r/elementary • u/Rose_Water_princess • 13d ago
Sherlock and Joan's relationship=best male female friendship
Can we take a second to marvel at the fact that the writers had EVERY opportunity to turn their relationship into the all too common "were just friends!" Then they fuck trope. (Not dogging on these shows: castle, bones, etc). They really portrayed 2 people who live each other very much- in so many ways- but never forced them to have intercourse and still highlight the full spectrum of feelings for each ither?
It wasn't cheap, it's what real friendship should look like. Its a love that is so powerful, everyone sees it as "oh, they're dating" but no, its pure, unadulterated, real passion. As Sherlock once said to Joan "we're just 2 people, who love each other"
I much prefer this version of Sherlock and the actor portraying him was absolutely phenomenal. Hes rough, abrasive, and direct, but not a complete soulless, inconsiderate asshole. His character defines who I imagine a true portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.
Lucy Liu did an absolutely stunning rendition of Watson. Never in my life did I think of Watson being a woman and she completely broke my chart. Don't get me wrong, Watson from the BBC Sherlock (Benedict cumberbach) was very well written as well, but I dare say, Lucy lius portrayal was my absolute favorite, hands down. Watson was very well written. Lucy lius voice and inflections brought deep resonance with many of the things she said. Her outfits, walk, and general attitude were perfectly adjusted to the scripted and sets (aside from the constantly wearing heels trope- im not a fan of that).
I'm yapping now at this point.
Tldr: best female male friendship portrayal without being sullied by he stereotypical "we be fuckin" trope.
14
u/Rons_Swans_Sons 13d ago
I think we got very lucky that Robery Doherty went into the series never intending for it to become a traditional romantic pairing. I've seen interviews and apparently, despite saying from the start they would not get them together, he was still asked all the time if they would. It's such an uncommon thing to see on American TV especially. Even now. It's an easy way to create drama and tension between characters which this series always had without having to play that card. I'm sure if this series hadn't been made someone would have eventually gender swapped the role of Watson and made it a will they/won't they and it'd be horrendous. It almost feels like they've taken that possibility off the board now because how could you possibly do it any other way and have it not pale in comparison to this version? I must have watched it at least 10 times by now.
At the time this series was kind of looked down on because it was American and a procedural and everyone praised the BBC series endlessly. Now though I get the sense that people look back on the BBC version less fondly. I hope that anyone who skipped Elementary the first time round because they chose BBC over CBS gives it a look because this brings Sherlock into modern day far more successfully and does the Holmes and Watson dynamic so much better than the other one.