The Christmas special tickling "Sherlock" fans' imagination is an understatement. Holmes now faces his equal, Moriarty, in season 4. Oh what to do before the 2017 release date?
There have been many speculations about "Sherlock" season 4 especially after the release of the Christmas special. Previous reports have pointed out rumors for season 4 plot, including the possible back story of the becoming of Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch). Spoiler hints were reportedly revealed during the Christmas special, pointing towards Sherlock's Redbeard and his past.
Showrunner and "Sherlock" cast member Mark Gatiss shared details about Redbeard way before talks on season 4 began. Talking to EmpireOnline, Gatiss said, "when [Sherlock] was little - and obviously Mycroft tormented him about it - is that his dog died, and he totally fell for the idea that Redbeard had gone to live in a happy valley somewhere."
Come "Sherlock" season 4 release date, fans are expecting that the backstory of Holmes previously revealed in the Christmas special will come to light. However, as Redditor theycallmejamo pointed out, the hints from the Christmas special are simply nothing but a red herring and an attempt on misdirection.
"I reckon that this is a deliberate trick to lead us astray," revealed the Reddit user.
Meanwhile, after the Christmas special, fans are also expecting that come "Sherlock" release date, Moriarty will be back as the formidable villain in Holmes' life. While MovieNewsGuide pointed out that family will be a main focus as season 4 release date arrives in 2017, it also means that a tougher challenge will arrive for Holmes and his crew. This could mean the return of Moriarty (Andrew Scott) and another baffling bout between the two high functional psychopaths.
The main "Sherlock" characters have confirmed their return to season 4 and apart from Cumberbatch, this includes Martin Freeman, Amanda Abbington, Louise Brealey and Jonathan Aris. It's a relatively long wait for the 2017 release date, but for sure, more updates will be revealed as production to meet the 2017 release date begins for season 4 this year.