I think this subject has not come up so far, therefore I'll give it a go and would like to read your ideas about it. There are some interesting parallels between these episodes (some of them observed by Tobe), apart from the fact that they come last in the series and end a with big cliffhanger. 
In both episodes we have the constellation Sherlock - John - Moriarty.
In both episodes Sherlock's life is in danger (once by snipers, once by forced suicide).
In both episodes John's life is in danger (both times by snipers plus the Semtex vest).
In both episodes Moriarty's life is in danger (by Sherlock's gun and by suicide).
In both episodes Moriarty uses John as a sort of hostage against Sherlock.
In both episodes snipers play a crucial part.
In both episodes phone calls play an important part. (the call to Moriarty, too if you take the pool scene as a unit)
In both episodes there's the water motive (the pool, the Thames, the Reichenbach fall).
In both episodes Sherlock has to save lives under pressure (the Semtex victims/the children, John, Mrs Hudson, Lestrade).
In both episodes there's a case connected with a painting.
I'm sure there's even more. 
Last edited by SusiGo (June 25, 2013 4:16 pm)
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"To fake the death of one sibling may be regarded as a misfortune; to fake the death of both looks like carelessness." Oscar Wilde about Mycroft Holmes"It is what it is says love." (Erich Fried)“Enjoy the journey of life and not just the endgame. I’m also a great believer in treating others as you would like to be treated.” (Benedict Cumberbatch)
