Speaking to the press room after his win at the 2014 Emmys on Monday night, Sherlock showrunner Steven Moffat offered interesting clues about series 4.
Moffat was asked by reporters how series 4 will top series 3’s finale, which saw Moriarty make a return in some sort of capacity.
“We have a plan to top it — and actually I do think our plan is devastating,” he said in comments shared by the Hollywood Reporter. “We practically reduced our cast to tears by telling them the plan. Honestly, Mark [Gatiss] and myself are so excited with what we’ve got coming up, probably more excited than we’ve ever been about Sherlock.
“Honestly I think we can [top the last season].”
What could be so devastating? Is it a major character death? Another character making a return? Sadly, Moffat didn’t have any additional clues to offer.
Sherlock surprised Emmy viewers last night when the detective drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman picked up three Emmys: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries (Cumberbatch), Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries (Freeman), and Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries (Moffat).
Said Moffat of their win, “We were just starting to think that that phase of our lives was dying down because as shows get older they don’t win as often — just like people. We’re delighted that we’ve made it here and hopefully this gets more people watching. That’d be great.”
Related: Ten things you missed in Sherlock series 3 because you don’t read the books
Sherlock series 4 begins shooting at the beginning of 2015 for an end-of-year premiere. A one-off special is also in development.
Speaking in July about series 4, producer Mark Gatiss said that the two lead characters will enter “deeper and darker water than ever before.” Moffat added that “the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John, is the very last thing you’d expect.”
What do you think is ahead in ‘Sherlock’ series 4?
Sadly, Cumberbatch, Freeman, and Gatiss couldn’t attend last night’s Emmys. Check out a full list of winners and losers at this link!