The BBC crime drama Sherlock, based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, gained popularity worldwide since its premiere in 2010. The show’s first three seasons built a strong fan base, but the fourth season, released in 2017, received negative reviews and low ratings, leading to disappointment among fans. Critics and audiences criticized the season for straying from the essence of the show and delivering what many considered to be a subpar finale.
Season 4 of Sherlock, now available on Hulu after leaving Netflix in 2021, has somewhat redeemed itself in the eyes of some viewers. The season focused less on crimes and mysteries and more on character development, particularly exploring the personal lives of Sherlock and Watson. This shift in storytelling allowed for a deeper understanding of the characters and provided context for their behaviors and relationships throughout the season.
Despite criticisms about the cases in Season 4 being unbelievable and far-fetched, some argue that the show has always had elements of sensationalism and dramatic twists. The season’s exploration of Sherlock’s forgotten sister and his childhood trauma added layers to the character and led to significant revelations that reshaped the audience’s perception of Sherlock as a “high-functioning sociopath.”
The heightened expectations fueled by the show’s massive fan base may have played a significant role in Season 4’s unfavorable reception. The long gaps between seasons and the limited number of episodes per season contributed to fans developing specific expectations for the show’s direction, leading to inevitable disappointment when those expectations were not met.
While many critics and fans have expressed disappointment in Season 4, there is an argument that the season was simply misunderstood and unfairly judged. The show’s unique blend of British humor, outlandish cases, and intricate deductions may require a deeper appreciation of the series as a whole to fully grasp the intentions behind Season 4’s storytelling choices.
Sherlock’s character evolution throughout the series has been a central focus, with the fourth season delving even deeper into Sherlock’s emotional struggles and vulnerabilities. Despite some unexpected plotlines and darker themes explored in Season 4, the character’s actions and motivations remain consistent with his established personality, showcasing a different side of Sherlock that adds complexity to his character.
As the show continues to live on through streaming platforms like Hulu, there remains a hope that Sherlock Season 4 will be reevaluated and appreciated for its unique contributions to the series. While the season may not have met the expectations of all fans and critics, there is a case to be made for reexamining its narrative choices and character developments within the context of the show’s overall evolution and legacy.
