Season 4 of BBC’s Sherlock started production on Wednesday, and there are already some spoilers making the rounds. In a statement, series co-creator Steven Moffat cryptically discussed a “climax” and “tragedy” that will take place in the fourth season.
“ Sherlock series four —— here we go again! Whatever else we do, wherever we all go, all roads lead back to Baker Street, and it always feels like coming home,” said Moffat. “Ghosts of the past are rising in the lives of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and terror and tragedy are looming. This is the story we’ve been telling from the beginning and it’s about to reach its climax.””
Very little has been revealed about Season 4 but Masterpiece has noted that the fourth season “begins with the mercurial Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch), back once more on British soil as Doctor Watson (Martin Freeman) and his wife Mary (Amanda Abbington) prepare for their biggest challenge yet: becoming parents.”
Previously, in an interview with Vulture, Abbington revealed what kind of parents John and Mary would be. "On the one hand, they’d probably be reckless because they’re both quite psychopathic," said Abbington. "But I think an assassin and an army doctor who loves trouble, I mean, that kid has got nothing to worry about. Screwed up mentally, of course, but if there’s any bullying on the playground, we’re covered."
Cumberbatch has also hinted that the next season, which will have three 90-minute episodes, will be “worth it.” This echoes what co-creator Mark Gatiss told Entertainment Weekly about how Moriarty’s return will impact the characters. “All I can say is, this is a major, life-changing series for the regulars," said Gatiss. "The repercussions of Moriarty’s apparent return are far-reaching. It’s very big stuff.”
As for the air date, The Independent reports that season 4 will air on New Year’s Day 2017. That said, the BBC has yet to reveal an official air date. At the 2016 TCA winter press tour, President and CEO of PBS Paula Kreger confirmed the fourth season will arrive next year. “We do have the next Sherlock announced, that is coming up about a year from now,” said Kerger to Zap2it.
