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"The Reichenbach Fall"
Sherlock episode
Titlescreen of the episode showing Turner's 1804 painting of the Reichenbach Falls
Episode no.Series 2
Episode 3
Directed byToby Haynes
Written byStephen Thompson
Based on"The Final Problem"
by Arthur Conan Doyle
Featured music
Cinematography byFabian Wagner
Editing byTim Porter
Original air date15 January 2012 (2012-01-15)
Running time88 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"The Hounds of Baskerville" 		Next →
"The Empty Hearse"
List of episodes

"The Reichenbach Fall" is the third and final episode of the second series of the BBC television series Sherlock. It was written by Stephen Thompson and stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes, Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson, and Andrew Scott as Jim Moriarty. The episode deals with Moriarty's attempt to undermine the public's view of Sherlock and drive him to suicide. The episode was first broadcast on BBC One and BBC One HD on 15 January 2012. It attracted 9.78 million viewers, and critical reaction to the episode was positive. After the episode was aired, there was also much online and media speculation, which focused on Sherlock's death.

Inspired by "The Final Problem" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the episode follows Moriarty's plot to discredit and kill Sherlock Holmes, also heavily using elements from the film The Woman in Green. The title alludes to the Reichenbach Falls, the location where Holmes and Moriarty supposedly fall to their deaths in the original story. Some sequences in the episode that are set at the Tower of London were filmed at Cardiff Castle. Other locations used include Newport Cemetery, Tredegar House and Cardiff City Hall, as well as other areas around Cardiff including Broadway and Cardiff Bay.[1]

Plot

[edit]

John Watson is in his first meeting with his therapist after eighteen months. Struggling to explain his visit, he eventually chokes out the words, "My best friend, Sherlock Holmes, is dead". The episode flashes back to three months earlier, with Sherlock receiving plaudits and gifts from various people for whom he has solved cases, along with much-unwanted media attention, especially for his recovery of a Turner painting of Reichenbach Falls.

Meanwhile, Moriarty uses his mobile phone to simultaneously break into the case where the Crown Jewels are kept, open the vault at the Bank of England and unlocking all the cells at Pentonville Prison. Before smashing the Crown Jewels' case, he writes the words "Get Sherlock" on the outside, to be seen by the security cameras. He then allows himself to be caught by the police wearing the jewels and sitting on the throne.

Sherlock is called to testify at Moriarty's trial, where he explains that Moriarty is a criminal mastermind. Moriarty has threatened the jurors with the deaths of their families, leading them to vote "not guilty". After being acquitted, Moriarty visits Sherlock and explains that his break-in was a publicity stunt to show potential clients what he is capable of, adding, "I owe you a fall." Meanwhile, John is summoned to see Mycroft, who explains that four professional assassins have moved into flats on Baker Street and asks him to watch out for Sherlock.

Sherlock and John investigate the kidnapping of the children of the British Ambassador to the U.S., Rufus Bruhl. Sherlock deciphers evidence allowing the police to find the children, but as part of a plot to make others suspect that Sherlock has been staging his cases himself, Moriarty has traumatised the girl, so she is terrified of Sherlock when seeing him. Sergeant Donovan begins to suspect Sherlock. The chief superintendent forces a reluctant Lestrade to arrest Sherlock, but he escapes with John handcuffed as his 'hostage'. They realise Moriarty's "Get Sherlock" has convinced the criminal underworld that Moriarty has given Sherlock the computer code he used to pull off his triple heist. This code is supposedly capable of bypassing all security systems.

Sherlock and John break into the house of journalist Kitty Riley, who is poised to publish an exposé on Sherlock. They find that Moriarty has created a fake identity, Richard Brook ("Reichen Bach" in German), an actor whom Sherlock supposedly paid to pose as a master criminal. Now a wanted man with his media image on the verge of plummeting, Sherlock launches a final gambit. Leaving John, Sherlock contacts Molly Hooper, a pathologist at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and admits that, contrary to her belief, he respects her and has always trusted her. He tells Molly he is in grave danger and humbly asks her for help. John goes to the Diogenes Club to question Mycroft and learns that Mycroft unintentionally divulged Sherlock's personal information during interrogations of Moriarty. Meanwhile, Sherlock deduces that the anti-security code was encoded in the tapping of Moriarty's fingers during his earlier visit.

John finds Sherlock at the St. Bartholomew's lab but leaves after hearing Mrs. Hudson has been shot. Sherlock texts Moriarty, inviting him to meet him on the hospital roof to solve their "final problem". Sherlock claims that he can electronically erase Richard Brook with the code. But Moriarty reveals that there is no code; he simply bribed security guards. He gives Sherlock an ultimatum: Sherlock must commit suicide or Moriarty's hitmen will kill John, Mrs. Hudson, and Lestrade. Sherlock realizes Moriarty has a way to prevent the executions and convinces Moriarty that he is willing to do anything to make him stop the assassins. After acknowledging their similarities, Moriarty tells Sherlock, "As long as I am alive, you can save your friends". He then commits suicide by shooting himself, effectively closing Sherlock's options for saving his friends other than jumping from the roof.

St Bartholomew's Hospital

Afterward, Sherlock calls John, who is rushing back from 221B Baker Street after finding Mrs. Hudson was safe. Claiming that he was always a fake and explaining this last phone call is his "note", Sherlock swan-dives off the roof of St. Bartholomew, as John looks on terrified from the street, thereby ensuring that Moriarty's true identity dies with him. After being knocked to the ground by a cyclist, John stumbles over to watch, grief-stricken, as Sherlock's bloody corpse is carried away by hospital staff.

The episode returns to John's therapy session, where he cannot open up. Mycroft is shown reading the tabloid newspaper The Sun with a front-page headline "Suicide of Fake Genius". Later, John visits Sherlock's grave with Mrs. Hudson. He reaffirms his faith in Sherlock and begs him not to be dead. As he walks away, Sherlock looks on from afar, out of John's sight, before also walking away.

Sources

[edit]
The Great Fall of the Reichenbach, in the Valley of Hasle, Switzerland (1804, watercolour on paper) by J.M.W. Turner

The episode's climactic scene is based on the short story "The Final Problem",[2][3] in which Holmes and Moriarty square off. Watson's leaving Holmes to attend to Mrs Hudson mirrors his return to the inn in the original story, in order to attend to a dying Englishwoman.[2]

The filming of the visit of Moriarty to Baker St pays tribute to William Gillette's 1899 play Sherlock Holmes and the 1945 film The Woman in Green.[4] Moriarty's attempt to destroy Holmes's reputation and lead him to committing suicide by jumping from a building also has similarities to The Woman in Green.

Broadcast and reception

[edit]

BARB overnight figures suggested that the episode was watched by 7.9 million viewers representing a 30% overall audience share, slightly down on the first (8.8 million) and second (8.2 million) episodes of the series.[5] Final consolidated ratings rose to 9.78 million.[6] The episode also became the second most-watched programme of 2012 on the online BBC iPlayer as of May, with over 1.9 million requests.[7]

As with the preceding two episodes in the second series, critical reaction to the episode was largely positive.[8] The Guardian's Sam Wollaston praised Steve Thompson's writing, particularly how the episode was, at times "faithful to Sir ACD's The Final Problem, then it will wander, taking in mobile phone technology and computer hacking ... But it doesn't feel like cheating; more like an open relationship, agreed by both parties."[2] Wollaston comments that this episode explores relationships, particularly in contrast to the spookiness of the previous episode ("The Hounds of Baskerville"), calling Cumberbatch's and Freeman's performances "moving at times".[2]

Sarah Crompton, for The Daily Telegraph, said Cumberbatch was "riding the wave of what has been a triumph". Generally praising the series, Crompton suggests that "writer Stephen Thompson had been left a little too much to his own devices ... The result was a bit wordy – though some of the words were wonderful."[3] Commenting upon the cliffhanger ending, The Independent's Tom Sutcliffe says "Moffat and his colleagues have written themselves into a hell of a hole with regards to the next series. If they don't explain, there may be riots."[9] Chris Tilly, who reviewed the episode for IGN, gave it a score of 10/10, calling it "The grandstanding conclusion to the brilliant BBC series, packed to the rafters with smart dialogue, audacious plotting, stylish direction and some truly wonderful performances."[10]

The British Board of Film Classification has awarded the episode a 12 certificate for "moderate violence and gore".[11] The episode was released with the remainder of the second series in the UK on DVD and Blu-ray on 23 January 2012.

Speculation and response to the cliffhanger

[edit]

The episode's cliffhanger led to speculation on forums, social networking sites and in newspaper articles about its resolution. Theories included the use of a mask, a squash ball, a lorry or Moriarty's body, the dummy seen in Sherlock's flat at the beginning of the episode, the psychotropic drugs featured in "The Hounds of Baskerville", the participation of Sherlock's homeless network, and a cadaver supplied by Molly.[12] In an interview with The Guardian, Moffat claims "there is a clue everybody's missed ... So many people theorising about Sherlock's death online – and they missed it!"[13] Moffat noted that one of the central clues was "something that Sherlock did that was very out-of-character, but which nobody has picked up on."[14] During the first episode of the third series this is played upon by the writers. The character, Anderson, who argued that Sherlock was a fraud is seen talking to Lestrade about a wild "Sherlock is Alive" theory having to do with a mask, even two years later.

Shortly after the episode aired, memes inspired by the episode emerged online, considering how ordinary people in the Sherlock universe would react to learning that their hero was a fake. The memes included recurring phrases such as "I fight John Watson's war", "Moriarty was real" and, most prominently, "I believe in Sherlock Holmes", amongst others, the latter of which was used in-universe in "The Empty Hearse". There was some speculation that the "#BelieveInSherlock" movement was orchestrated by the BBC as a publicity stunt.[15]

Part of the resolution was filmed with the rest of the episode,[13] although some, including hypothetical sequences involving Derren Brown and airbags, was filmed with "The Empty Hearse".

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Reichenbach Fall

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"The Reichenbach Fall" is the third and final episode of the second series of the British crime drama television series Sherlock, first broadcast on on 15 January 2012. Written by Steve Thompson and directed by , it stars as the titular detective , alongside as his companion Dr. John Watson, and Andrew Scott as the criminal mastermind Jim Moriarty. In the episode, Moriarty returns with an audacious plan involving impossible crimes at iconic London landmarks, including the , the , and Pentonville Prison, all aimed at dismantling Sherlock's reputation and isolating him from his allies. As public opinion turns against him and pressure mounts, Sherlock must unravel Moriarty's scheme while grappling with questions about his own identity and methods, culminating in a high-stakes psychological battle that echoes the duo's earlier encounters. The episode adapts and modernizes elements from Arthur Conan Doyle's 1893 short story "The Final Problem," transposing the legendary confrontation between Holmes and Moriarty at Switzerland's Reichenbach Falls to contemporary London rooftops and digital intrigue. Running approximately 90 minutes, it features supporting performances by Una Stubbs as Mrs. Hudson, Rupert Graves as Detective Inspector Lestrade, and Louise Brealey as Molly Hooper, emphasizing themes of loyalty, deception, and the cost of genius. "The Reichenbach Fall" garnered widespread critical acclaim for its tense scripting, emotional intensity, and innovative storytelling, achieving a 100% Tomatometer score on based on 18 reviews, with critics praising its "deliciously twisty" cat-and-mouse dynamic and tragic elements. It also holds an IMDb user rating of 9.6/10 from over 42,000 votes, often cited as a highlight of the series for its bold narrative risks and memorable . The episode's impact extended to fan speculation and cultural discussions, solidifying Sherlock's reputation as a fresh take on Conan Doyle's canon.

Production

Development and Writing

"The Reichenbach Fall" is the third episode of the second series of the series Sherlock, written by Steve Thompson and directed by . The episode's development centered on a direct adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's "," reimagining the iconic confrontation between and for a contemporary audience by incorporating modern elements such as media scandals and cyber hacking to drive the plot. Thompson's script emphasized Moriarty's return as a central , building on his introduction in the series premiere "," while drawing from Doyle's motif of Holmes faking his death to outmaneuver his foe. The writing process involved close collaboration with co-creators and , who approved the script and facilitated consultations, including with illusionist to conceptualize the episode's climactic fake death sequence. Key creative decisions during scripting heightened the focus on Sherlock's and the manipulation of his public image, diverging from Doyle's original by integrating like viral media and digital security breaches to amplify themes of and . Thompson aimed to create a "watercooler moment" with the extended climax, which contributed to the episode's 88-minute runtime, allowing space for character-driven tension and the psychological showdown at the equivalent. This structure enabled a deeper exploration of Sherlock's relationships and vulnerabilities, setting the stage for future series arcs.

Filming and Locations

Principal photography for "The Reichenbach Fall" took place primarily in , , under the production of Wales, with additional location shooting in to capture authentic urban environments. Interiors, including sets for and other key rooms, were filmed at studios in , allowing for controlled replication of settings while leveraging the region's film infrastructure. Several Welsh landmarks served as principal locations to represent London sites. Tredegar House in Newport stood in for the private pool where Moriarty holds hostages during his interrogation sequence, providing a grand, isolated estate for the tense standoff. Cardiff City Hall doubled as the interior of the courtroom for Moriarty's trial, its ornate architecture lending historical gravitas to the legal proceedings. Newport Cemetery featured in poignant emotional scenes, including John's visit to what appears to be Sherlock's gravesite, evoking a somber atmosphere amid the tombstones. Cardiff Castle's interiors represented the Tower of London during the crown jewels heist flashback, with its medieval halls adapted to depict secure vaults. Additional Cardiff spots, such as a Grangetown flat for journalist Kitty Riley's residence and West Bute Street for street-level action, filled out the modern London backdrop. The episode's climactic rooftop confrontation and fall sequence at in London's West Smithfield required meticulous stunt coordination. performed several of his own stunts, including jumps from the rooftop onto safety mats below, to ensure realistic physicality, while professional stunt performers handled higher-risk elements like window impacts using practical effects such as . The 88-minute runtime necessitated efficient scheduling, with the production emphasizing practical setups over extensive to maintain pacing in the high-stakes action. Filming faced logistical challenges, particularly with night shoots at to capture the dramatic fall under streetlights and emergency illumination, requiring coordination with local authorities to manage crowds and secure the historic site after dark. Visual parallels to Arthur Conan Doyle's original were achieved through camera angles and subtle CGI enhancements to the descent, heightening the peril without on-location Swiss filming. Budget priorities focused on these action sequences, allocating resources for stunt teams and location permits to deliver the episode's visceral intensity, though specific figures remain undisclosed by the .

Synopsis

Act One: Moriarty's Plan

The episode's opening act establishes James Moriarty as Sherlock Holmes's primary antagonist, launching a meticulously orchestrated scheme to undermine the detective's credibility through a series of audacious crimes. Moriarty simultaneously executes three seemingly impossible feats: breaking into the to steal the Crown Jewels, robbing the , and breaking out dangerous criminals from Pentonville Prison. These "crimes within crimes" are designed to showcase Moriarty's vast criminal network and directly implicate Sherlock, who quickly deduces Moriarty's involvement upon examining the scenes, noting the theatrical flair and impossible logistics that mirror their prior encounters. Following Moriarty's arrest, the action shifts to his trial, where Sherlock serves as a key witness, providing forensic insights into the crimes' execution via advanced hacking and insider access. Moriarty, representing himself, pleads not guilty without offering a defense, instead subtly intimidating the members—whispering personalized threats that force their , allowing him to walk free and escalating the personal vendetta against Sherlock. This courtroom appearance highlights Moriarty's manipulative prowess, setting the stage for further attacks on Sherlock's reputation. Two months later, the plot intensifies with the of two children from their elite , initially presented as a high-security breach targeting the children of the U.S. ambassador. Sherlock and John Watson investigate the scene, where Sherlock uncovers clues such as traces of on a shoe print and discarded paint chips, linking the abduction directly to Moriarty's network and revealing it as another fabricated scandal meant to portray Sherlock as complicit or incompetent. Sherlock consults his brother , who discloses intelligence on Moriarty's expanding web of corruption, including four international assassins converging on to eliminate Sherlock. Mycroft explains that Moriarty's overarching goal is to dismantle Sherlock's public image through these escalating scandals, forcing the detective into isolation. Meanwhile, John's blog post detailing the unfolding plot inadvertently amplifies Sherlock's fame, sparking a media frenzy that portrays him as a sensationalized , further complicating the threats. A brief reference to Irene Adler's lost phone—containing sensitive codes from a previous case—surfaces as a potential vulnerability in Moriarty's scheme, tying back to unresolved elements and heightening the act's tension. The sequence builds suspense through these layered threats, culminating in the realization of Moriarty's courtroom victory as the catalyst for the relentless pursuit.

Act Two: The Confrontation

In the midst of the escalating conflict, arrives at an abandoned indoor , where Jim Moriarty reveals himself as the mastermind behind the recent crimes. Moriarty has taken John Watson hostage, strapping an vest to him and positioning snipers to target both men, heightening the immediate danger and forcing Sherlock into a vulnerable position. During the intense standoff, Sherlock engages in negotiation with Moriarty, who hints at a larger geopolitical intrigue involving a mutual seeking to exploit their unique talents for criminal enterprises, such as accessing confidential defense plans. This leads to a fleeting moment of proposed between the two adversaries, though it quickly dissolves as Moriarty's true intent—to dismantle Sherlock's life and reputation—becomes clear. Moriarty departs dramatically by detonating a jacket, escaping while leaving the snipers' threat unresolved, and delivers the ominous line, "I owe you a fall, Sherlock," the personal destruction to come. With Moriarty's escape, the snipers stand down, allowing John to be freed from the vest, and the two friends hurriedly flee the scene to evade immediate pursuit. The tension mounts as Moriarty's scheme advances, with fabricated evidence surfacing that portrays Sherlock as a charlatan who invents crimes for fame and profit. Central to this framing is Moriarty's alias, Richard Brook, presented through manipulated flashbacks as an out-of-work actor allegedly hired by Sherlock to pose as the criminal mastermind and fabricate cases. These vignettes depict Brook's supposed recruitment and role in staging events, effectively blurring the boundaries between truth and deception to cast doubt on Sherlock's legitimacy. The ploy succeeds in drawing police scrutiny, with Detective Inspector Lestrade initially resisting but ultimately compelled to arrest Sherlock amid mounting pressure, while public skepticism grows through sensational media coverage.

Act Three: The Fall

On the rooftop of , Sherlock confronts Moriarty, who has orchestrated a scheme to discredit him as a by framing him for fabricating an international crime network. Moriarty reveals that his alias "Rich Brook" is a play on "Reichenbach," referencing their inevitable clash, and admits to using ordinary locks and bribes rather than the purported computer code for his break-ins, undermining Sherlock's deductions. To force Sherlock's hand, Moriarty threatens the lives of John Watson, , and Detective Inspector Lestrade, activating snipers poised to kill them unless Sherlock proves his innocence by committing suicide in public view. Sherlock deduces Moriarty's ultimate bluff: the villain's plan hinges on a "suicidal fake-out," where Moriarty will kill himself to eliminate any corroborating witness, leaving Sherlock's claims unverifiable and cementing his reputation as a hoaxer. With no alternative to save his friends, Moriarty shoots himself in the head, his body crumpling dramatically as he laughs maniacally. Sherlock, phone in hand, bids a poignant farewell to John below, apologizing for past deceptions and affirming their friendship before leaping from the rooftop. John races to the hospital upon hearing Sherlock's call, arriving just in time to witness the fall from a distance. A cyclist collides with him en route to the body, knocking him unconscious and disorienting him; when John recovers, paramedics are already covering the form on the pavement, identified as Sherlock's, and wheel it away before he can inspect it closely. Devastated, John later stands at Sherlock's , delivering a grief-stricken that contrasts his own emotional vulnerability with Sherlock's apparent detachment, declaring him the best and wisest friend he ever knew while lamenting the detective's isolation. Unbeknownst to John, Sherlock's survival is secured through a meticulously planned deception involving accomplices, including pathologist Molly Hooper, who aids in substituting a body to simulate the fatal impact. The episode closes on a cliffhanger as Sherlock, alive and observing from a distance across the cemetery, watches John's mourning with calculated resolve, his identity and future shrouded in secrecy.

Cast and Characters

Main Cast

Benedict Cumberbatch stars as , the brilliant consulting detective facing his greatest challenge. In "The Reichenbach Fall," Cumberbatch's portrayal reveals Holmes' vulnerability amid mounting threats, showcasing a broader emotional range as he navigates isolation and deception to outmaneuver his foe. His performance captures the strategic genius required to orchestrate his , blending intellectual prowess with subtle emotional depth. Martin Freeman portrays Dr. John Watson, Holmes' steadfast companion and blogger. Freeman emphasizes Watson's profound loyalty through moments of fierce defense against Moriarty's schemes, culminating in raw emotional devastation after the rooftop incident. His nuanced depiction of repressed grief and unwavering devotion anchors the episode's interpersonal stakes. Andrew Scott embodies Jim Moriarty, the criminal mastermind determined to dismantle Holmes' reputation. Scott infuses the character with manic energy during explosive confrontations, his natural Irish accent and erratic mannerisms heightening the sense of orchestrated chaos. For his work as Moriarty across the series, including this episode, Scott received the BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2012. Rupert Graves plays Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade, the pragmatic officer who collaborates with Holmes on investigations. In the , Graves conveys Lestrade's frustration and loyalty as he balances official duties with the unfolding crisis, highlighting the detective's role in bridging institutional and personal conflicts. plays , the warm-hearted landlady of . Her brief appearance underscores the personal toll of Moriarty's terror campaign, as the threats against her elicit a rare, heartfelt response from Holmes, highlighting the episode's domestic repercussions.

Guest Appearances

In "The Reichenbach Fall," reprises her role as Molly Hooper, the forensic pathologist at whose expertise in pathology supports the episode's investigative elements. Her performance highlights Hooper's professional skills and subtle emotional depth in interactions with the central characters. returns as , Sherlock's elder brother and a high-ranking government official, contributing to the narrative through his intelligence resources and a brief exploration of familial tensions. Gatiss's portrayal underscores Mycroft's strategic influence without dominating the primary storyline. Katherine Parkinson appears as Kitty Riley, an investigative journalist whose role adds a layer of media scrutiny to the episode's events. Other supporting guests include as Sergeant Sally Donovan and as Detective Sergeant Anderson, both recurring police figures who facilitate procedural aspects. Minor roles such as as the Chief Superintendent and as the Prosecuting Barrister provide institutional context. Notable cameos include voicing in a brief phone reference, linking back to her prior appearance in the series. Additionally, veteran actor , known for portraying in 1960s films, makes an uncredited appearance as an elderly member of the . These elements, along with various extras portraying reporters, court officials, and crowd scenes, enrich the episode's atmospheric tension without overshadowing the main ensemble.

Themes and Analysis

Adaptation from Doyle

"The Reichenbach Fall" serves as a contemporary reimagining of Arthur Conan Doyle's 1893 short story "The Final Problem," the penultimate tale in The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, where Sherlock Holmes confronts his arch-nemesis Professor James Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls in Switzerland, leading to the apparent death of both characters. In the BBC series, this adaptation updates the core conflict for a 21st-century audience, centering Moriarty's elaborate scheme to dismantle Sherlock's reputation and force his suicide, paralleling the original's intellectual duel that culminates in a fatal struggle. The episode retains the narrative arc of Moriarty as the "Napoleon of crime," orchestrating a web of criminal activity to trap Holmes, but relocates the showdown from the remote Alpine falls to the bustling streets and institutions of modern London. Key modern twists replace the Victorian-era physical combat with elements of digital sabotage, media manipulation, and psychological manipulation, reflecting contemporary threats like cybercrime and public shaming. Moriarty hacks into secure systems and stages high-profile crimes to frame Sherlock, escalating the conflict through a courtroom trial and viral disinformation campaigns, rather than a private pursuit across Europe. The iconic "fall" is symbolized not by a literal plunge into a waterfall but by Sherlock's leap from the rooftop of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, a site chosen for its proximity to his past and the dramatic visibility it affords in a media-saturated world. This shift amplifies the personal stakes, as Sherlock must navigate betrayal from allies and the erosion of his public image before the confrontation. The episode draws additional inspiration from earlier adaptations, particularly the 1945 film , starring as Holmes, for specific visual and dramatic elements such as the tense encounter at where Sherlock plays the violin to signal his awareness of Moriarty's approach, pausing as the villain ascends the stairs. This sequence echoes the film's hypnotic tension between the adversaries, blending homage with the series' stylistic flair. Notable deviations include the premeditated nature of Sherlock's survival, which was scripted from the outset to allow for his return in subsequent episodes, contrasting Doyle's initial intent to permanently retire Holmes amid public outcry that later prompted a in "The Adventure of the Empty House." Moriarty's backstory is significantly expanded, establishing him as a "consulting criminal" who mirrors Sherlock's deductive genius but applies it to chaos, a characterization built across the series rather than introduced fully formed as in Doyle's narrative. Despite these changes, the episode upholds fidelity to Doyle's themes of a battle of minds between equals, where intellect triumphs over brute force, though it heightens the spectacle through cinematic pacing and emotional depth suited to television format, emphasizing Sherlock's growth from detached observer to sacrificial hero.

Moral and Psychological Elements

The episode's central moral theme revolves around sacrifice for the greater good, as orchestrates his apparent suicide to dismantle James Moriarty's criminal network and shield his closest allies from targeted threats. This act underscores a profound ethical commitment, where personal loss is weighed against collective safety, highlighting Holmes's evolution from detached observer to protector. Psychologically, the narrative delves into Holmes's sociopathic tendencies, portraying his high-functioning detachment as both a strength and a intensified by emerging emotional bonds. His covert of John Watson's graveside grief reveals an , where intellectual superiority clashes with unacknowledged , testing the limits of his . Moriarty serves as a dark psychological mirror, embodying the unchecked that Holmes could become without anchors, their exposing shared traits of manipulation and while diverging in ethical intent. Moral ambiguity permeates the through the tension between public perception and private reality, with Holmes deliberately courting as a to outmaneuver Moriarty, blurring lines between heroism and . This strategic embrace of villainy raises questions about the of ends justifying means, as Holmes's deductions become a instrument for rather than mere puzzle-solving. The titular "fall" symbolizes a metaphorical rebirth, representing psychological descent into isolation followed by renewal through self-imposed .

Broadcast and Release

Initial Airing and Viewership

"The episode 'The Reichenbach Fall' premiered in the on on 15 January 2012, airing in the 9:00 PM time slot." "Initial overnight viewership reached 7.9 million, securing a 30% share of the audience during its broadcast window. Consolidated ratings, including timeshifted viewing, later confirmed 9.78 million viewers, marking it as the highest-rated installment of Sherlock's second series and surpassing the previous episode's figures." "In the United States, the episode debuted on PBS's Masterpiece Mystery! on 20 May , contributing to the strong performance of the second series overall, whose premiere drew 3.2 million viewers. It was distributed internationally through to various broadcasters. The episode's broadcast benefited from heightened anticipation surrounding the season's central Moriarty storyline, outperforming earlier episodes in consolidated metrics despite a slight dip in overnight numbers compared to the prior installment." "Online engagement was robust, with the episode generating over 1.9 million iPlayer requests by May 2012, reflecting significant catch-up viewing interest."

International Distribution and Home Media

The second series of Sherlock, featuring "The Reichenbach Fall" as its finale, was distributed internationally through (now ) partners, reaching over 240 territories worldwide. Key markets included , where the series premiered on ABC in February 2012, and , where it aired on CBC later that year. This broad distribution contributed to the franchise's global success, with the series accumulating tens of millions of viewers across platforms by the mid-2010s. Home media releases for series 2, including "The Reichenbach Fall," were issued on DVD and Blu-ray formats shortly after the UK broadcast. In the United Kingdom, the complete series 2 box set was released on 23 January 2012 by 2 Entertain. In the United States, Warner Home Video distributed the set on 22 May 2012. The UK release performed strongly in sales, reflecting sustained demand for the program. Streaming availability expanded access to the episode post-premiere. "The Reichenbach Fall" has been perpetually available on in the UK since its debut. It joined in the UK in 2014, though regional licensing has led to varying availability over time. By 2025, the episode streams on in select regions, enhancing global accessibility without major format changes since 2012.

Reception and Impact

Critical Reviews

"The Reichenbach Fall" received universal critical acclaim, earning a 100% approval rating on based on 18 reviews, with the Critics Consensus describing it as "beautifully written, deliciously twisty, and tragically mortifying." Critics praised the episode's intense psychological tension and the standout performances, particularly in its adaptation of Conan Doyle's "." The Guardian awarded the episode five out of five stars, lauding its gripping on the hospital roof and the emotional interplay between and Dr. John Watson, which heightened the suspense surrounding Holmes's apparent suicide. gave it a perfect 10 out of 10, calling it a "masterpiece" and a "grandstanding conclusion" to the season, filled with smart dialogue, audacious plotting, and stylish direction that masterfully built to the fall sequence. The Telegraph highlighted the episode's emotional depth, noting the sophisticated chemistry between and , which sustained engagement through the high-stakes confrontation with Moriarty. Reviewers frequently commended Andrew Scott's portrayal of Jim Moriarty as a chaotic, charismatic force, with his manic energy and against Holmes earning widespread acclaim; this secured Scott a BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2012. The direction by was noted for its cinematic flair in the rooftop sequence, blending vertigo-inducing visuals with intimate character moments. The writing by Steve Thompson was celebrated for balancing sharp humor—such as Moriarty's playful taunts—with dramatic , particularly in Holmes's unraveling under . While overwhelmingly positive, some critics offered minor reservations about the pacing in the episode's early courtroom scenes. The episode's critical success contributed to the broader acclaim for Sherlock's second series, which helped the show secure multiple BAFTA nominations and wins, including for production design, though episode-specific recognition was primarily limited to Scott's award. Its high viewership of 9.78 million in the UK underscored its immediate impact.

Fan Speculation and Cultural Legacy

Following the airing of "The Reichenbach Fall" on 15 January 2012, fans immediately engaged in widespread speculation about how survived his apparent suicide by jumping from roof. Online forums and platforms exploded with theories, including the use of a , a hidden , or a to cushion the fall, often dissecting the episode frame by frame for clues. Series co-creator fueled the debate by stating that viewers had overlooked a key clue explaining the survival, prompting even more detailed analyses. The episode's cliffhanger was quickly hailed as one of television's most gripping, comparable to the "Who shot J.R.?" mystery from Dallas, and it inspired grassroots campaigns such as "I Believe in Sherlock" posters distributed by fans to affirm Holmes's survival. This fervor led to a surge in the Sherlock fandom, with increased participation in cosplay events and fan fiction writing centered on the unresolved plot. By mid-2012, the episode had become a cultural touchstone, referenced in broader media discussions about narrative suspense in modern television. The resolution arrived in the series 3 premiere "," broadcast on 1 January 2014, which directly addressed fan speculation by presenting multiple hypothetical explanations for Holmes's survival, such as an elastic or a concealed truck, though the canonical method remained partially ambiguous to honor the original story. This meta-approach not only satisfied audiences but also highlighted the episode's role in elevating the series to global cult status, with promotional apps encouraging users to submit their own Reichenbach theories. By 2025, "The Reichenbach Fall" endures as an iconic moment in , maintaining strong viewership on streaming platforms like and , where it continues to draw new audiences and spark discussions. Retrospectives as of September 2025 praise it as a peak while noting it marked the onset of the series' later challenges and declining reception. Its influence extends to conversations about fake deaths as a dramatic device in television, contributing to the trope's prominence in subsequent shows by emphasizing emotional stakes and audience engagement.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/sherlock/s02/e03
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942614/
  3. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01b2vl4
  4. https://www.arthur-conan-doyle.com/index.php/The_Reichenbach_Fall
  5. https://www.pbs.org/video/masterpiece-sherlock-the-reichenbach-fall/
  6. https://www.bbc.co.uk/writers/documents/sherlock-s2-ep3-the-reichenbach-fall-stephen-thompson.pdf
  7. https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/sherlock-series-2-episode-3-the-reichenbach-fall-spoiler-free-review-2/
  8. https://thescriptlab.com/features/main/reviews-2/tv-reviews/1848-sherlock-season-2-finale/
  9. https://www.deadgoodbooks.co.uk/sherlock-chronicles-reichenbach/
  10. https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/05_may/16/sherlock.shtml
  11. https://www.virginmedia.com/the-edit/tv/where-was-sherlock-filmed
  12. https://explorecardiff.wordpress.com/category/doctor-who-sherlock-filming-locations/
  13. https://www.tumblr.com/sherlockology/7761151693/sherlockslondon
  14. https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/welsh-homes/gallery/cardiff-flat-used-bbcs-sherlock-29331926
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942614/locations/
  16. https://www.reddit.com/r/Sherlock/comments/14ufm4/filming_the_reichenbach_fall_ben_did_his_own/
  17. http://fitzrovianews.com/2012/01/18/sherlock-series-2-the-reichenbach-fall/
  18. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/cult/a359992/sherlock-the-reichenbach-fall-recap/
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942614/plotsummary/
  20. https://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/49427/how-could-sherlock-find-the-kids-in-the-reichenbach-fall-using-the-foot-prints
  21. https://arianedevere.livejournal.com/30955.html
  22. https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/sherlock_series_2_episode_3_the_reichenbach_fall_review-html/
  23. https://anglotopia.net/brit-tv/sherlock-series-2-episode-3-the-reichenbach-fall-review-spoilers/
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/arts/television/andrew-scott-best-roles.html
  25. https://www.bafta.org/media-centre/press-releases/television-awards-in-2012-winners-announced/
  26. https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/19885-sherlock/season/2/episode/3/cast?language=en-US
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942614/fullcredits/
  28. https://www.pbs.org/video/masterpiece-sherlock-season-2-lara-pulver-as-irene-adler/
  29. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/05/03/sherlock-season-2-steven-moffat-talks-holmes-moriarty-and-stayin-alive/
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2011/dec/17/sherlock-bbc-cumberbatch-freeman-interview
  31. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/MythologyGag/Sherlock
  32. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/58827160.pdf
  33. https://ecommons.udayton.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1046&context=uhp_theses
  34. https://reactormag.com/shaking-hands-in-hell-sherlocks-the-reichenbach-fall/
  35. https://screenpsyche.com/sherlock-holmes-bbc-genius-isolation/
  36. https://scholarship.shu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3621&context=dissertations
  37. https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/jan/16/sherlock-outsmarts-dancing-on-ice
  38. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-16573066
  39. https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/pbs-masterpiece-mystery-sherlock-series-2-uncovers-remarkable-ratings/
  40. http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/iplayer/iplayer-performance-april12.pdf
  41. https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2022/bbc-studios-reveals-new-international-homes-for-global-phenomenon-sherlock
  42. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2015/dec/30/sherlock-enters-new-year-as-global-tv-phenomenon
  43. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Sherlock-Complete-Series-Two-Blu-ray/31245/
  44. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Sherlock-Season-Two-Blu-ray/40455/
  45. https://www.amazon.com/Sherlock-Season-2/dp/B0081336FO
  46. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/jan/15/tv-review-sherlock
  47. https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/21/sherlock-the-reichenbach-fall-review
  48. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9013972/Sherlock-final-episode-BBC-One-review.html
  49. https://www.omnimysterynews.com/2012/05/sherlock-wins-2012-bafta-supporting.html
  50. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/sherlock/s02/e03/reviews?type=pro
  51. https://macleans.ca/culture/television/sherlocks-cliffhanger-has-viewers-stumped/
  52. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/aug/24/sherlock-series-three-episodes
  53. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/jan/20/steven-moffat-sherlock-doctor-who
  54. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/tv/features/sherlock-reichenbach-fall-death-b1993220.html
  55. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2014/jan/16/sherlock-network-app-reunites-fans-with-detective
  56. https://screenrant.com/sherlock-reinchenbach-fall-started-show-problems/
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