The much-discussed return of Moriarty stands out as a notable highlight in the often-criticized Sherlock season 4. This season has invited considerable scrutiny, particularly as it marks a significant decline from the show’s earlier brilliance. Although there are whispers of a potential season 5, “The Final Problem” serves as the current endpoint of the beloved series. With a mere 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the finale has been one of the least favorable episodes, illustrating the many issues that plagued this final chapter. Regrettably, the latter part of Sherlock could not match the expectations set by its earlier seasons, with the fourth season proving especially disappointing.
BBC’s Sherlock brought a fresh perspective to the iconic character of Sherlock Holmes, transitioning him into a contemporary setting while maintaining the essence of Conan Doyle’s narratives. Each episode was inspired by classic Holmes stories but interwoven with original twists that set it apart from other adaptations. While the series retains a generally positive reputation, it is evident that the challenges faced during its concluding seasons—particularly illustrated through Moriarty’s “return” —reflect systemic issues within the storytelling.
Moriarty’s “Return” Was The Highlight Of Sherlock Season 4’s Finale
“The Final Problem” Had Us Thinking Moriarty Was Back For A Few Seconds
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In the climactic moments of season 4, episode 3, titled “The Final Problem,” viewers experienced a brief yet thrilling glimpse of Jim Moriarty, portrayed by Andrew Scott. As Moriarty descends from a helicopter set to the backdrop of Queen’s “I Want To Break Free,”anticipation surged as it appeared he would make a grand comeback. However, this excitement quickly dissipated, as the sequence was revealed to be a flashback occurring prior to “The Reichenbach Fall.”
The moment encapsulated the high stakes of Holmes’ rivalry with Moriarty but also highlighted a critical issue—the anticipation set by Moriarty’s earlier portrayal may have set unrealistic expectations for the show. Regardless, his brief return, even as a mere illusion, was a refreshing moment in a season that struggled to resonate.
Sherlock Relying On A Fake Moriarty Twist Was Symptomatic Of Its Problems
Sherlock Season 4 Hadn’t Much To Offer Other Than Its Moriarty Connections

The fact that the most captivating scene in season 4 revolves around a false sensing of Moriarty’s return underscores the show’s overall decline in creativity. Rather than introducing new narratives worthy of Holmes’ legacy, Sherlock became overly reliant on revisiting its most memorable villain. This dependence not only stifled innovation within the series but also highlighted an inability to develop exciting new character arcs or plots. Although it may have been a tall order to replicate the enigmatic presence of Scott’s Moriarty, the series ultimately deserved a more impactful conclusion.
Season |
Rotten Tomatoes Score |
Sherlock Season 1 |
93% |
Sherlock Season 2 |
94% |
Sherlock Season 3 |
91% |
The Abominable Bride |
62% |
Sherlock Season 4 |
54% |
The shocking revelation in the final episode—that Sherlock and Mycroft had a sister, Eurus, whom Holmes could not recall—was characteristic of the show’s penchant for twists. However, the characterization of Eurus felt overly dramatized and divergent from the previously established tone. Tying her character to Moriarty appeared as an ill-considered bid to strengthen her controversial role. Unfortunately, the issues within Sherlock began fabricating inconsistencies long before Eurus’ entry into the narrative.
Sherlock Never Topped Season 2, And Seasons 3 And 4 Prove It
Sherlock’s Final Two Seasons Couldn’t Live Up To Season 2

Considered the pinnacle of the series, “The Reichenbach Fall” profoundly reshaped Sherlock, securing its place in television history as one of the most impactful adaptations of Conan Doyle’s works. It not only cemented the show’s early acclaim but also set a daunting precedent for future narratives. Beyond sparking numerous fan theories regarding Holmes’ survival, the finale of season 2 became a cultural touchstone.
However, the struggle to keep up with the brilliance of that season significantly hampered seasons 3 and 4. Faced with the challenge of capturing the essence of Moriarty without repeating the magic, Sherlock never fully recovered. Instead of embracing freshness, the series seemed caught in a cycle of referencing its past triumphs, highlighted by repeated teases regarding Moriarty’s potential return, leading to the much-publicized “Miss Me?” cameo and others. Ironically, the excellence of season 2 hindered the show’s ability to innovate, setting it in a precarious position as it ventured into its concluding seasons.