Sherlock

:

Season 4
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 279 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 177 out of 279
  2. Mixed: 54 out of 279
  3. Negative: 48 out of 279
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User Reviews

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  1. Fanadir
    Jul 27, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Sherlock Season 4 is fun to watch, because it is a good piece of tv. Being good however is not really satisfying for such a great show. While the mysteries the master detective has to solve are again very entertaining, the context around them seems sort of artificial. Especially Sherlock's loss of childhood memories, which is the entry point of the last episode, is hardly believable and leaves you with the sour taste that the writers were forcefully trying to create something new that is huge and meaningful with Moriarty and Mary being dead. In addition to this over the top writing, the constant reversion of truth about things that happened before at some point is just frustrating, as you get the feeling that nothing that is revealed and supposed to give you the effect of pleasant realization, is to be trusted. While the writing is definitely not the strength of this season, the cinematography is still great and so is the outstanding cast.… Expand
  2. Lillabaloo
    Apr 29, 2018
    8
    T6T - A bit predictable, not my fav episode
    TLD - Epic, work of drug addled genius. An absolute showcase for Cumberbatch at his brilliant best.
    TFP - Jarring and tense - a cross between melodrama, ethics 101 and theatre of the absurd. A slightly confusing departure for a show like Sherlock, but fascinating none the less. A bold, season with moments of pure genius. Inconsistency was    T6T - A bit predictable, not my fav episode
    TLD - Epic, work of drug addled genius. An absolute showcase for Cumberbatch at his brilliant best.
    TFP - Jarring and tense - a cross between melodrama, ethics 101 and theatre of the absurd. A slightly confusing departure for a show like Sherlock, but fascinating none the less.

    A bold, season with moments of pure genius. Inconsistency was probably the biggest issue with the 3 episodes, that and the lack of focus on John and Sherlock as the primary lens. The distance between them can surely only work in the short term to fuel our investment in their inevitable reunion. Hopefully future Sherlock seasons will keep John and Sherlock in centerfield.    … Expand
  3. Davrosdaleks1
    Jan 18, 2017
    8
    I acknowledge the criticisms about this season, but I still found it more entertaining than a lot of other shows.

    Yes, there wasn't a lot of actual mystery solving this season, the first episode was all over the place, the second episode's villain is a little over the top (though very menacing), and there are logic holes in the final episode. Still, the cast is still on point, and    I acknowledge the criticisms about this season, but I still found it more entertaining than a lot of other shows.

    Yes, there wasn't a lot of actual mystery solving this season, the first episode was all over the place, the second episode's villain is a little over the top (though very menacing), and there are logic holes in the final episode.

    Still, the cast is still on point, and it's always fun to see Sherlock and Watson. The dramatic moments in this season are far superior to previous seasons. Finally, not to give away spoilers but the main antagonist this season is quite effective.    … Expand
  4. adrenilinmatt
    Jan 8, 2017
    10
    not the strongest start we couldve hoped for, but how can we judge based on one episode. tonights episode was mindblowing and i have very high hopes for the next one. gotta love sherklock
  5. SomePersona
    Feb 14, 2017
    8
    Solid series but worst out of all four.

    The Six Thatchers is the weakest episode of Sherlock yet with no well-made mystery. It did not feel very defined as as separate episode of Sherlock and really just went through the motions without much of a bang. The performances and some of the writing and directing make up for some of this, and the episode, while the worst one yet, is still    Solid series but worst out of all four.

    The Six Thatchers is the weakest episode of Sherlock yet with no well-made mystery. It did not feel very defined as as separate episode of Sherlock and really just went through the motions without much of a bang. The performances and some of the writing and directing make up for some of this, and the episode, while the worst one yet, is still good.

    The Lying Detective brings the show back to form again with a strong villain and mystery and awesome performances, direction, editing, and writing. It's easily better than every episode in the first and third series.

    The Final Problem is good but does not accomplish much by the time it is over. It does not really live up to the hype and almost every living or abiotic element in the episode feels wasted.

    Overall, good series, but does not live up to the hype. Second episode is awesome, though.

    The Six Thatchers: 7/10
    The Lying Detective: 9/10
    The Final Problem: 7/10    … Expand
  6. josephgm
    Jan 2, 2017
    7
    not bad, but a little underwhelming. had a good twist at the end, and i am interested to see where this season goes. the performances remain phenomenal with Cumberbatch and Freeman giving some of their best work yet.
  7. 20doih
    Jan 17, 2017
    10
    This is the best tv show ever. It hooks you from the very first episode and is so entertaining. At the end of each episode it makes you go AHHHH. The bromance between Sherlock and John is my favorite thing ever. And Sherlock and Molly I LITERALLY DIED. The last episode is definitely my favorite. I can't wait for the next season!
  8. lee_cooper
    Jan 23, 2017
    10
    There are two types of people in this world.
    One who understood and liked The Final Problem and one who didn't.
    They need to understand how a character develops and blossoms.
    This season truly showed how a cocky and arrogant genius transformed and matured into a kind-hearted legend.

    Period.
  9. eagleeyeviking
    Feb 13, 2017
    8
    Series 4 of Sherlock finds the titular detective solving mysteries about himself rather than external cases. This makes for an emotionally satisfying, deep, entertaining and dark trilogy of episodes that while peppered with minor flaws, works as a sum of its parts.
  10. franclinolin
    Jan 16, 2017
    10
    Never gets old...never gets stale...never lets down its fan base. Wickedly smart fun....hang on to your hat...suspend your disbelief, once again this ride is worth it.
  11. TimW001
    Jan 28, 2017
    9
    An incredible show. Cinematically fantastic. Suspenseful. Great cast. Overall it feel as though the show is functioning on a higher level than other TV dramas. First episode this season seemed very unfocused so I will have to give it only a 9/10 but still a must watch.
  12. The_Man_XX
    Jan 18, 2017
    7
    Sherlock season 4 had its ups & downs during the three episodes but what made me like it so much is the way they brought it home in the last episode.

    I will definitely say that Season 4 did not live up to the hype,I mean from the trailers and interviews from the cast & producers heck even the tagline "Its not a game anymore" it seemed like this was going to be the best season yet but    Sherlock season 4 had its ups & downs during the three episodes but what made me like it so much is the way they brought it home in the last episode.

    I will definitely say that Season 4 did not live up to the hype,I mean from the trailers and interviews from the cast & producers heck even the tagline "Its not a game anymore" it seemed like this was going to be the best season yet but sadly it was a different case.Firstly of the performance from the cast was great as expected especially Sian Brooke who was a wildcard and a surprised who worked well.Another mention is Toby Jones who was a villain in Episode 2 and was good but not really great,there was mystery around the character and he gave a chilling performance.

    Now the episodes, after the season 3 finale you would expect season 4 to be faced paced and intense but its the opposite as its really a filler episode with boring plot lines and really slow expect fro the surprise ending,without too many spoilers it envoles a wrap up on a certain character.Either way it was disapointing.

    Episode 2 provided more a faster pace & a more interesting case involving the villain of Toby Jones Character, this episode rather starts off convoluted and messy but picks up in the second act as the episode gets more intense and interesing and ends with a great cliffhanger involves Sian Brooke's character.

    Episode 3 is THE episode that sealed it all after 2 dissapointing episodes.It concludes all mysteries from season 1 to 3 and also features a brief but satisfying return for Jim Moriarty. The episode was intense and really mind blowing expect the ending which ended on a whimper & didn't conclude me character acrs.

    Overall I think Season 4 could have done better but was saved by the final episode which was just great if its the final season I would hate to see the show end but it really satisfied me.    … Expand
  13. MrsDrStrange
    Aug 11, 2018
    10
    Oh God, thuis season deffinitly the best. I loved so much. It was so epic. Season 5 come please.
  14. drlowdon
    Aug 15, 2023
    7
    Sherlock’s fourth, and probably last, season remains an entertaining watch with Cumberbatch and Freeman again excellent throughout. The writing isn’t quite as sharp as in previous seasons and at times it all feels a little self-indulgent.
  15. ErikTheCritic
    Oct 14, 2018
    7
    The second episode of the show was absolutely brilliant. Unfortunately, the other two do not live up to that standard.
  16. Diptanshu
    May 14, 2020
    9
    The Unique and Most amazing season it would be if the 1st episode wouldn't be a Unnecessary worst!the whole season it felt watching the characters at whole another situations and stuff.throughout the season music,screenplay,acting and cases it was amazing the story-line however felt experimenting specially the last episode with Moriarty's motives but I loved the way it concluded.1stThe Unique and Most amazing season it would be if the 1st episode wouldn't be a Unnecessary worst!the whole season it felt watching the characters at whole another situations and stuff.throughout the season music,screenplay,acting and cases it was amazing the story-line however felt experimenting specially the last episode with Moriarty's motives but I loved the way it concluded.1st episode literally felt disgusting the whole ammo and Agra case was okay but the end result and the way it was executed it felt awfully unnecessary and waste!2nd episode was literally shockingly fun and great love to see Sherlock pulling-off case with help of John at last and at start it was literally the shades of last episode i was in quite sobbing too.the Sherlock with the whole Drug-ed thing was Another level Fun to watch the scene with Mrs Hudson riding it was Funny and amazing love the Whole case and at last the reveal was literally surprising although they gave little hints but it was shocking.at last the 3rd episode at start it felt its over the top but the way it goes it felt like silence of the lamp way it was amazing and love the references too.the whole plane scene was predictable but engaging and The sudden cameo of Moriarty was Woah but then the 5 years earlier subtext came it was amazing love the red-beard and whole ending with Family and Her sister Motives She Just needed A Friend and all that it was emotional and Great the whole season was literally Unique from past season it was Masterpiece except the 1st episode it was heartbreaking.Whole series is literally One of the greatest Detective Series Ever Made!… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Aja Romano
    Jan 4, 2017
    50
    Unfortunately, the season four premiere has revealed that Sherlock’s most promising and divisive element in the wake of the season three finale--the evolving three-way relationship between Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch), John Watson (Martin Freeman), and John’s mysterious wife, Mary (Amanda Abbington)--is little more than a giant distraction, a red herring for ... whatever the show has up its sleeve next.
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  2. We Got This Covered
    Reviewed by: Christian Bone
    Jan 3, 2017
    80
    Helping move things along at a nice pace is Mark Gatiss’ script, which is quite strong. Though not his best for the series, he clearly relishes taking the show into a more serious direction, as well as providing lots of customary laughs in the episode’s first half.
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Dec 30, 2016
    60
    Watching "Sherlock" is like dropping in on old friends who are as smart and sarcastic as ever but don’t seem to have as much joy in their lives anymore.
    Read full review