radiogaga80 pretty much covered everything -- and quite beautifully, I might add -- but I'll just add my two cents as well. *g* I agree with you that Sherlock's "death" involved Molly and was something that was very carefully planned and executed. I mean, Sherlock was the one who chose the location for his meeting with Moriarty, so he could have worked out all kinds of details beforehand. I'm guessing that he intended to fake his death all along. I mean, his reputation is in ruins and he's a fugitive from the law. If he pretends to be dead then he's got some much needed breathing room.
As radiogaga80 said, the message was intended to get John out of the way. This echoes the fool's errand Watson is sent on in "The Final Problem". I'm assuming that Sherlock arranged to have the message sent in order to keep John away from Barts. He knew Mrs. Hudson hadn't been shot, which is why he seemed so cold-hearted about the whole thing.
I think Sherlock's gifts are everything to him. He loves being clever and needs to solve puzzles not only to keep his brain occupied but to show off. Keep in mind that with his reputation ruined, no one is going to go to him with their problems, which means he'll have nothing to solve. Besides, I don't think Moriarty thought Sherlock would kill himself for that reason. He really did expect him to sacrifice his life to save his friends. We've seen how much he cares about John and Mrs. Hudson at least. And as Moriarty points out in "The Great Game," Sherlock does have a heart even if he doesn't want to admit it.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2012-01-17 10:08 pm (UTC)As
I think Sherlock's gifts are everything to him. He loves being clever and needs to solve puzzles not only to keep his brain occupied but to show off. Keep in mind that with his reputation ruined, no one is going to go to him with their problems, which means he'll have nothing to solve. Besides, I don't think Moriarty thought Sherlock would kill himself for that reason. He really did expect him to sacrifice his life to save his friends. We've seen how much he cares about John and Mrs. Hudson at least. And as Moriarty points out in "The Great Game," Sherlock does have a heart even if he doesn't want to admit it.