New stills from Sherlock Season 4 out

The countdown to 2017 has long begun for Sherlock fans. The ardent followers have been waiting for almost three years, with the last official season getting over on January 12, 2014. Yes, there was the special episode last year, The Abominable Bride, to help fans cope with the wait but does that really count as a season?

The makers have been teasing fans with new trailers over the past few months. And with the latest update on the series, BBC has released new still from the show. The pictures, shared by PBS - the US station for Sherlock, give a sneak-peek into the show.

According to the pictures, Sherlock (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) seems paranoid with the new Watson member and the makers reveal Toby Jones' vicious look is revealed. "He's the darkest villain we've had. There was always something charming and engaging about Moriarty. There was something fascinating and actually amoral, rather than immoral, about Charles Augustus Magnussen. This guy is the purest evil," Steven Moffatt, executive producer was quoted in the Independent's article.

Sitting in a blue suit, Jones sneers into the camera with absolute repugnance. In other photos, Sherlock and the Watson are seen in the streets with Mary, the trio is shot discussing something with the production camera following the dialogues. Apart from introducing the viewers to the new addition of the Watson family, the images shared give fans get to see Sherlock and Mycroft in the same frame and Mrs. Hudson making an appearance.

The fourth season will also leave fans anxious as Benedict Cumberbatch strongly hinting that season four of Sherlock will be its last. "I don't know how long we can keep it going. I'm personally willing but I'm hardly the main draw. I would be moderately surprised if this was the last time we ever made this show. But it absolutely could be," Moffat was quoted in an interview to The Telegraph. It is speculated that the series could either end or it will be long before the fans would get to watch Season 5, given Cumberbatch's hectic work schedule and commitment to other projects.