Often depicted as Sherlock’s arch-nemesis and constant enemy, Moriarty is usually the criminal behind many of the great detectives mysteries (at least in media adaptations).   However, Sherlock show-runner Steven Moffat seems to have ruled out a return for the chilling villain. Spoilers are afoot!

Many might have expected the news, given that the last we saw of Jim-From-I.T./Richard Brook/Moriarty he blew his brains out in The Reichenbach Fall.  However, some fans were predicting he would return in a complex twist.  After all, we know that Sherlock himself survived an apparent leap from the roof of St. Bartholomew’s Hospital.

But, unafraid of controversy, Moffat stated in a recent interview that the show would be utilising some new villains. From The Radio Times

“Moriarty’s a one-shot deal in the original [books]. I don’t want [Sherlock] to turn into a show that’s about one villain and one hero,” said Moffat.“Moriarty was great because he was a surprise. Every time you bring him back he won’t be as big a surprise.

“We need to find new villains, we need to find new ideas, otherwise the show doesn’t keep growing,” he added, in an interview for a French website.

“There are other great villains in [the Conan Doyle books] that we want to visit. We have to keep the show growing otherwise it won’t surprise you. Once you get the measure of it you’ll just get critical – if we keep surprising you and keeping you off balance you won’t.”

Moffat is of course right – Moriarty only actually appeared in one of the original Conan-Doyle stories.  While he was behind the events of The Valley Of Fear, he never actually features, and is otherwise only mentioned in passing.

So, who will the new villain be?  Those of you have read the original stories may have many ideas.  This poster believes it could be Sebastian Moran, described in the stories as “the second most dangerous man in London”.  Colonel Moran was employed by Moriarty, and attempted to finish off Holmes after his employers death.

What do you think of his news?  Are you sad to see that Moriarty won’t be back?  Or do you think that the show needed a new villain?  Who will that villain be? Share your thoughts, and join the debate in the comments below!