A saving grace? The show’s loyal fans. Whether from respect or kindness, some have actually theorized that this implosion of quality was really a self-inflicted, conscious sabotage to make a point; others suggest that there is a magical fourth episode waiting in the wings that will allow all of us to climb successfully out of the massive plot sinkholes. That is how much the audience cares about the show and respects its team: it looks for ways to bail them out, to pick them up when they seem to stumble. And it’s a good thing. If not for that dedication, Sherlock could figuratively suffer far worse than that decapitation in the sand.