Yes, most of the filming has been done; they've been doing it between other projects. That's how the filming world works.
There's no REAL indication that the 3rd series will be the last ; in fact I take what the actors & creators say at face value & they have ALL said they want to do more for years to come.
Every now & then something gets printed that stirs up publicity regarding 'an end' ; Moftiss aren't silly enough to squash rumours, rumours are what keep the public's interest raging.

Consider this series like a fine wine; you enjoy some and leave some on the shelf to go to vintage and all the while you take your time making the next exciting batch.

Since they all are very fond of the show and each other, I'm sure they'll find the time for other seasons. Like it's been already said, It's not a daily or weekly show, so the only fear I have is that the gaps will be bigger.

True.  But also bear this in mind:

"We have three new words – which may be misleading, are not titles, are only teases or possibly clues, but might be deliberately designed to get you into a lather. Who knows?" said Moffat.

This Daily Express article seems to be the origin of the current hubbub, and this bit is the crux of the matter:

... with both Cumberbatch, 36, and Freeman, 41 today, now enjoying flourishing film careers, there are no plans for further episodes beyond [the third series], with insiders admitting that the forthcoming series is likely to be the actors’ final outing in the famous roles.

Of course there are no plans as yet for further episodes -- they're just now writing Series 3!  Who are these nameless "insiders" and what do they mean by "likely"?  According to  the Wikipedia entry, the Daily Express is "a daily national middle market tabloid newspaper in the United Kingdom," and judging by the various front pages shown there, it's more or less on a par with American supermarket tabloids.  They do sometimes print the truth, and of course this could be one of those times, but I'm not planning to lose any sleep over it.

Last edited by Carol the Dabbler (September 19, 2012 4:32 pm)

Thanks for posting the link, Wholocked!  That thread is well worth reading, especially Kazza's comments on (as you mentioned) the "mish-mash" nature of the article.

No. A year and a half does though.