[ SECRET POST #2503 ]

[case]

⌈ Secret Post #2503 ⌋

Warning: Some secrets are NOT worksafe and may contain SPOILERS.

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 05 pages, 105 secrets from Secret Submission Post #358.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
Suggestions, comments, and concerns should go here.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

What was that quote? Ah yes: "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius." Watson was talking about a police inspector, not about himself, but it applies to himself just as much. He isn't amazed with Holmes because he's too dumb to understand how Holmes does it, it's because he does understand how Holmes does it, and knows from personal experience how amazing Holmes's gift is, no matter how Holmes may dismiss the uniqueness of his own talents.

Also, Watson usually gets a huge kick out of Holmes's deductions and mysterious ways -- he finds it immensely entertaining when Holmes totally bamboozles him and then explains it. And Holmes frequently does it for Watson's sake (I have a big beef with people who accuse Holmes of jerking Watson around just to bolster his own ego, when 80% of his tricks and show-off-y moments are done in order to entertain Watson or to put his clients at ease).

That scene in A Study in Scarlet when Holmes explains his deduction about the retired marine to Watson, and Watson thinks it's completely awesome and looks at his kooky roommate with newfound respect, and Holmes just blushes like crazy because he's so pleased at Watson's praise? I have never read such a good friendship-formation moment in any other story :)

[(Anonymous)]

"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius."

This. This exactly. The alternative of Watson being impressed is Watson taking Holmes for granted or not understanding his skill. Because, not matter what else you can say about Holmes and what aspects of his character people quibble about in adaptations and canon, one thing you can't deny is that he is a genius at deduction. And genius isn't something you should become blasé about.

[dreemyweird]

IIRC, he doesn't blush? But I agree with the rest of the comment; it makes me smile.

Even if it's not canon (I might've forgotten if it were), I may adopt it as a headcanon. It's adorable.

[(Anonymous)]

ayrt

Ah, yes, after the marine, he's a bit more subdued/cautious about accepting Watson's praise:

"...all facts which led me to believe that he had been a sergeant.”

“Wonderful!” I ejaculated.

“Commonplace,” said Holmes, though I thought from his expression that he was pleased at my evident surprise and admiration.


But the blushing part comes a few hours later in that same day, when they're coming back home from Lauritson Gardens after Holmes shows up Lestrade and Gregson with his big deduction of what Drebber's murderer looked like, and then explains it to Watson:

"You know a conjurer gets no credit when once he has explained his trick; and if I show you too much of my method of working, you will come to the conclusion that I am a very ordinary individual after all.”

“I shall never do that,” I answered; “you have brought detection as near an exact science as it ever will be brought in this world.”

My companion flushed up with pleasure at my words, and the earnest way in which I uttered them. I had already observed that he was as sensitive to flattery on the score of his art as any girl could be of her beauty.

[dreemyweird]

Awww yeah. Thanks for reminding me of this one. Now excuse me while I go and flail a little.

[(Anonymous)]

Seconding the flailing. Swear to god, original-flavour Holmes was such a massive dork at times.

[weaselbee]

Awww.

[takaraikarin]

D'awww...

Now how come I never get to see that in any of the adaptations?

[intrigueing]

Because the original stories > everything else and always will ;) Or alternatively, it just hasn't happened yet!

That being said...I think the Bert Coules radio dramatization of A Study in Scarlet might have this scene in it? I only managed to listen to part of it, and that scene wasn't the part I heard, but judging from what I did hear, it seems a good bet that they would have adapted that scene. Not quite the same as seeing it, but still. Anyone who has heard it wanna elaborate?

[tweedisgood]

Just checking. Thanks for an excuse to listen to their STUD again - haven't done so in a while. BRB.

BBC Radio version report

[tweedisgood]

In the first case (Sergeant of Marines) Holmes is busy reading a letter and treats Watson's amazement as a distraction (sounds genuine, not a play).

In the second scene you mention, Holmes takes the compliment apparently in his stride, being too busy continuing to explain the mystery, before saying he want to go to a concert. Merrison!Holmes is a bit of a show-off but gives the impression of being more interested in the facts than himself.

[kryptoncat]

"Wonderful!" I ejaculated.


(I refuse to apologize. You know you enjoyed it!)

[(Anonymous)]

Watson really gets off on Holmes' deductions!