Sherlock Holmes Makes History: The First Canonical Discussion of Homosexuality

This is a brief clip from the first season of the recent BBC miniseries, "Sherlock," which will be available on DVD from August 30th 2010, and which aims to modernize the stories of Sherlock Holmes by bringing them into contemporary urban life in a bustling, cosmopolitan, 21st-century London.

While most audiences saw this clip as an awkwardly humorous (or just plain awkward) scene, I want to remark upon the historical occasion of this being the FIRST serious, explicit and undeniably canonical discussion of homosexuality in the entire history of the Sherlock Holmes franchise. This marks a great change not only in the wider social acceptance of homosexuality (as evidenced by John Watson's acceptance), but also in the very characterization of Sherlock Holmes.

While there have been purely comedic spoofs hinting at Holmesian homosexuality or homoeroticism, this is the first serious mention in a mainstream adaptation that aims to become a part of the Sherlock Holmes canon for modern-day audiences. I myself believe that Sherlock *is* gay, and always has been, but that he is a homoromantic asexual, rather than an active homosexual (see my essay here: http://saucery.livejournal.com/9300.html ). Thus, I am greatly encouraged by the opening of this decades-long closet. Long have readers of Arthur Conan Doyle and audiences of Jeremy Brett's legendary performances contemplated the subtextual nature of Holmes's sexuality, and it is extremely rewarding to have a Sherlock Holmes for whom the possibility of being gay is, at last, canonically available.

At numerous times during this show, various other characters (such as Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's brother, and Mrs. Hudson, his housekeeper) subtly or overtly confirm John Watson's opinion that Sherlock Holmes is gay. Sherlock himself does nothing to deny the fact, as indeed he shouldn't have to. Gone are the days of limiting proclamations of sexuality to nearly-invisible subtext. Finally, Sherlock Holmes can stand proud both as a genius detective and as a gay man. I trust that the BBC will continue to portray him in as matter-of-fact and accepting a manner as they have been doing so far. My thanks to Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, the writers of the show, for making this leap! And the fact that contemporary audiences have embraced it is also a cause for celebration; the high ratings and the announcement of a second season in 2011 aptly illustrate the depth and ease of that acceptance. The time for a modern Sherlock has come.

I hope that this clip and my brief essay will bring to light a truly historical moment! The Sherlockian closet has opened! REJOICE!

NOTES: Please do not flame this video with unnecessarily homophobic comments; this video is meant to spark a respectful and honest, if not outright academic, discussion of Sherlock's sexuality as it is depicted in this most recent incarnation of Conan Doyle's work. Regardless of whether or not you agree with this reading of Sherlockian canon, nothing can deny the fact that this *is* the most recent reading of Sherlockian canon. I ask you in advance for your consideration, but I by no means intend to silence valid opinions. Indeed, I welcome dissenters, so long as they are polite.

DISCLAIMER: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act (1976), allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. (I would be happy to discuss this disclaimer and my upload's compliance with it, if required. I believe that my upload serves an important educational purpose, as my essay below reveals.)

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• sherlock
• sherlock bbc
• bbc
• sherlock holmes
• john watson
• homosexuality
• gay
• subtext
• slash
• mark gatiss
• steven moffat

[hera2511]

A brilliant bit of inspired screenwriting. The delicacy that both actors bring to the material is breathtaking. The conversation can be interpreted a myriad of ways, of course, which is what I love, love, love about this scene. Whatever the viewer brings with them—sexual orientation, desire for the characters to be friends / potential lovers / near-stranger flatmates—the dialogue leaves room for any and all interpretations.

I bow down in awe. If only all screenplays were this well-written.

[videosauce]

@hera2511: THIS. I want to frame this comment and hang it on my wall. <3

[videosauce]

A general response to those who say that this scene isn't canonical or that the TV show isn't "canon":

Definitions of "canon" vary, my dears! It is sometimes thought to be "a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged," sometimes "a list of literary or artistic works considered to be permanently established as being of the highest quality," and sometimes, "a piece in which the same melody is begun in different parts successively, so that the imitations overlap". :)

[daleluck]

Why is this "canonical"? The entire show isn't even canon...

[videosauce]

You're quite right to go by that definition of canon! But as I say in my comment (above), definitions of "canon" do vary! Please see that comment. Thank you for responding to the video, and for making me think about this topic! :)

[bookchamp96]

Don't forget Mrs. H

Ms. Hudson: "There's a bedroom upstairs, if you'll be needing two bedrooms

John: Of course we'll be needing two...

Ms. Hudson: Oh don't worry there's all sorts around here. Mrs. Turner next door's got married ones.

Mrs. H ships it <3

[HerEyesWereWild]

I agree, this scene implies that Sherlock's a homoromantic asexual. The Irene Adler thing was admiration, as it was in the books. :P

[PockyParadiso]

to all those comments on when did John's food arrive... obviously he is devouring Angelo's romantic candle on the table! XD

[ParanoidToaster]

"It's all fine."

Translation:

LET ME LOVE YOU!!

[lulucol3]

"your not attached... like me.... good" LOL

[champagnekaty]

I love these two. I'm discovering that I love bro-mance in all forms - seeing men make genuine human connections with one another. That doesn't necessarily imply an underlying sexual motive for mine. This scene is so beautifully economical in portraying the unexpected meeting of both their human needs -- John's to have Sherlock let him in a little, Sherlock's to have John's unwavering acceptance of whatever kinks may drive him. Roll on scripts that deal with complex humanity this elegantly!

[CCNuck]

I just stinking LOVE how confused Sherlock is, how patently obvious it is that he finds the conversation difficult.

[tecc]

the most fantastically awkward conversation. the reactions and interpretations are realistic to the point of humerus. it is also to be appreciated that while Holmes is most probably not gay, he becomes defensive about the implications of john's comments by saying "i know its fine" instead of just flat out denying it. then Watson does the same. no "i'm not gay" comments. like it isnt important enough to comment on. shows true acceptance. a fantastic scene. well done

[SaikoTaiko]

@phemyda94

I think this question is more important than "Is Sherlock gay?".

[shiroikasumi]

Thumbs up for the thumbs up xD

[borisborisboris8D]

"i'll get a candle for the table, its a bit more romantic" XDDD i love this show, thew actors and their relationships, it doesn't all have to be just gay or just straight, thank you so much for posting this :)

[hera2511]

@videosauce And I have GOT to stop copyfitting my comments. It's a rather bizarre version of censorship, but it does serve to narrow one's focus.

Sherlock Holmes could appreciate, I think.