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There are some hints that Mycroft is superior in intellect that Sherlock. But if that's the case, why does he rely on Sherlock to solve many mysteries, why doesn't he just figure it out himself?
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Because he despises 'legwork'
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Wholocked wrote:
Because he despises 'legwork'
Yeah I guess I get that for the petty crimes. But with the events at the beginning of season 3 and the fact that he went out of his way to do some legwork there anyways. It seems that the nation could really use Mycroft instead of just waiting for Sherlock to figure it out.
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I would like to believe that they are talented in different areas. They're both good at deduction, but Mycroft is more skilled in analysesing systems, and Sherlock criminal.
In the original books, Mycroft is someone who helped the government to work more effectively.
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And Mycroft may not really need Sherlock to solve problem, he cared about him. That's their brotherhood.
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It is also, perhaps, a nod to the original stories. In these Mycroft is acknowledged as a superior intellect to Sherlock but he is intrinsically lazy.
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Mycroft is a state official and has a high position in the government so he would be compromised if seen in the company of suspicious individuals and shady criminals. It′s inconcievable for him to be associated with such people. It could also be seen as a harassment by state if Mycroft interrogated suspects personally or tried to uncover clues by himself. Meanwhile, Sherlock as a private detective consultant is free to go where he pleases, to stick his nose into every stuff he wishes and to pry the clues from any individual connected with the crime scene without causing such fuss. Sherlock is therefore a perfect tool for Mycroft to use in cases where his personal interference is not possible.
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There is also the fact that Mycroft works 16 hour days already; there isn't the time...
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Mmmmm, he doesn't want to crease his bespoke suit?
I think Mycroft tries to make sure that Sherlock isn't bored because when Sherlock is bored the chances are he will turn to a '7% solution' to ease the boredom.
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But you don′t entrust somebody with cases on which national security depends just to cure their boredom. Mycroft knows that he can rely on Sherlock, he gives credence to his abilities and he is confident that Sherlock will handle those cases swiftly, discreetly and successfuly. His worries about „7% solution“ are just an afterthought.
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The men in question - they each need each other.