A thought has been on my mind for a long time about Sherlock and John, and everything I have absorbed (from books and the Granada series). I discussed it with a close friend, to whom I also introduced the series, and we reached a consensus on this as well.
I don't know if anyone has talked about this before, and if they have, it's good to know that there's someone else who thinks like me. But regardless, I would like to talk about it or highlight it. I'll try to be very direct, as it's a subject that deserves detail. I make it clear that I will write a lot.
I believe that one of the most romantic things implicit in the Sherlock universe can be expressed in the following sentence: Watson, don't forget the times when I did nothing to you, because that's when I most proved my love by trying to preserve your freedom.
We know that Holmes is a very determined person, and he knows how to use this trait in many situations. He has always preserved Watson's freedom, but he always remains by his side. There is no barrier that needs to be broken (friendship, romance, whatever). They just coexist with each other.
It's a kind of love so intense that Holmes avoids talking about it, or declaring it (although that's not his style, being so romantic), but I believe he doesn't want to give Watson a glimpse of danger. He loves silently, but he gives it away in every detail. Just pay attention. Perhaps Watson is the biggest factor in Holmes's total surrender to cases and seeking something new to do, something new, a challenge, a lurking danger, because not only does it leave him mentally stagnant, but being around Watson must be a kind of torture. Having so much energy, so much desire, and not being able to use it on him must be pure hell.
What I am discussing here is also science. Yes, science. There are scientific studies on character traits (it is a good opportunity to get to know yourself; it helped me a lot to accept certain behaviours of mine). Holmes has an almost unhealthy interest in cases, to the point of becoming depressed, for example. But why? This unhealthy interest fits with his rigidity. He truly works for the art, I completely believe in that (and, in some way, humanity too. He helps people in many ways by solving cases). And I don't want to say that Holmes's crises are motivated by Watson, before anyone misunderstands me. Holmes is an incredible and complex character. I love him, and I know that many reasons can inform his specific behaviors. But I also think about this issue of Watson. If Holmes stops, he will be giving in to a temptation he can't even handle. He cares deeply for John. So he closes himself off, isolates himself, because rigidity is in pain.
He doesn't want to disturb Watson's peace. It's as if he's immaculate to Sherlock, a jewel untouchable. I've always seen something in them both that I couldn't quite explain. Jeremy's performance only helps with these details (because Jeremy really enhanced the character, even creating headcannons). It's like listening to Gymnopédies and analyzing everything more visually. You see a void in Holmes when you put together everything the character carries.
The scene of Sherlock holding the rose. He says such beautiful things, but seems lost in himself (how long did he think about so many things like that while he couldn't do anything himself? How many times was Holmes alone? Saying to himself what he sees but doesn't feel? Why is there nothing else that makes sense besides the cases and having John around, the only thing that's lively and apparently interests Sherlock?). But when he and Watson are together, laughing, talking, fighting, walking together, smoking together, it's clear that Holmes is complete, even if he doesn't say anything. My God, the scene of Watson caring for Holmes after he's injured and that tender look from Sherlock is EVERYTHING TO ME.
Watson is literally the only thing that keeps Holmes "powered up", literally. And if he is in danger, he is capable of facing God and the devil to protect John. There was only one human being Sherlock wanted to spend the rest of his life with, and he used those feelings wisely, acting rationally. Sherlock, convinced, wanted to experience that love by asking John to hide, if he loves him. Watson did. Deep down, Holmes already knew.
It's a light, beautiful, profound love. One of the most beautiful romances, without even an explicit kiss. For me, one of the most beautiful literary relationships in existence. Holmes's gaze upon Watson seems one of adoration. Devotion. Holmes will always be lost without his Boswell. And I will never believe those who say Sherlock is heartless. A heart of stone, omitting, lying, to ensure his "friend"'s safety? Not only that, but his humanity in cases and the way he approaches clients.
From Watson's perspective, Holmes will always be cold. Of course, he'll never tell, he won't want to expose, he'll try not to show too much. This affects John's perspective of him (I'm involving the books in this too), resulting in the way he sees him. When Watson talks about Holmes's sentimental side, we enter another universe. In "A Scandal in Bohemia", John says that emotions like love are abominable to his cold and precise mind (of course, John, you're prohibited for him). He only sees women as motives or clues (yes, John, besides being a huge sassy gay, he only has eyes for you). It's easy to use John's point of view to say: yeah, Holmes is terrible. He's heartless.
If Holmes were as hot as he would like to be, we would see Arthur as the court's next victim (hi, Oscar).
Well, I think I've finished my analysis. It's a personal opinion, but I wanted to share it because this has been on my mind ever since I first talked to my friend about it. I love how the Granada series treats them like husbands.
It's good to be back here ofc 🤍
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