Intense. Shocking. Thrilling. Exceptional. Those are four of the words that come to mind when I think back on the season four finale of Sherlock. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I thoroughly enjoyed “The Final Problem”; in fact, it was one of my favorite episodes to date. Perhaps it was a bit crazy and farfetched at times, but so what? That craziness is exactly what kept me perched on the edge of my seat and led me to gasp on multiple occasions. It surprised me. That's what any good show should do.

The beginning of the finale caused me to believe Sherlock was deciding to morph into a maniacal clown-filled movie, that was until Sherlock turned on the lights and revealed himself and John as the orchestrators of the whole Mycroft scare. That was hilarious! The hilarity continued when Sherlock and John refused to speak with Mycroft unless he sat in the chair reserved for their clients—and of course, when Mrs. Hudson asked him if he would like some tea and proceeded to tell him the location of the kettle when he answered yes. Ah Mrs. Hudson is wonderful. (As is her vacuum-dancing.)

Although several people thought it strange to suddenly introduce a sister of the Holmes brothers, I was entranced by Eurus, just as the characters in the show were. Her uncanny ability to manipulate those around her was creepy and fascinating. Additionally, her ruthlessness and instability amplified the level of suspense because as a viewer, I really didn’t know what she would do next. I was terrified for Molly because Eurus had proven to be unpredictable, and no signs pointed to her keeping her word. Would she kill Molly regardless of her admittance of love for Sherlock? I was glad she didn’t, but I was also glad she threatened to, it made things interesting. My mind was blown when John realized everyone was under Eurus’s spell—the glass was never there, she reached out to link hands with Sherlock, the guns turned on John and Mycroft; it was insane! The tables turned swiftly, the shrewdest of the Holmes family becoming the game master.

Eurus’ series of tests for Sherlock, John, and Mycroft didn’t disappoint. They revealed Mycroft to be more compassionate than he typically seems by having him attempt to use reverse psychology to convince Sherlock to spare John’s life over his own. That was brave and selfless.The tests also assessed John’s moral code and Sherlock’s cleverness. It felt like I was with them in a labyrinth of deadly games, uncertain of what the end would bring.

I'd be remiss to leave out Moriarty, who, for a split second, I believed he was actually alive. Moriarty has never been one for holding back on the theatrics, so while he isn’t always my cup of tea, I liked the addition of his pre-recorded commentary, including the “tic-tocs,” and his dramatic exit from the helicopter, music blaring. He’s a humorous villain, I’ll give him that.

I appreciated getting a glimpse into Sherlock’s past, which was only made possible because of Eurus and her spiteful drowning of “Red Beard,” who we later found out was Sherlock’s childhood best friend. This event made it difficult to sympathize with Eurus, even when she was sobbing, stuck on the “plane,” I couldn’t bring myself to feel more than a fraction of pity for her. I could only think of the horrendous murders she committed: the governor and his wife, the two innocent brothers, the one guilty one, etc. However, I did think Sherlock comforting her was sweet because it showed emotional depth and how far he’s come. (Similar to the Sherlock-John hug of the second episode of season four.) Sherlock recognizing John as family also did this, and was a highlight for me. They are family, they always have been, having Sherlock affirm that with such vehemency left me stunned in the best way possible and warmed my heart. Not so much a high-functioning sociopath any longer, more like a high-functioning man brimming with emotions that he tries so desperately to conceal. Lestrade notes Sherlock’s progression by finally calling him a good one, something he suggested Sherlock would become in the beginning of the series.

Sherlock and Eurus playing violin in harmony accompanied by Mary’s final speech about Sherlock and John as they revamped their apartment was the perfect way to end season four. Life was back to normal, yellow smiley face and all.

While that doesn’t nearly cover everything, it does cover the main parts of the finale that left me craving more.

Let’s hope this isn’t it for our Baker Street boys.