the clue | the order | the summons | the reveal

The structure of Mycroft’s role in The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes is very similar to that of his role in A Scandal in Belgravia.

THE CLUE: Mycroft conspicuously reveals a clue about the case at hand in Sherlock’s presence.

THE ORDER: Mycroft orders Sherlock to stay away from the case.

THE SUMMONS: Mycroft summons Sherlock. In Private Life, Sherlock is given a bottle of champagne and driven to the site of Mycroft’s artifice. In ASiB, Sherlock is given airplane tickets and driven to the site of Mycroft's artifice. In both, Sherlock ascends stairs to meet Mycroft. (They both even do the same little head turn.)

THE REVEAL: Mycroft reveals his plans to Sherlock and shows Sherlock the mess he’s made.