I'd like to see the 'We believe in Sherlock' movement being included as not only a nod to the fans but as an integral part of the story.

-m0r

Wow, that's a good idea. Because there's bound to be people who would feel that way - people who he's solved crimes for in the past, rescued family members from kidnappings, recovered stolen goods etc. All those people would have respect and admiration for him, and are more unlikely to believe the stories being put round by Moriarty and his crew.

The first episode back will obviously start with a recap of what happened at the end of Reichenbach, and will then it could either take us through the immediate aftermath of that from John's perspective and how he's coping without Sherlock, or it could go to 3 years later (like in the books), and things have moved on quite considerably. For example, John could be married and no longer living at 221B - he did say to Mrs Hudson that he didn't feel he could go back to the flat...

I wouldn't hold too much hope out for a 'nod to fans'. lol
The creators of this show want to give all their 'nods' to Conan Doyle's canon, a shared love & respect they have for it.
"Believe in Sherlock" is a fan made thing, Moffat has acknowledged it & said it is great free advertising that has gone viral, I think that's the best that people can hope for. If they 'nod' that, they'd be inundated with everything that is going around.

I for one would tune out if they started playing to the whims of the 'fans' because 'the fans' cannot create what these guys have thus far.

I know they have discussed on the commentary the fact that John got married at one stage, also a few other things that went on in the original so they have plenty of ideas to run with yet.
It'll be interesting to see which stories are next; cos then we can all madly 'cram' them & get some background, lol!

Be wrote:

I would like to see Sherlock living in 221 c, alone in ths ugly flat working on his return.
In TRF we see the "assassin" on the ladder in the corridor of 221 on the left side working. I  thinkt he is there to fix the bell or do some work for somebody to move into the flat 221 c.
In the commentry the writers said they might go back to  221 c
What if the "assassin" is in fact somebody Sherlock hired to protect Mrs. Hudson? He looks really fierce with his tatoos, doesn't he? In my opinion, it's too much: He might be in fact a good guy.
Sherlock knew in advance that he had to fake his death and that he had to find a new flat. Conclusion: Rooms near 221 b with access to 221 b and the books and equipment. John will move out of 221 b and Sherlock spends some time in 221 c untill he returns.
Just some puzzle pieces put together?!

"Oh look you've got damp!"

That would make it the not quite empty house.

I wonder if Mycroft was at the 'funeral?'

Hey, SP! Good to hear from you.

I love the idea of Moran being a woman, and Watson falling for him, er, her, and Sherlock coming to the rescue. Maybe it will be MARY Moran, and Watson is engaged to her...

I think I've mentioned before that the "assassin" at 221 could be placed there by Sherlock, not Moriarty. I agree that his "bad" look is a little over the top.

Sherlock living in 221C would be nice, but only if Watson is still living in 221B...