Sherlock & Daughter wrapped up its first season on The CW, but how did the show conclude? How can it set up season 2?
Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for Sherlock & Daughter season 1
The penultimate episode of Sherlock & Daughter had Sherlock Holmes uncovering a massive theft of gold at the Bank of England. When the news broke, it set off a panic that could have collapsed the United Kingdom economy before Anderson brought together some investors, and Holmes and Amelia managed to recover the gold as well as rescue the kidnapped Watson and Mrs. Hudson.
The plot of the Red Keep in Sherlock & Daughter explained
But the pair quickly realized they had been used in a huge plot by the Red Keep. By making the bank close to failing, they were able to buy up shares for pennies and thus make a huge profit when the gold was recovered. Anderson himself made $10 million off his investment.
Yes, Anderson was involved with the Red Keep, as Amelia and Clara learned by overhearing a conversation between him and Lady Violet. Violet was revealed as a true fanatic who had killed Amelia's mother for her weapon plans, which Violet planned to sell. Also, Inspector Whitlock was on the take, helping the group.
The final scene of the episode had Holmes and Amelia putting together the true mastermind of the Red Keep: Dan Moriarty. Rather than rebelling against his father, Dan was in many ways worse as he'd pulled this entire plot to earn millions to finance a revolution to "free" the British colonies from what he saw as an oppressive rule. Even Moriarty was disgusted by his son's actions (mostly because he preferred working within the system rather than destroying it).
Oh and on top of all that? Holmes confessed to Amelia he really was her father. That set up a big finale.
Do they stop an assassination?
The season finale began with Holmes telling Amelia he and her mother had been lovers, but she left without telling Holmes she was having his child (and yes, Holmes noted the irony that the world's greatest detective couldn't recognize the signs of morning sickness).
The duo put together the Red Keep's plan: 1: Assassinate the Prime Minister at a ball at the American embassy, with Whitlock ensuring the killer gets away. 2: Blame the death on Hungary to embroil Great Britain in war where Daniel will use his new wealth to fund revolution. 3: Lady Violet will share the plans for new tanks and weapons with England's enemies to ensure its defeat.
Holmes and Swann confronted Whitlock over his complicity with the Red Keep. The man made the mistake of threatening Amelia and got a punch from Holmes. At the party, Amelia was able to identify the would-be assassin who shot at the Prime Minister. Thanks to Holmes' interference, he failed and was killed.
Amelia then confronted Lady Violet, who showed no remorse over killing her mother. They fought before Holmes arrived, with Violet making the classic mistake of ranting about her plans, allowing Amelia to tie her scarf to the horse carriage. When Violet shot at Holmes (and missed), the startled horses took off, dragging Violet behind them to strangle her.
Dan was ready to take things into his own hands, with Amelia confronting him inside a tight room, angered about Dan using her all along. She locked Dan into a tight passage with a burning lantern and left him to suffocate.
How does the ending set up Sherlock & Daughter season 2?
That mostly settled things, with Anderson left as a thread. His reasoning for working with the Red Keep was that a war in Europe could help America's economy manufacture weapons. Holmes knew that bringing this up in public would cause a stir and Anderson had diplomatic immunity. So they struck a deal where Holmes would keep quiet about Clara's secret relationship while Anderson would keep Amelia's parentage a secret.
Watson, of course, wrote a big story about all this, although Holmes insisted he keep Amelia completely out of it, with only he, Watson, and Mrs. Hudson knowing of her parentage. Amelia decided she would stay in London to learn more from Holmes as the pair adjusted to their new relationship.
When Holmes mused about Dan escaping in confusion, Amelia dryly stated she doubted they'd ever see him again. What she didn't know was the final shot showed the passageway smashed from the inside, indicating Dan had escaped.
Thus, season 2 could have Holmes and Amelia continuing to work together while getting to know each other better. Dan and his father are still out there as threats and the chance the Red Keep could revive itself. Either way, Sherlock & Daughter's first season-long case came to a great conclusion to raise hopes for more of this pairing.
Sherlock & Daughter is now streaming on HBO Max.
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