is sure to send millions of fans into frenzy.

The trailer exudes Victorian atmosphere, with characters seen dressed in appropriate period costumes. It features Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch), Watson (Martin Freeman), Mary (Amanda Abbington), D.I. Greg Lestrade (Rupert Graves) -- and all of them are seen dressed in Victorian era costumes.

This is the first time that “Sherlock” is departing from its contemporary setting. And perhaps to highlight the finer points of Victorian era’s etiquette, Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Holmes is seen addressing Freeman’s character as Dr. Watson, instead of his first name John.

Everything from Sherlock’s hat to Freeman’s moustache is in tune with the gothic look of the 19th century. And the close-up shots, dark pathways and shadows are adding a spooky vibe to the Victorian era.

The trailer opens with these lines from Sherlock: “The stage is set, the curtain rises, and we are ready to begin.” A distressed woman is seen saying to Sherlock, “you promised to keep it safe, you promised.” The trailer does not shed light on what the maverick detective promised to keep safe.

The special episode “Sherlock” trailer also features a tense conversation between the two leads. At one point, Dr. Watson can be seen asking Sherlock, “What made you like this?”

“Nothing made me, I made me,” Holmes retorts.

For those who are not so excited by the darker tone and Victorian era, fear not, the special is a one shot depiction of the 19th century as confirmed by showrunner Steven Moffat. He described it as an episode “in its own little bubble.”

"Sherlock" is a critically-acclaimed contemporary television adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories.