urbanhymnal:

urbanhymnal:

I know we are all on a “Mycroft is doomed” kick, but after thinking about the scene in which Mycroft and Sherlock are discussing their bet, I can’t help but wonder if this scene was actually all about Sherlock. We are told to focus on Mycroft and his overindulgence; John says that if Mycroft keeps this up that he will be dead in five years. Sherlock says three and then two, if Mycroft just indulges a little bit more. 

And what has Sherlock been doing this entire time? Indulging in his habit. It’s possible this scene is nothing more than foreshadowing Mycroft’s untimely demise, but all I can see is Sherlock telling himself what he already knows: if he keeps this up, if he doesn’t stop taking drugs, he’s got two years at the most. In his mind palace, John (his heart and steadfast companion– always there when he needs him) and Mycroft (meddling, but ultimately always knows what Sherlock needs to do in time of crisis) tell him what he doesn’t want to hear or really acknowledge. It manifests as Mycroft going for one more pudding, but then the waiter pulls back the lid and it is revealed that it’s never just *one* more pudding. With Sherlock, it’s never just *one* more high. He can’t be satisfied with just one. He has to keep chasing the high. 

What does it say, then, that mind palace!John can actively see “Mycroft’s” problem, but our real John keeps overlooking and pretending that Sherlock’s problem isn’t as bad as it actually is? Is it Sherlock wishing that John could see to the heart of the issue (after all, mind palace!John is so worried about “Mycroft’s” heart)? So much of the narrative of this show is about Sherlock’s heart, his sentiment, that I can’t read this scene as just being for laughs or a nod to what awaits Mycroft in series 4. 

It’s an interesting echo of the mind palace scene from HLV; Sherlock actively seeks out Mycroft and John in that episode because he knows he is dying, but wants to live. In the special, he knows he is dying, but doesn’t want to hear it. He needs someone to see to the heart of the matter. He needs his doctor. 

This also gives the whole “man out of time” a very different read.

You’re running out of time, Sherlock. Tick tock.