Sherlock fans refuse to believe that season 4, episode 3 is the end. Will the series air a fourth episode? Here are the top theories!

Sherlock is over for the foreseeable future. “The Final Problem” did its job to wrap up loose ends and close the book on the Holmes and Watson origin story. However, fans are not willing to admit that season 4 is done.

In fact, quite a few fan theories hint that another episode is set to air tonight. Tumblr is one giant flurry of Reichenbach Falls vision boards and deductions.

1. The date

22.1. If you add the letter “B” to that, indicating that “The Final Problem” is part “A,” the infamous flat appears. Come on, that has to be on purpose, right?

2. ‘Apple Tree… what?’

BBC One’s new show, Apple Tree Yard is real. However, that premiere date is not sitting well with the masses of Sherlock fans. Some deep digging into various programming line ups around the world indicate that some networks have a space allotted for Sherlock season 4, episode 4 with no description or title.

Skeptical? Take into consideration that during American Horror Story‘s latest run, every single episode did not have a title or description.

The BBC confirms over and over that this is really happening, while in America Mercy Street‘s second season is set to premiere followed by Victoria.

What do you believe?

3. Faith in the creators

It is not shocking that Stephen Moffat and Mark Gatiss let fans down. Go online after any episode these two touch and you are bound to find more hate than love and Sherlock season 4 is no different. However, after the conclusion of last week’s episode, fans cling to the hope that “groundbreaking” and “if we can pull this off” hint at a new episode.

One line particular, from “The Lying Detective,” fuels the fire:

“Must be something comforting about the number three,” says Sherlock. “People always give up after three…”

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These broader theories come together with some minute details. There are time stamps that are a mix of this Sunday’s date and the year “The Abominable Bride” takes place. Another theory hints that this is John’s version of a fever dream from being shot in the therapist’s office. And more clues point to the end credits where the word Anemoi, the meeting place of the four winds in Greek mythology, appears.

Are we going to meet again in season 4? Probably not. But, the Sherlock fandom certainly got a taste of the Mary Watson treatment from season 3, episode 2, “The Sign of Three.” You have the run the fandom, give them something to chase after. Whether they are right or wrong, they are invested enough to keep going!

Clever or cruel, that’s for you to decide.

For now “it is what it is.” Or is it?

Is there a ‘Sherlock’ season 4, episode 4?

Sherlock may or may not return.