“Sherlock” season 4 is not due until 2017 but fans have more or less gotten an idea of what to expect. Moriarty is expected to return but he is not the darkest of all the villains. In fact, he is shaping up to be an angel compared to the character that newcomer Toby Jones will be portraying.
Word of Toby Jones joining “Sherlock” season 4 was reported back in June. In that post, Jones was believed to be taking on the role of “Culverton Smith”. That character appeared on Sir Arthur Doyle’s “The Adventures of the Dying Detective” back in 1913.
For those unfamiliar with “Culverton Smith”, he was known for murdering his nephew and tries to kill Sherlock as well through an infectious disease. Sherlock played Smith, making it look like the poison was taking effect. It was here where Smith confessed to killing his nephew in the same way. You can read the rest here.
After the confession, Sherlock gets up and then Smith is arrested. Could this be the same script on “Sherlock” season 4?
Darkest of them all
The way showrunners Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat described Jones’ character, it may be more than just a simple poison-rendering scheme. He is described as someone more terrifying and will be a main cog in the development of the fourth season.
“He’s the darkest villain we’ve had. There was always something charming and engaging about Moriarty. There was something fascinating and actually amoral, rather than immoral, about Charles Augustus Magnussen. This guy is the purest evil. Sherlock is actually appalled by him. He’s the most evil villain we’ve had. I don’t think that when you see it, you will disagree. He’s horrific,” said Moffatt via Collider.
But is Jones really playing Smith? To date there is no confirmation but most rumors point to him as the main villain. With a long way before “Sherlock” returns, check back for more updates.