Nearly two weeks since series two finale ‘The Reichenbach Fall’ aired, Sherlock fans are still heatedly debating the climax of the episode. But is the solution a lot simpler than we have all been thinking? This post contains spoilers.

Well, maybe. Ever since showrunner Steven Moffat told fans that nobody has spotted a crucial clue, thousands of beady eyed fans have been re-watching 2×03 to try and find just what it is that we had all missed.

But amongst all of the intricate and complex theories, the simplest of ideas is proving to be the most popular  – and it’s also highly plausible.  Fans have suggested that Sherlock used a squash ball to give the impression that he had no pulse.

Sherlock was seen playing with the ball in one of the penultimate scenes of the finale, and the camera paid unusually close attention to this.  At one point, even zooming into his hand (pictured above).  The theory states that the ball could be inserted under the armpit, halting the blood supply to the arm and therefore giving the impression that there is no pulse.  Incredibly simple, yet perfectly possible.  The trick is used a lot by magicians. With his pulse temporarily halted, Sherlock would be identified as dead by John, who checked the pulse on his arm.

You can read more about our thoughts on how Sherlock survived the fall, and other contributing factors here and here.

Do you think the theory is plausible, or is it just too simple?  Share your thoughts with fellow readers below!