New spoilers hint on what waiting fans can expect in the fourth season of the hit crime drama "Sherlock". Reports have stated that the new season will be darker and more devastating than the previous seasons.  Furthermore, fans may see someone exit the show. A character will die next season, based on word spreading in the grapevine.

According to showrunner Steven Moffat, the characters of the TV series will be taken to another place. Moreover, the executive producer talked about a re-introduction that will lead to a darker climax, although he did not specify what this re-introduction will be. He assured that the crew behind the series has a lot of ideas for next season.

Aside from being darker, the new season is reported to be devastating. Moffat told Entertainment Weekly that season four will top the third season of the series.

"We have a plan to top it," he said.  "And I do think our plan is devastating. We've practically reduced our cast to tears telling them the plan ... we're probably more excited that we've ever been about Sherlock."

One way to top last season is by having someone die. This hints on a death of a major character, which may shake things up for both the characters and the avid followers of the show. Some reports speculate that Mrs. Hudson would be the one to be eliminated next season.

Another probable way season 4 would top season 3 is through the return of Sherlock's arch-nemesis, Moriarty. Sherlock's adversary is rumored to return from the grave in one form or another.  If the rumors prove true, then the question is how it would happen.  But a come-back would certainly shake things up in the neighborhood. 

"Sherlock" season 4 is returning to BBC in early 2016 with no official date yet. However, the series will also hold a Christmas special planned for December 2015, and will be based on the mystery "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle."