What can I say about the "Sherlock" Christmas special, "The Abominable Bride?" Extremely little, for fear of spoilers.

I will say that I loved it — I'd rate it a perfect 10, as I would just about any episode of this amazing TV show. Also, as good as the trailer was … I can say that it offers much more in its story than you'd expect.

I'd also say that it strongly, strongly parallels a movie that I happen to love — right down to its surprise plot device, key character interactions, and a symbolic act by the main protagonist in the climactic scene. The similarities are just too much for this to be a coincidence — it's just got to be a well done (and a damn fun) homage. It's unexpected, too, as the film I'm thinking off probably appeals to a different fan base. "The Abominable Bride" also cheerfully skewers another excellent recent film and the twist employed there.

There's some terrific acting, especially between Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and our main villain. And the dialogue is as sly and superbly delivered as always. I don't think I've ever watched a new episode of "Sherlock" and not laughed out loud at least once. The stronger, more assertive John Watson (Martin Freeman) that we see is damn terrific. (There's a compelling and sensible reason why this iteration of Watson seems a little different than our usual mild anti-hero, but I just can't say why.)

My quibbles were wholly forgivable. I thought that the Victorian versions of Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) and Mycroft Holmes (Mark Gatiss) were just so cartoonish that they seemed right out of a "Saturday Night Live" sketch. It "took me out of the movie," and hampered my willing suspension of disbelief. It felt more like farce and silly sight-gags, instead of the dry, dialogue- and character-driven humor that the show is known for.

I also though that the climactic scene occurring among three primary characters, felt a little … off. Was it just not staged right? Was the pacing off? Maybe I got the sense that I was looking at a soundstage? I'm not sure.

Finally, I am an inveterate horror movie fan, and I might have liked to have seen the director and screenwriters play up the horror story elements just a little bit more here. The mystery for this episode was a jewel of an opportunity — a garish, fearsome "ghost bride" that assassinates men. It could have been just a little scarier, given that story. I know that "Sherlock" is not a horror show, but its creators did just fine in making their adaptation of "The Hound of the Baskervilles" both a bit frightening and a proper mystery.

But, again, those are just forgivable quibbles. This show remains the best thing on television!

Sherlock the series has been brilliant so far. The two leads have been outstanding and the supporting cast has been extraordinarily good. This New Year special was too clever for it's own good and was nothing more than typical Moffat smoke and mirrors mess that went nowhere to end up somewhere that did not matter and state the obvious.

We wondered why we were in Victorian times investigating the mystery of how the Bride could rise from the dead after shooting herself through the head. And the answer was Sherlock who is obviously half Vulcan had retreated into the past in his mind to solve the mystery as to how Moriarty had returned.

How could he still be alive and the answer was simple. He had fired another invisible gun at the floor whilst holding a gun to his head and a coven of hooded women had replaced his 'body' with that of a dead lookalike. All as Sherlock stood there and watched.

But of course that could not have happened so what was the point of Sherlock solving a period mystery that had nothing to do with his modern one?

After solving the Bride mystery and digging up her modern grave Sherlock had an imaginary conversation with Moriarty at the famous Falls and then Watson, who had appeared out of nowhere, pushed him to his 'death'.

There were elements of the period story that were good but as soon as it was revealed why we were there all that was forgotten. In the end Sherlock stated that Moriarty was indeed dead but he now knew what his next move was. As with Dr Who a pointless far too clever story that did not work and will hopefully be forgotten soon enough when the new series begins.

Like Elementary I really enjoy Sherlock. Both series are smart and refreshingly original whilst using elements of the Conan Doyle stories. The whole point of Sherlock is it's a 21st century twist on the tales. The 19th century jaunt did not work at all and was both awful and pointless. Even though it began well and was superbly acted it soon nose dived into a well of mind boggling crap, which was not as clever as it thought, that hopefully we will not ever see again.

Treading a bit on dangerous ground here when one gets into that kind of inception loop, I was still incredibly intrigued by this. It was delightful to get our hero back to the Victorian era where Sherlock Holmes belongs. Sherlock finds himself puzzled by several things at first. How could the lady shoot herself in the head and still remain alive to kill again. Mycroft's self destructive behavior and his instructions to not win the war. The in and out manifestations of his use of drugs and his relationship with Watson at both ends of the time spectrum. We also have Mary actively involved here as she begins the long trek of fighting for the vote. It's a very engaging story. It is beyond the conventional plot and that's what does it for me. If someone wants to do a more conventional Sherlock Holmes presentation then let them do it. Writers! Continue to challenge us.