In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, "Elementary" executive producer Rob Doherty said season 4 will begin roughly three days after Sherlock's (Jonny Lee Miller) relapse and one day after he learns his father, Morland (John Noble), would be heading to New York to actually attempt to take care of his son.
The first thing Doherty explained is that the beginning of season 4 won't focus on the three days between season 3 and 4. Doherty explained that Sherlock did not go missing during those days and instead spent time contacting friends, sobering up and contemplating.
Doherty then explained that Sherlock's condition in season 4 will be an improvement compared to how the character was in previous seasons.
"I feel like Sherlock is much better equipped today than he would have been two or three years ago to face down a relapse. Relapses happen," he explained to EW. "So, as we startup season four, we're going to see Sherlock taking new positive steps. with respect to his recovery."
One thing that Doherty did make clear is that Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) will not be relegated as Sherlock's sober companion and will instead retain her status as his close ally, friend and partner in solving crimes. This is because Sherlock is now "equipped to deal" with relapses and no longer needs a crutch to walk him forward.
Doherty also said that the work Sherlock does with the police is his form of replacement therapy. By focusing solely on the cases he has to solve, Sherlock is able to distract himself from narcotics. This will be compromised during the first few episodes of season 4 as Sherlock accepts that his actions in the season 3 finale may see him booted from the New York Police Department.
With that in mind, season 4 will see Sherlock and Watson looking for other agencies that they may lend their services to.
"Elementary" season 4 premieres this Nov. 5.
