For a character that’s been around since 1887, some character development might be a welcome change for Sherlock Holmes.

Recently the cast and creators of BBC’s Sherlock sat down for a screening of season four, episode one in London. Deadline reports that one of the main themes emerging from this latest season is empathy on Sherlock’s part–or as they put it, “slightly less of a dick.”

It’s been two years since the last season of Sherlock, which ended with a nail-biting reference to the long-standing villain Moriarty. Last year we received the standalone episode “The Abominable Bride” to satiate our Sherlock fix, but the episode was not entirely canon with the entire series, as it followed Sherlock and Watson in their original 1800s versions.

It’s interesting to note that this season appears to have more emotional arc for the titular Sherlock. After seasons of snark, insensitivity, and a plainly uncompromising spirit, the cast and creators say we’re set for a change. In fact, creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss declared that this upcoming season will be the darkest yet, “but not in an entirely unfunny way,” says Gatiss.

Benedict Cumberbatch, who of course plays the iconic Sherlock, adds that he “is becoming, in a very clear way, responsible for his actions. But I think he understands that it’s a slow, slow process that began in the very first instance when he met John.”

Season four will premiere January 1 on BBC One and Masterpiece.