The Final Problem

jbcubbs-ultimatefanboy asked: i think i may have a theory about what the vital "out of character clue" we all missed might be. When he's on the phone with John, towards the end Sherlock tells him thats the phone call is his "note". But, makes a point in saying, "That's what people do isn't it? Leave a note?" Like he knows its a normal thing to do when someone commits suicide. BUT when has Sherlock ever done done something normal??? of course this is just a base theory, there could be way more to it than than that...

Sherlock is definitely in his own little world sometimes, but I think he has more of an awareness about what normal people do than comes across at times. They like to highlight the moments when Sherlock is clueless about something we mere mortals understand because it’s funny. However, Sherlock wouldn’t be very good at his job if he were truly unaware of what ordinary people do.

This is not to say there can’t be any kind of hint in the “leave a note” line, but considering Sherlock’s profession I think the fact that normal people leave a note when they commit suicide would not be news to him in any way. (And he didn’t seem at all puzzled by the whole suicide note concept in A Study in Pink.)

On the other hand, if you meant that you’re not surprised Sherlock would know about suicide notes but you think it’s out-of-character that he would do something so normal as to leave a note… Remember that Sherlock was definitely acting during the phone call to John. He was playing the part of a disgraced, suicidal man. Personally, I’m not looking for out-of-character moments in sections where Sherlock was putting on an act, because I feel the fact that he was acting makes the whole thing in-character again. If that makes any sense whatsoever.

Besides, everyone does normal things sometimes. Even Sherlock.