One of the most important scenes in the series is the moment in opener 'The Empty Hearse' where Sherlock - after letting his best friend believe he was dead for two years - finally reappears to John. Posing as a French waiter, Sherlock sneaks up on him in a restaurant - nearly resulting in giving John a heart attack and definitely resulting in him getting a sore face. Both actors are sublime here, with particular praise going to Martin Freeman for a restrained performance that makes the moment all the more emotional. This scene also shows just how inhuman Sherlock can be. He really doesn't understand the profound effect his 'dying' had on his friend, assuming that in no time at all they would be back in Baker Street, solving crimes. Instead, John has not only moved on from their old flat, he's also got himself a new partner - romantically, that is, in the form of Mary Morstan. Here, Sherlock really starts to realise the world doesn't revolve around Sherlock Holmes. This, arguably, is the major theme of this series, encapsulated here in this funny and heartbreaking moment.
