More often than not, the PI or lone-wolf cop *knows* that his
intervention is necessary but it won't solve anything.
From Philip Marlowe to Mario Balzic, with Lew Archer
significantly in the middle, the hero knows that his power is
limited and can't really cure any serious ill of
society.
What it can do is help put some bad guys away and free some
victims of terrible situations -- which is already an onerous
task for a lone wolf.
In this sense, the lone fixer is presented realistically by
our best writers. The exageration, even fantasy, comes
usually in the physical power and endurance of our
hero.
We admire him for putting himself at risk in order to do
something specific, not for being an agent of change, which
he isn't and can't be.
Best,
MrT
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