Sherlock 4x3 "The Final Problem" Review

SPOILERS

The Final Problem was problematic for much of the fandom. Some people seemed to think that Sherlock has devolved and the several year wait was not worth it.

While watching this episode, I was on the edge of my seat, not relaxing during the entire hour and a half. The labyrinth and Eurus’s game was one heart-pounding scenario after another. The game of the governor and his wife, the hanging men, putting Molly through an emotional wringer, and then making Sherlock choose between Mycroft and John…there was so much packed in the episode and it didn’t seem to stop.

I did laugh out loud with the reintroduction of Moriarty. I was so nervous for a minute that they did bring him back from the dead somehow, but I was glad that it took place in flashback. The little interruptions by Moriarty throughout the game did get a little annoying after a while, but I am glad they brought him back, just for a little, especially if this is the final episode.

The realization that Eurus was responsible for the death of Sherlock’s only childhood friend was chilling. I am glad that they did reveal what happened and it does explain so much about his past and his present. Eurus being the little girl in the plane did make me a little frustrated. It makes sense, her inner child reaching out to Sherlock as a cry for help. But it just did not give me a satisfactory feeling when it was revealed. I was honestly expecting her to die, either by Sherlock’s hand or by suicide. But she didn’t and was sent back to Sherrinford. I did like the bit when they played a violin duet.

I liked the ending. The series has come full circle. We’re back to the roots of Sherlock; it’s all about Sherlock and John solving cases. Moffat and Gatiss have wrapped it up neatly. I could have sworn they had planned another season, but I would be okay if this was the end. If they did continue it, I would prefer if they stuck to solving strange cases, not creating these demons for Sherlock to fight. The show that finished was not exactly the same as the show that started (though that can be expected, after seven years). Watching Sherlock as it aired was an interesting experience. It seemed to me like the fandom was burned out and ready to criticize more than enjoy. I watched it more passively than passionately. I’m not sure if I would rewatch it, but I would be curious enough to watch if there was another season.