I don't know if you have read the story 'A Scandal in Bohemia'. Irene Adler is supposed to be 'The Woman' who beat Holmes. This ending pretty much turns her into a regular 'Damsel in Distress'.

Interested to know your thoughts...

Cheers!

Haven't read it yet, but I know what you're talking about. Before I was aware that this scene was supposedly sexist,I actually didn't see it like that at all, to me Irene and Sherlock were equal and Irene actually won by making him care enough to come rescue her. Let me quote another fan on this matter: "that smile at the end? that wasn't damsel in distress who was relieved at being rescued. That was a woman who’s plan came together at the last second, saved by her own freaking genius. Sherlock was her tool, the entire time". That's how I see it.