I had a hard time sustaining interest through a straight run of S5 so the idea of a split series isn't appealing, and I would consider myself a serious fan, admittedly one who has issues with Moffat vs RTD. I'd be happier if they ran the complete series starting in the Autumn, like it used to, with a regular 7:00 p.m. start-time, though that'd put it up against the X-Factor. Are the two finales being given longer slots as with the Specials last year?

I do wonder, though, whether this has anything to do with freeing up more time for Moffat's Sherlock commitments?