It may be a signal to Sherlock and John that it’s not a game anymore but as with pretty much all of the brilliant mind palace teasers from the likes of Sherlock co-creators/writers, Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, so much is left up to the members of the Sherlock-nation as to what it could possibly mean! Both have become masters of misdirection when it comes to hints and teases for the series. After 6 years and 3 series, I have finally come to the conclusion that they actually enjoy toying with us as much as they enjoy creating Sherlock.

Photo courtesy: BBC

While the newest teaser spot shows Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and John (Martin Freeman) sitting in a flooded 221b Baker Stree with their old home together all but destroyed, the BBC has also revealed this intriguing synopsis: “One mysterious case in particular baffles Scotland Yard – but Sherlock is more interested in a seemingly trivial detail. Why is someone destroying images of the late prime minister Thatcher? Is there a madman on the loose? Or is there a much darker purpose at work? Something with its roots deep in Mary Watson’s past.” Arghhh!

Ever since 2 January 2016, the day after the broadcast of “The Abominable Bride”) which saw Sherlock and John head back to Victorian London (or, did they), co-writer Steven Moffat promising “…an emotional upheaval” for the show’s characters this series. “Series four is going to be about consequences,” Moffat hinted. “It’s dark in some ways – obviously it’s great fun and a Sherlock Holmes romp and all that – but there’s a sense of things coming back to bite you.”

Sherlock “The Six Thatchers” premieres Sunday, January 1, 2017 on PBS and BBC1