Maybe it is a "softer" ending because
the dad gets to redeem himself somewhat by protecting his son whereas in the Broadchurch ending he had no redeeming qualities.
I'm not sure I agree with that but I can understand why it might be perceived that way.
I definitely think it made for a harsher ending given the position that it puts the mother in.
Any storyline dealing with Sherlock Is An Addict will always, ALWAYS get me. It's my damn kryptonite.
Nobody tell my pacifist mother that Sherlock getting up in that dude's face thrilled me as much as it did.
It was second only to him sitting down all controlled and tense just afterwards.
I am So Wrong, you guys. Two actual NYPD cops were shot and killed, and my immediate first thought was, "They better protect the armory during the funeral!"
You're not the only one. (I also thought, "Shit, did he watch Elementary this week?")
I knew you people would understand.
You people are my kind of wrong.