The forthcoming "dark and tragic" fourth season of "Sherlock" is years from being seen, but the Victorian-era special episode that's expected to air this Christmas should tide fans over, as they patiently await the arrival of the upcoming season. Meanwhile, fans and PBS await BBC's official airdate announcement for the special episode.

The deviation from the show's usual time frame is expected to captivate, rather than distract. The time shift will also mean a few changes in characters' core behaviors. According to Entertainment Weekly, "Sherlock" showrunner Steven Moffat teased that Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Holmes will be "a little more polished" and a bit less rude. Expected to be a man of his day, Sherlock will operate "like a Victorian gentleman instead of a posh, rude man. He's a lot less brattish." Beyond that, Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) will be more uptight.

The spooky episode won't bother with explaining the swift trip through time, nor will the show's coming season continue in the Victorian era. Season 4 of "Sherlock" will take a step forward in time, returning to modern day London.

The three-episode season is expected to go into production next spring, barring any delays. The special episode is expected to air on Christmas, as it normally does. BBC has yet to announce the premiere dates, but it's normal for British television to announce dates just weeks before airing. Moffat has said that it's not really a Christmas special, and fans can expect to know the airdate "soon-ish," said Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton, according to EW.

Although fans may be peeved that airdates have yet to been announced, they can take solace in the fact that their favorite sleuth is expected to be around for years and years to come.

"We're all constantly thrilled, and amazed again by people's enthusiasm for ['Sherlock'] - and we hope to carry on as long as we can," said show star Mark Gatiss, according to Digital Spy.

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