‘Sleepy Hollow': First Look at ‘Fringe’ Star John Noble as “Sin Eater,” Ichabod’s Clothes Explained

Difficult to believe as it may have seemed only a few weeks ago, FOX's 'Sleepy Hollow' has definitively emerged as the breakout hit of the season, already renewed for season 2 with its own unique order. And while the series takes a brief hiatus before introducing 'Fringe' vet John Noble in an important recurring role, producers have finally addressed one of the series' most head-scratching questions yet.

Where FOX's fascinating fall hit had previously identified Noble's character as the kind and reclusive Henry Parrish -- a man who possesses supernatural abilities that have the potential to help the series’ time-displaced leading man, Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) -- the latest trailer for the season teases the character's role as that of a "Sin Eater" who may be able to break the link between Ichabod and his headless nemesis. Yes, we've heard the insanity of that sentence out loud, but the show's reception from New York Comic-Con this past weekend proves that its fanbase is no laughing matter.

Elsewhere, an amusing aside between writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Entertainment Weekly addresses one of the show's most-nitpicking, if maddening criticisms to date, that its leading character seemingly never dons any more modern (or clean) clothing, despite his 200-year nap. Explaining that Ichabod keeps the outfit as a reminder to the audience of his colonial origins (as if we needed it), Kurtzman offers, “It’s like his security blanket. He can never feel comfortable in our world. The minute he gets comfortable, the show is over.”

We're definitely keeping an eye on 'Sleepy Hollow' for all its bonkers plot twists and characters that still seem to resonate with its audience, but what say you? Have Ichabod Crane and Abbie Mills worked their magic on you? Check out John Noble's anticipated debut in the trailer above, and give us your take on 'Sleepy Hollow' in the comments!