The show's twelfth episode featured Vinnie Jones as a hitman ultimately revealed to be Sebastian Moran, based on the character that first appeared in Doyle's story "The Adventure of the Empty House." After initially believing Moran was the murderer of his love Irene Adler, Holmes stabs Moran (deliberately missing every organ) and turns him over to the police. With Moran wanting revenge on the man who set him up, he tells Holmes that his employer is none other than Holmes' literary arch-enemy, Moriarty.
So with Elementary stepping its game up, fans of the show are now wondering when Moriarty will make his debut. According to an article yesterday by The Hollywood Reporter, executive producer Rob Doherty intends on keeping Moriarty's casting a secret as long as possible. "We're approaching very carefully and as quietly as we can. At the end of the day, we want a tremendous actor," said Doherty. "It's less fun for me if you know who he is." He also remarked, "We have a few more weeks before we have to sweat that."
And with the various references to Holmes' supposedly-but-not-probably deceased love Irene Adler, it's not surprising that Doherty wants to explore the past relationship further, at least in flashback form. "She's an important element to Sherlock's backstory," he said. "I'd love to have a face to that name. She's got to be unique. You will see a living, breathing actress reading lines and portraying Irene."
Elementary will also be featured in the coveted post-Super Bowl XLVII timeslot on February 3rd, with Doherty feeling pressure to make the most of the opportunity to bring in new regular viewers. "It's hard to go from 10 to 11, but I did. Mostly what we felt was great excitement." He also said the episode will "expose the show to people who may not have checked it out yet" but will be "something that our regular audience would really have fun with."
Elementary airs at 10 p.m. Thursdays on CBS.