We’ve finally got some insight into what’s going to happen the next time we see Sherlock Holmes and John Watson on ye ole television screen together: the search for Benedict Cumberbatch‘s missing shoulder!

OK, we’re kidding on that last part but it’s just because Sherlock‘s producer, Sue Vertue, posted an image of the duo on Twitter after their table read — and apparent photo shoot — for the Sherlock Christmas (but also maybe might not be — more on that later) Special!

#221back #Sherlock #notkidding pic.twitter.com/Lx6q8DZ2aV

— sue vertue (@suevertue) November 25, 2014

Vertue also posted a photo of the script in all its table read glory:

This is what we’ve been doing today! Later on a pic of Sherlock and John as they’ll appear in the Special #221back pic.twitter.com/Aq4vncKpKy

— sue vertue (@suevertue) November 25, 2014

We’ll give you Cumberbroads a second to catch your breath after all that squeeing. Go ahead, take a moment.

…

OK, you all good? Now let’s get on with the details. Though frequently touted as a Christmas special by cast members Amanda Abbington, Martin Freeman, and Benedict Cumberbatch, the show’s co-creator Mark Gatiss has been slow to designate it as such. In an interview with Den Of Geek, Gatiss refused the Christmas moniker, saying “it’s not a Christmas special. It’s a special, but we honestly have no idea when it might be on. We’re making it in January but we don’t know when it’s going to be on. Christmas would be nice. … [but] scheduling is not up to us.”

Gatiss went on to explain in an interview with the Radio Times that, at least on their end, the whole thing “will be finished, of course, by the end of spring.”

Some things we do know? Well, for one thing: the apparent return of Moriarty after what looked like a gunshot to the head, will be addressed, Gatiss confirmed in the aforementioned Radio Times interview. And! Mary Watson will definitely be back:

The Game is On… Again… pic.twitter.com/FC9bBRs1Wo

— amanda abbington (@CHIMPSINSOCKS) November 25, 2014

But otherwise? Mums the word from everyone involved! What do you think the special will tackle? We’re sure you have theories! Let’s hear ’em in the comments.

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