We then find Watson confronting Sherlock in a nearby room, the latter perfectly still, the former trying to get him to open up. It’s when Sherlock echoes Watson’s earlier sentiments that this episode is truly driven into its best of season status. Here is a man who’s been thoroughly beat down and broken into shambles in the past two years, who finally believed he was going to meet his solace and instead was left with more questions and more empty spaces. He sits on the couch and tells Watson that he’s sorry that their last few days together had to go so poorly. Realizing she’s witnessing such a human moment from him she gravitates his way to comfort, naturally. But with Sherlock it’s a tentative reach of her hand, simply human contact, and that’s enough, the bridge has been built.