A case for series 5.

1895itsallfine:

welovethebeekeeper:

Just a few points to consider when a panic sets in at the end of setlock

Cancellation. Every television series can be cancelled, however the top earners, the ones that bring prestige to a channel, the shows that still have demand and incite media buzz; those shows don’t get cancelled by the network. BBC Worldwide use Sherlock as a flag ship, it’s recognisable to the world as British, plus it’s popular two male leads are in demand. It’s a PR wet dream. Add to that the fact that BBC want ‘traditions’, they love having predictable entertainment routines that blend into British life, it’s an MO of theirs. They stated after series 3 aired that they wanted to have a Xmas/New Year tradition with Sherlock. Sue Vertue discussed it and said at the time that it may not be every Xmas but they would ‘try’. We skipped a holiday season, then we had TAB, this coming festive season we will get series 4. She IS trying. It is unlikely that the BBC will cancel this show at this time.

Actor’s availability. Understand that TPTB LOVE the fact that Ben and Martin’s careers skyrocketed after Sherlock aired. They are forever reminding people of it. Steven rather overemphasises it ‘we have two of the biggest stars on the planet in our show’ which, with all due respect to Freeman and Cumberbatch, is not exactly true. However, it does remind the public that the two leads are busy so not to take the show for granted; the message being ‘Tune in we still need the ratings to be high’. It’s called business savvy. Both Martin and Benedict have stated repeatedly that they want to keep doing Sherlock until the characters are in old age. This I am sure we will see; specials and then maybe a series 6 and 7 in 10 years time when it feels right and the leads are in their 50s. It’s guaranteed work in an industry that seldom offers that prospect, neither actors are stupid, they know they need the option to always go back to Baker St.

Series 5. We know Benedict, at the South Bank Awards in 2013, let slip that 5 had been commissioned [he had to retract it and made a bumbling rambling explanation of his error] The writers have said that during setlock s3 they sat on a bus and mapped out s4 and s5 [along with TAB it turns out] At SDCC, Steven adamantly told us that he had NOT said Sherlock ends at series 4, and although he threw in the requisite caveats, he expected Sherlock to continue.

The tweets. Firstly Amanda’s tweet of ‘Golden Wrap’. Well this lady’s tweets cause many a discussion in the fandom, so we need to consider the source. AA is an extroverted thinker [just like BC] and gets herself into trouble by speaking or writing, what is on her mind before actually thinking it through. Thus the need to explain or correct, even delete tweets. We all expect Mary to leave the show, her arc was minuscule in canon, and though expanded and improved in Sherlock, it has a end. From day one, the writers and AA herself have said that. So for AA the end of her Sherlock journey may have come and gone. Not series end, just a character’s departure. Loo’s tweet also sounded final. Her heartfelt goodbye to Molly was sweet and sad. We have been told that series 4 is devastating and dark, the surprise death of a character is not out of the realm of possibility. Next we have Danny’s tweet; a sad farewell or a cryptic message? Danny is a fun guy, and a VERY busy successful SFX guy. BC has projects in the works and a production company. To me the tweet was less a goodbye and more of a clue that Danny would be working with BC sooner rather than later. Then the Arwel tweet with Ben and Martin; just a lovely photo on set of the two leads and the man who adores working on this show.

The Sherlock cast and crew hate Benedict. Fucking rubbish. I won’t argue this point as it originates in a place of negativity found in dark places on tumblr. I only mention it as I am appalled by the lack of insight, and intelligence, of the people who buy into this theory. The cast and crew love him. 

So take heart, this occurs every setlock. The farewells and cast/crew parting is sad. We are entering the promotional season, when we will get teased, thrown clues, new photos and eventually trailers. I truly believe we will have a series 5, there is little evidence against it at this point. 

Well said. I agree. They do this every time and I completely believe they have planned for, and fully intend, a S5, and that it will be obvious to us after we see the cliffhanger. (And that, like the other times, they’ll announce soon after that of course there’ll be a S5) And I really really disagree that they’re worried it’ll be cancelled because of the reveal and it won’t be popular. First of all, I think, despite some people being annoyed by it for sure, that it will be popular. I think they all love doing the show (that it doesn’t take much time in the scheme of things) and it was a vanity project to begin with that they didn’t care if it was wildly popular or not. So, yeah, it’s happening. Don’t fall for the same old stuff.

Good points. I certainly hope for a S5 and a quick turn-around would be great. We’ll just have to see.