Sherlock is consistently inconsistent, veering between compelling drama... and self-indulgent nonsense... The fourth season premiere, "The Six Thatchers," is the first time it's managed to be boring.
In "Bad Boys" Joe Pantoliano's Captain Howard says "Just do what you do; only faster." That's the exact pep talk that you imagine Gatiss and Moffatt having with Cumberbatch and Freeman as they return to Baker Street for the 4th series of "Sherlock."
For every flaw that exists this season, there is a moment of genius. The problem is that the flaws are of the same magnitude. Even at it's worst Sherlock is still better than most shows at its best.