How Does Elementary End?
How Elementary Wraps Things Up For Holmes, Watson, and the Rest of the Crew
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Sherlock's former love and nemesis looms large in the finale, as her name is invoked in the case that brings Sherlock out of hiding: one of her associates appears to tell Joan that Moriarty is dead and has bequeathed something to Sherlock and thus to Joan, as his heir. As they investigate, it turns out that Moriarty is definitely not dead and that the "associate" was fake — and Moriarty is none too pleased that her name is being used under false pretences.
In the epilogue a year later, Sherlock and Joan attend Moriarty's funeral, but neither of them actually believe she's dead. Showrunner Rob Doherty confirmed that to TVLine. "I think it's pretty clear that she's someone that Sherlock and Joan will continue to come up against. We won't be able to see those episodes, but I liked the idea of her being out there and continuing to be a foe to Sherlock and Joan... Yes, I will say she's absolutely still alive."