Sherlock Holmes! The answer echoed in my mind as the Final Jeopardy music faded out a few weeks back. The clue: “Per Guinness, this character who debuted in 1887 is the most portrayed human literary character in film & television.” While my family remained unimpressed, a thrill of recognition shot through me.
After the initial excitement subsided, a thought lingered: could the second-most portrayed human literary character possibly be Doctor Watson? Sadly, for fans of the loyal companion, that title belongs to Hamlet, the eternally conflicted prince. Yet, despite not claiming the top spot, Doctor Watson holds a special place in the hearts of many, including myself.
I find myself drawn to Watson’s understated virtues: his dependability, his empathy, and his grounded nature. These qualities resonate more deeply with me than the dazzling but often detached brilliance of Sherlock Holmes. And when considering on-screen portrayals, the choice of who embodies Watson best is clear. Forget your Cumberbatches and Downeys Jr. – in the realm of Watson, we have a stellar lineup: Robert Duvall, Martin Freeman, Jude Law, and even Ben Kingsley in the comedic “Without a Clue,” a film where Watson is the true mastermind and Holmes is merely a fabricated persona played by a hired, less-than-stellar actor (Michael Caine).
Among this impressive roster of actors who have taken on the role of Doctor Watson, my absolute favorite remains Joan Watson, brought to life by Lucy Liu in the CBS series Elementary.
In Elementary, Joan Watson is reimagined as a former surgeon who transitions to becoming a sober companion. This is how she enters Sherlock’s life, initially as an aid to his recovery from addiction. Over the show’s seven seasons, Joan evolves into a skilled detective in her own right, her sharp intellect and keen observation skills developing alongside an increasingly sophisticated and stylish wardrobe.
Lucy Liu’s interpretation of Watson is nothing short of perfect. Her performance is characterized by subtlety and nuance, a quiet strength that sometimes felt almost at odds with the procedural nature of the weekly mysteries the show presented.
My affection for Elementary runs deep. The show’s enduring appeal, for me, lies in its core quartet: Watson, Holmes, and their two NYPD colleagues. The relationships between these characters are the true heart of the series. We witness their journey from cautious professional acquaintances to trusted partners and ultimately, a chosen family. Joan Watson stands as the emotional anchor, the empathetic and complex center of these evolving bonds.
These friendships are what transform Elementary into a source of comfort. Comfort television holds a significant place in my media consumption. While I appreciate and engage with prestige television, many of these shows, much like Sherlock Holmes himself, are brilliant and intellectually stimulating but don’t necessarily prioritize being likable or warm. However, if given the choice, I gravitate towards shows that explore the depths of human connection, where characters discover the profound nature of their friendships, relationships that often transcend simple camaraderie and verge on love.
My journey with Elementary began in 2016, midway through its run. A year later, my wife and I welcomed a four-year-old grey poodle into our lives. His intelligence, sensitivity, curiosity, and affectionate nature were immediately apparent. The name, it seemed, was predetermined. We knew he had to be Watson.
Earlier this summer, our Watson had a delightful encounter with his namesake, in a manner of speaking.
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— Hrishikesh
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