Honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine other actors play the
roles of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. James Watson, especially when one’s been
greatly spellbound by the dynamic duo of Robert Downey. Jr.
and Jude Law in the big screen.
In short, I cannot picture out Benedict Cumberbatch and
Martin Freeman play the most sought-after bromance roles in cinematic history.
But they nailed it.
Cumberbatch portrays the “high-functioning sociopath” (as
Sherlock describes himself), talking fast, even faster than Downey in the
movie; acting weird and egotistic, insensitive but compassionate at times. He’s
like the more serious, smarter, sexier, not-so-physics-obsessed Sheldon Cooper,
only with more hair and a higher inclination for outdoor and active lifestyle.
Martin Freeman, on the other hand, fares extremely well as
the emotionally bruised soldier/army doctor who is, of all people,
universally-conspired to be Sherlock Holmes’ best friend. Martin Freeman will
always be Bilbo Baggins to me, and just like his role in “The Hobbit” – a young
man thirsty for adventure and a friend till the end – John Watson is as
danger-loving and loyal as he can get.
Though the book is classic in nature, the series has a touch of modern setting, with smart phones and
internet helping in spreading word and solving cases. But it’s still smart.
Period. The brains behind the series surely have carefully weaved the very
fabric of each episode so that it becomes connected and coherent to the next,
even if it’s a season apart.
Since smart is the new sexy, Sherlock Holmes definitely is
the sexiest character in my recent fandom-ing. But apart from his brains and
odd, apathetic attitude, what makes him irresistible is his deep love for his
friend, John Watson.
As he gently puts in his Best Man Speech in S03E02, “I solve
crimes, John saves a life”. It is palpable in his words what a true friend he
is and how he admires John Watson to the bones. Even more touching was the
scene when he doesn't know how to respond when John picks him as his best man,
because he has no idea that he was John’s best friend (tearjerked here).
Oh, what he would not do for a friend! He even killed Augustus Magnussen to help protect Mary’s reputation. He would go the depths of
darkness, whatever it cost, for the sake of his one and only best friend, Dr.
John Watson.
This is what makes a Sherlock Holmes, no matter how pompous
he may appear, human.
And with that, he has my heart. (awwwwwwwww)
Three seasons after, and I can’t imagine someone else play
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson other than Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.
Not even Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law. Not anymore. :D
Labels: benedict cumberbatch, doctor john watson, martin freeman, sherlock holmes, sherlock holmes series, why you should watch sherlock holmes series
