4. Reichenbach Fall Was Perfect Moriarty Episode
The second series of Sherlock helped redefine Moriarty for the 21st century; in much the same way that the inaugural offering did for Watson and Holmes. We were able to see a charming and ingenious criminal mastermind who is a master of manipulation and deception. Following on from the revelation in season one finale that he had been pretending to be Molly's boyfriend, Moriarty's penchant for thespianism was expanded. The villain manages to convince a respected journalist that he is nothing but an actor paid by Sherlock to enhance his media exposure. This is the first stage in an elaborate plot to frame the detective as a fraud, culminating in the climax on the roof of a London hospital. This finale also included the perfect character exit for Jim Moriarty. We were able to see his magnum opus come to fruition, as he had managed to outwit the master sleuth and place him in a clever trap: there are gunmen ready to kill John and Mrs Hudson unless Sherlock jumps of the roof. Our hero then deduces that Moriarty has a fail safe in place and that he will go to great lengths to pluck this information from his enemy. Jim plays the only card left in this high stakes poker game: the joker. Exclaiming that as long as he is alive Sherlock's friends are safe, the criminal promptly shoots himself in the mouth. This is a terrific scene that shows the extent to which the character is willing to see his plans succeed. To Jim Moriarty, failure against the great Sherlock Holmes is a fate worth than death. This an apt final scene for a truly great villain, and would be difficult to surpass.
3. Introduction Of New Characters
Sherlock has a small but essential cast of supporting characters: comprised of Molly, Lestrade, Mycroft and Mrs Hudson. These figures are often forgotten in the whirlwind of solving mysteries, yet they all play important roles. Mycroft, Sherlock's brother, is the person that Holmes' could have been if he taken a more conventional path. Working for the British government allows him to utilise his intellect in a more secure line of work than his younger brother. Lestrade on the other hand is detective without the greatness that Sherlock Holmes possesses, making it more evident how special he truly is. As mentioned all the characters play an important role, and the introduction of Mary Morstan promises to be a worthwhile addition to the cast. Morstan is the love interest of John Watson, a woman he later marries. It has been stated by Moffat that Sherlock and John are going to experience a dramatic shift in their relationship, and this is likely to be part of the cause. This new character and her closeness to John will create a new and interesting dynamic, that will allow the show to reach new heights.